I heard some grumbling about Canon doing away with instant cash rebates, such as: they are going to screw folks out of their rebates, or I don't want the prepaid card - I rather have cash or the instant rebate. From my understanding, this is new for Canon. While I can understand the apprehension, I can say my experience was, in the end, a good one, but not without a moment of anxiety. I wanted to share my experience to maybe ease folks apprehension of the program.
My experience:
Quick and dirty story (maybe). I purchased the 5D3 and it came with the Canon Pro 100 printer and a $400 rebate. Well, I forgot to submit the camera's bar code. So happen I check status of my rebate on the Canon's Rebate website and it stated "program violation" - wtf I thought. There goes my $400 I thought, but hell I'm going to fight for this one. I called and the representative was a very nice and professional young lady. I inquired about the status code of the rebate and she confirmed that I did not provide the camera's UPC code. She stated that I should've received a letter about this, but I did not receive said letter and it had been about 2-3 weeks since they had processed the rebate. When I asked about losing my rebate, she explained that Canon's policy is to work with folks to make sure they get their rebates. She explained that if there's a deficiency, they notify you via mail (see above though) and you have 30 days to rectify the problem in order to qualify for the rebate. She also stated that as long as you mailed the rebate in before the due date (i.e. 1/4/14 in this case) and had a violation, such as mine, you are in compliance even if you rectify the problem after the rebate due date (i.e. say 1/15/14) because it was initially submitted timely. I sent in the UPC code and I received my Amex card this week - about 2 weeks time.
Basically, what I am saying is if you screw up somewhere in the process, it is not a lost cause. Just be sure to check the status and if payment has not been approved because of a problem, call the rebate center to rectify the problem.
Amex Prepaid Card:
Although you receive a prepaid card, you have 2 other payment options. You can have Amex send you a check (20 business days) or you can have them transfer the funds to your bank account (15 business days). I suggest this be done before you start using it, although I did not inquire about this. You need to call customer service. I chose the bank transfer route.
Rebate Tips:
1. If you are unsure which bar code to provide, cut the entire thing and send it in. They provide a picture on the rebate form, but I've seen one with only a UPC code, with the term 12 digit referred too. I have also seen where they had a picture of the entire bar code, including one with the serial number. Send it all to them.
2. Check the rebate status, so that you know where it is in the process and most importantly, the status. I was never notified about my issue.
3. Consider using priority mail, certified or some means by which you can track and confirm delivery.
4. Make copies of all documents and save them.
5. Pre-submit the rebate form via online at https://www.acbpromotions.com/canonrebates/. Eliminates possible errors due to poor handwriting and input errors because your information is now in the rebate system.
Please share any other tips or stories if you care, too.
My experience:
Quick and dirty story (maybe). I purchased the 5D3 and it came with the Canon Pro 100 printer and a $400 rebate. Well, I forgot to submit the camera's bar code. So happen I check status of my rebate on the Canon's Rebate website and it stated "program violation" - wtf I thought. There goes my $400 I thought, but hell I'm going to fight for this one. I called and the representative was a very nice and professional young lady. I inquired about the status code of the rebate and she confirmed that I did not provide the camera's UPC code. She stated that I should've received a letter about this, but I did not receive said letter and it had been about 2-3 weeks since they had processed the rebate. When I asked about losing my rebate, she explained that Canon's policy is to work with folks to make sure they get their rebates. She explained that if there's a deficiency, they notify you via mail (see above though) and you have 30 days to rectify the problem in order to qualify for the rebate. She also stated that as long as you mailed the rebate in before the due date (i.e. 1/4/14 in this case) and had a violation, such as mine, you are in compliance even if you rectify the problem after the rebate due date (i.e. say 1/15/14) because it was initially submitted timely. I sent in the UPC code and I received my Amex card this week - about 2 weeks time.
Basically, what I am saying is if you screw up somewhere in the process, it is not a lost cause. Just be sure to check the status and if payment has not been approved because of a problem, call the rebate center to rectify the problem.
Amex Prepaid Card:
Although you receive a prepaid card, you have 2 other payment options. You can have Amex send you a check (20 business days) or you can have them transfer the funds to your bank account (15 business days). I suggest this be done before you start using it, although I did not inquire about this. You need to call customer service. I chose the bank transfer route.
Rebate Tips:
1. If you are unsure which bar code to provide, cut the entire thing and send it in. They provide a picture on the rebate form, but I've seen one with only a UPC code, with the term 12 digit referred too. I have also seen where they had a picture of the entire bar code, including one with the serial number. Send it all to them.
2. Check the rebate status, so that you know where it is in the process and most importantly, the status. I was never notified about my issue.
3. Consider using priority mail, certified or some means by which you can track and confirm delivery.
4. Make copies of all documents and save them.
5. Pre-submit the rebate form via online at https://www.acbpromotions.com/canonrebates/. Eliminates possible errors due to poor handwriting and input errors because your information is now in the rebate system.
Please share any other tips or stories if you care, too.
