Database Users

[Q] $100 MIR for Evo, the power of persistence

My story is typical, I'm guessing, I am posting to see how many others who have opted for the MIR route have had to go through as much?
Mailed in my MIR form 6/17/2010
About a week later, get an email with the tracking number. Say, 6/23/2010.
I keep checking, I keep checking. Says processing for almost a month.
Then 7/17/2010, it says Invalid, that my address was wrong. Interesting, because I know it isn't, claims my "zip code" must be a valid US zip code. I live in Brooklyn, I know my zip code is fine.
I call them that day. First phone call, the rebate CSR (who informs me that they cannot see my account address yet asks me to verify my name and address, huh?), she corrects the "incorrect address" It's so wildly egregously wrong that I KNOW someone had a turrets moment when they were typing.
I'm told everything is fine. Also that the website takes approximately 2 weeks to update that the rebate is back on track.
I check a week later, 7/23/2010. For whatever reason I called the rebate number again. They tell me that while they have corrected my "address" my zip code appears to be wrong. Again, this is RIGHT AFTER the Rebate CSR has just had me VERIFY my name and address over the phone. I get them to correct the zip code.
Just forward to today: 8/10/2010, I call them because on Friday I received a postcard claiming my address was STILL WRONG. I check online, it's been over two weeks, the information about a disallowed rebate has not been updated.
Again, this Rebate CSR has me VERIFY my name and address but claims they can't see my information, then what are they "verifying" against? When I ask they can't tell me apparently.
After a 10 minute back and forth where I am told on no less than one occasion that "it's computers, they do whatever they want." I wanted to tell him that computers ONLY do what they are told, nothing more, the joke I've heard over the years is if you tell a computer to screw up, it's going to ask you how.
He says, he's now corrected the information and that the system will show a valid rebate status and they will be mailing out my check to me within 2 weeks.
When I asked him about why I called the other times and was told the information had been corrected and it had not, I swear I could hear him shrugging (mentally). "Look man, these are computers, they do whatever they want."
*sigh"
Just checked my rebate status, something they claimed would take two weeks to update, took this guy 2 minutes.
I'd love to hear other stories about rebate hell. Perhaps the power of persistence.

OUCH....that really had to hurt...next time though you should probably go to Radioshack...at least they have instant rebate's in place of mail in.
~Jasecloud4

Why didn't you just go to radioshack or best buy or wirefly or anywhere else that gets rid of the mail in rebate and makes it instant?
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.

Because I didn't. Pure and simple, I didn't. Should I have had my head examined, yes, probably.
I was just wondering if anyone else had issues with the MIR?

jkinnison90 said:
Why didn't you just go to radioshack or best buy or wirefly or anywhere else that gets rid of the mail in rebate and makes it instant?
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ew Wirefly...they're the worse...but Radioshack and Best Buy are fine.
~Jasecloud4

Every rebate I've ever sent in the past somehow got list never to be found again.
Sent from my Supersonic

I didn't have any problem with my Evo rebate, but did with my last phone's rebate. Everything looked fine until it got to the approved-mailing your check part of the process, then after a few days it was changed to invalid. Called them up, the guy said, "Hmm, that's weird, there's nothing wrong with it" and he put it back in. Website showed approved again for a week, then it went invalid again. Called them again, and another person said "That's weird, nothing wrong with it, let me talk to my supervisor". After holding for a while, they finally put it back in. A few weeks later, I got my check, and got the pleasant surprise of getting a $250 rebate instead of the $100 rebate I was supposed to get

whats the # you called for sprint rebate? is it just the regular customer service line?
i just checked and mines invalid lol.. and i never recieved anything for my other account.

Hopefully the world will start seeing more of this.
http://reasonablecitizen.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/mail-in-rebates-under-attack-in-wi/

I had a similar problem but they gave no reason as to why it was invalid. I sent them an email and they credited me the 100 on my next bill

I didn't have any issues with my rebate (had 2 of them actually). Just received my check last week.

my history with mail in rebates reflects the following rebate cash flow process
1. third party Rebate handler records 250,000 rebates sent in
2. Company (Sprint) reimburses rebate handler for 250,000 rebates plus 30% administrative/handling fees
3. Rebate company "invalidates due to incorrect rebate info" or "lost paperwork" or "computer glitch" 50-70% of rebates
4. Persistent rebaters (25%) call in/email/stalk/harass rebate company for rebate and finally receive rebate
5. Remaining users forget about rebate - rebate company celebrates profitable year with huge salary increases.
Me...I stay on their asses till I get my rebate - complete with calendar reminders and copies of ALL paper work till I receive my rebate.
Mule

just called, they only had 1 of 2 of my rebates on file.. looks like i gotta go back to the sprint store, fax them over everything they requested for the 2nd rebate.. 1st rebate they processed or re validated -_-

I checked my status because of this thread, I was declined, reported I got all discounts at time of purchase. I called, said it was B.S., rep said they will be mailing a $100 check now. I guess I better stay on top of this.

I just sent mine out a few days ago. I'll have to keep up on this. What is the website you guys are going to and checking the status of your rebate?

On Website
pscalett said:
I just sent mine out a few days ago. I'll have to keep up on this. What is the website you guys are going to and checking the status of your rebate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.sprintrebates.com/track/sprintpcs/track.html?INTNAV=ATG:FT:RebStatus
You'll get an email with a rebate tracking number and a link to the rebate status page.

I checked my rebate about a month ago and it came back as an invalid address. So I called them and gave them my correct address. The reason is that the Sprint store was trying to be helpful and fill out the card but the guy has worst penmanship than I do. So instead of a 0 it looked like a "b" to the processing center. Had to go to Sprint because I am on a friends and family plan.
So they gave me the tracking number. If I look up the original one, still shows as denied - correction processed now that I just checked, but the one with the tracking number that I got when I called Sprint shows in progress and ready to be mailed within 30 days.
The other day I got a post card stating that my address was incorrect, but beats the heck out of me if they can get my address from their files - and bill me each month that they couldn't use the same address to mail me my rebate. So 8 weeks so far and waiting. Would have been nice to have sooner, not that I need the money right now, but last month was a $425 phone bill including the additional EVO tax and phone on my account.

got my check last week, sent in mid-june.

Had no problems here....smooth like always. Sorry to hear about your problem

sanjsrik said:
Because I didn't. Pure and simple, I didn't. Should I have had my head examined, yes, probably.
I was just wondering if anyone else had issues with the MIR?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchase mine from sprint because no one had it in stock at the time. I kept stalking bb, rs, and the sprint website until someone had it in stock. I got the"invalid" postcard and when I contacted then they said it was because it had not been 30 days yet. I will be keeping my eye out. I use to work for sprint in the past and they got in trouble once for bogus denials of rebates. Also the rebates are processed by a third party company named Young America, they actually process the rebates for all companies.

For Premier Customers told to Call for $100 Rebate

So, I went through and exercise in futility yesterday / last night. I know there were a number of us who preordered when premier was having that issue where we didn't receive our $100 rebate. Several of us posted that we called support and we're told to call in when we receive the product and we'll get our rebate/credit. Well, I did this yesterday and I was met with a brick wall.
Essentially I was told I have to return the phone and reorder to get the rebate. How dumb is that? I was on the phone for over 2 hours trying to get this resolved and was obviously bumped around a number of representatives. It was even noted, in my notes, and I was told they could "force" customer care. Well, when on the phone with customer care (again), that took in excess of 15 minutes and I finally lost it. Told them to send me the return mailing info.
Talk about a complete joke.
BBB received a complaint about AT&T last night.
I'd recommend all of you that were told the same thing to call because you might have some issues..

I am holding off on ordering mine until it is squared away. Either that or I am just going to go into the store.
I tried again online today and it would not let me add the data package to get the rebate online. I talked to an online representative via the chat window, and she confirmed that there is an issue with the rebate online.
Oh well, I should probably sell my captivate first anyway.

So with the $100 rebate what is your final cost ?

wasonamit said:
So with the $100 rebate what is your final cost ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
before taxes, $199

I never committed to not saying "I told you so" so...I told you so.
AT&T's premier website was so completely hosed up for the first 24-ish hours of preorders that I just said screw it.

phobos512 said:
I never committed to not saying "I told you so" so...I told you so.
AT&T's premier website was so completely hosed up for the first 24-ish hours of preorders that I just said screw it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was helpful....

I have avoided ordering online from premier for now because from day 1 it's showing 299 + 18 upgradation fee . And nowhere I can add data plan or get a rebate.
Lets hope this changes soon.

I had this issue. I called support. She said my data plan was not compatable with the phone. She changed my data plan (still unlimited, and actually cheaper) and when I ordered through premier online it gave me my 100 off. Got my phone yesterday!
So there is a simple fix... you may just have to call a couple times to get the right person.
-Mike

theknub said:
that was helpful....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to be helpful - I was trying to warn people of the dangers of clicking OK to a price with the promise that it'll be reduced later - that's foolish. There's ZERO guarantee that AT&T will honor the reduced price that a random customer service agent promised you over the phone to make a sale.

I ended up just going in to the Corporate AT&T store to preorder last week after a 90 minute nightmare call to Premier.
highlights?
"the iPhone uses special data that can only be used with an iPhone, you can't use that kind of data with a normal smart phone, so you can't keep your unlimited plan"
"Premier is a separate business unit from AT&T and we do not have the same options and plans that regular 611 has"
There's more, but that's enough. The store had an issue with my legacy family texting plan not allowing them to apply the upgrade discount - they just took it off, had me buy the phone with the discount, and then put the old texting plan back on.
I'll never call premier customer service again. I actually asked them to remove me from the program, but they couldn't even do that right. They transferred me back to normal Customer Care to have that done, dropped me on the way, etc. Ended up keeping the discount while getting a promise from CC that i don't have to call premier.

Replacement phone

How does sprints replacement phone policy work?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Ok ,
Sprint 30-day Return and Exchange Policy
We are committed to making sure you are satisfied with your purchase. We will gladly accept returns and exchanges on merchandise purchased directly from Sprint. If you're not completely satisfied, simply return your undamaged device and deactivate service within 30 days in accordance with our Sprint Free Guarantee or Sprint 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee. Please note that this policy may not reflect the policies of our authorized 3rd-party dealers or retailers.
Sprint Free Guarantee
For new customers and customers adding new lines of service
We love and believe in our products and services. We’re confident you will too. That’s why, as a new customer or an existing customer adding a new line of service we’ll give you 30 days to try us for free.
If for any reason you’re not happy and want to cancel service, just call us to deactivate and return to the original place of purchase to return your undamaged phone or mobile broadband card and we’ll:
Refund monthly charges incurred as part of your service plan*
Refund the activation fee
Refund the purchase price of your device
Waive the Early Termination Fee
Waive the restocking fee
Refund taxes and Sprint surcharges associated with the above charges
*You'll be responsible for extras like usage not included in your plan (i.e. charges for exceeding your Anytime Minute or Data allowance on your voice or data plan; voice, text or data usage not included in your plan or add-on; pay-as-you go charges, etc.), premium content (i.e. digital downloads, songs, games, applications, etc.), 3rd-party billing, international charges and any taxes and Sprint surcharges associated with such extras.
*Please note: If you do not return your device within 15 days of deactivating service, a $200 Early Termination Fee will be applied to your account.
Details on how to return or exchange your device »
Sprint 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
For existing customers upgrading devices; new customers wanting to exchange devices and accessory purchases
So you just traded in your old Sprint device for a brand new one and … it’s not quite what you expected. Too big. Too small. Not quite the right color red.
No sweat. You’ve got options. As long as you’re within the first 30 days of owning your new device or accessory, the Sprint 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee lets you either exchange your device for a different one or return it for a refund.
Exchange it for a different one. Just bring it back to the original point of purchase and we’ll help you find a device or accessory that better meets your needs.
Return it for a refund and re-activate your old one. Want to go back to your old phone and plan? No problem, you can select the best plan to you from our current price plan options. (Your previous service plan may no longer be available to you).
Simply return or exchange your device or accessory (in its original condition) within 30 days with the original receipt. When you return or exchange your device, we’ll refund your activation fee. However; in most situations, a $35 restocking fee will be charged. If your new plan doesn’t meet your needs, you can select from our current price plan options available. (Your previous service plan may no longer be available to you). We will remove any credits or discounts received in exchange for your new contract term and restore you to your previous contract term and service plan (if available).*
*Please note: The terms and conditions of your previous contract will apply including, but not limited to, your contract end date or term. If you terminate your contract before the end of your term, you'll need to pay any applicable Early Termination Fee up to $200.
Details on how to return or exchange your device »
Equipment/Accessory Refunds
If your equipment return qualifies for a refund under the Sprint Free Guarantee or the Sprint 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee, you will receive the amount you paid for the device plus any taxes. Your refund may exclude any instant discounts received at purchase or charges for shipping or deposit.
If you paid in cash, we will refund in cash up to $175 at a Sprint store. For refunds greater than $175, we will issue a check within 14 business days.
If you paid by check, we will issue a check within 14 business days after your check clears.
If your account was billed, we'll credit the amount back to that account within 10 business days from receipt of the equipment at our warehouse. The device credit will appear on your next one to two billing statements based on the timing of your billing cycle.
Service Refunds
If you are eligible for a refund of service fees under the Sprint Free Guarantee, your refund will appear on your invoice within three billing cycles of canceling service.
Other Limitations and Fees
You may exchange an item only once during the initial 30-day period. An exchange does not extend the 30-day period.
Sprint reserves the right to deny service to prevent multiple returns under the Sprint Free Guarantee
If you cancel service within 30 days of activation, you are required to return your device and will no longer be eligible for any associated mail-in rebates.
If you do not return your device within 30 days of deactivation, you will be charged an Early Termination Fee of up to $200.
Replacement devices provided as part of an advanced exchange that are not returned within 10 days of receipt of the replacement equipment may be subject to an equipment non-return fee of up to $500.
For any devices or accessories purchased through a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer, all devices or accessories purchased must be returned/exchanged to receive a refund or comparable exchange. Each upgraded device exchanged may be subject to the $35 restocking fee, except where prohibited.
Replacements and Repair
If you are exchanging a replacement device provided to you by Sprint and not through Asurion or another 3rd party, call the following numbers for exchange: Sprint devices (888-211-4727 or *2); Nextel devices (800-639-6111); PowerSource devices (866-398-0455).
If you received a replacement device through our Total Equipment Protection Program, your device may be eligible for exchange if defective by contacting Asurion at 800-584-3666.
Find more information regarding Phone Repair and Protection here.
Site map
Order by phone 1-866-866-7509
Email Sign Up
About us
Contact us
En Español
Website & Use Terms
Privacy policy
Copyright notices

I meant like if I have a light leakage and I need to get my phone replaced and I'm not in the 30 days
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Try going to a Sprint store and showing them the phone. They may give you a replacement even if you don't have insurance. I just got my replacement handset yesterday. I brought my phone in on Monday due to water stains on the screen when I installed a screen protector. I was told it wouldn't be covered, but I decided to try my local Sprint store anyways. I showed the guy working there and told him I didn't have insurance, but he ordered me a replacement and all I had to do was pay the $35 "repair fee" even though he never even opened the phone.

Would they let me get a different phone
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Maybe. They gave me a different phone. I just unrooted before I gave them back my old phone.

lovespancakes96 said:
I meant like if I have a light leakage and I need to get my phone replaced and I'm not in the 30 days
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry , tour question originally was very unspecified . Ok so yes as it has been stated take it to a sprint store, but if you don't like what they say then just go to another because there is no consistency among stores.

Take it to a sprint store, make sure the phone is NOT rooted. Tell them the problem, which if it is light leakage, thats a hardware problem, and is covered under the 1 year warranty. If they try to tell you anything different, ask to talk to a manager, and tell them you want it replaced under the 1 year warranty.
No, you will not get a different model phone. Yes, you may get a refurb evo, actually there is a 95% chance you will get a refurb.

[Follow Up] American Express "Premium Return" (return purchases up to 6 months later)

[Follow Up] American Express "Premium Return" (return purchases up to 6 months later)
I am posting this as a follow-up to a thread I started a number of months ago only to show how this AMEX "service" functioned with respect to my Galaxy Tab 10.1. The original thread got very acrimonious with some people getting downright nasty, accusations of scam by Amex flying all over the place and a lot of general BS from all the would be, wannabe & so-called lawyers. I requested it be closed.
This is the original thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1141614
Anyway, backstory is I purchased a 10.1 Tab back in June basically for my wife (who really wanted a iPad 2). It was used a couple of hours and sat in a drawer 99% of the time. I decided to make use of my "up to 180 day return option." I purchased this Amex "plan" just for use with the Galaxy Tablet if it turned out, as I had expected, that my wife would have no use for it. I ended up getting her an iPad 2 the other day which is perfect for her.
This is the time-line of how the progress of the return went:
Tuesday, 10/4, 9:00AM, Called to request return of Galaxy Tab 10.1 32GIG for which I paid $600 at Amazon on June 16th and was given a claim number.
Tuesday, 10/4, 9:20AM, received an email confirmation of claim with instructions to mail or fax copy of Amazon receipt and & copy of credit card statement (with personal info blacked out). Letter said it could take “up to” 7 days to see the faxed documents in the system.
Tuesday, 10/4, 10:00AM, faxed documents.
Wednesday, 10/5, 2:18AM, received email confirmation faxed documents were received and message stating “it can take up to 30 days to process documents and get approval to return.”
Friday, 10/7, 2:00PM, 36hrs later, received email with approval of claim and return mailing label. I had to mail package at my expense but was told any fees up to $20 will be reimbursed. Letter stated it could take “up to” 30 days after package is received by them and item is checked to get my refund.
Friday, 10/7, 3:30PM, Shipped package USPS Priority with $600 insurance and signature confirmation, cost $19.70.
Saturday, 10/8, 11:00AM, mailed copy of shipping receipt for reimbursement.
Tuesday, 10/11, 9:00AM, Per USPS tracking saw that Package with Tablet was received by Amex
Wednesday, 10/12, 2:30AM, confirmation email that shipping reimbursement receipt was received.
Friday, 10/14 received confirmation that item was checked and was in "approved condition."
Tuesday, 10/18, 1:00PM received a confirmation letter that the payment was approved and “my check for $619.92 is in the mail.”
All in all a painless experience and anything other than a scam.

So let me get this straight. You bought the Tab and didn't like/want it any longer. You used the Amex benefit to get rid of it. Other than any constructive commentary on what made you not like/want it, who cares what you did with it after that. This is more a post about the workings of the Amex benefits program than it is the G-Tab. As long as you're happy.

BarryH_GEG said:
So let me get this straight. You bought the Tab and didn't like/want it any longer. You used the Amex benefit to get rid of it. Other than any constructive commentary on what made you not like/want it, who cares what you did with it after that. This is more a post about the workings of the Amex benefits program than it is the G-Tab. As long as you're happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. It was posted only to show that unlike what a number of people in the original thread stated, that the "program" was not a scam. They kept wanting "proof" that it wasn't a scam so I provided it.
Everything else written had no purpose other than to explain why it was posted. There are a lot of other threads started here with much less information and value. I can see all the trolls coming out of the woodwork so I may as well just have this closed now.

MisterEdF said:
Exactly. It was posted only to show that unlike what a number of people in the original thread stated, that the "program" was not a scam. They kept wanting "proof" that it wasn't a scam so I provided it.
Everything else written had no purpose other than to explain why it was posted. There are a lot of other threads started here with much less information and value. I can see all the trolls coming out of the woodwork so I may as well just have this closed now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no dog in this hunt as I never even saw the original thread. Your post(s) seem a little self-indulgent rather than informational. Anyone with an Amex card knows how the program works so you're certainly not enlightening them. It's irrelevant to anyone who doesn't have an Amex card. So what was the point of both your original post and this encore?

SquareTrade and NegriCare

I just received an LTE version (SM-P605) and I am looking into the different protection warranties available. I have seen many mentions of SquareTrade (and it's even available from Amazon), but I haven't seen any mention of NegriCare (sold from Negri Electronics).
I'm looking at the accidental coverage, so it would cover drops, etc.
The NegriCare is a little less expensive, but has a $50 deductible. Does anyone actually have any experience with either?
Thanks in advance...

If you do use Square Trade, definitely get it from Amazon, the prices are much better. ST discount codes can be found easily but the Amazon pricing is still better.

I have the Square trade warranty but can't tell you how good or bad it is since I haven't used it.
Send me a private message if you need a discount code.

I've had two devices totaled and SquareTrade paid each claim within a week. NegriCare is just a white-label product offered through them but underwritten by a third party. Having insurance is only worthwhile if your claim is handled quickly and satisfactorily. That's definitely the case for me and those I know who've dealt with ST but a question mark for whoever Negri's using. Look at the T&C on Negri's site where they offer NegriCare and you should be able to fine the name of the company underwriting the insurance. Check the AM Best site to see their size, rating, and time in business.
P.S. - Never file a claim online with ST. You'll get some sketchy robo-generated answers that can elongate the process. Always file the claim with a human.

BarryH_GEG said:
I've had two devices totaled and SquareTrade paid each claim within a week. NegriCare is just a white-label product offered through them but underwritten by a third party. Having insurance is only worthwhile if your claim is handled quickly and satisfactorily. That's definitely the case for me and those I know who've dealt with ST but a question mark for whoever Negri's using. Look at the T&C on Negri's site where they offer NegriCare and you should be able to fine the name of the company underwriting the insurance. Check the AM Best site to see their size, rating, and time in business.
P.S. - Never file a claim online with ST. You'll get some sketchy robo-generated answers that can elongate the process. Always file the claim with a human.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the great info.
NegriCare is serviced through Mack Warranty

I recently had a tablet under warranty with SquareTrade that ended up getting damaged.
I filed the claim online which was rather simple and straightforward. Within a few hours, I received an email stating the claim was received and a 2nd day shipping label was attached. Sent the tablet that night and within a week, the claim was approved for reimbursement of the purchase price of the tablet. I elected to get my funds sent via Paypay (rather than a hard check), and the monies were in my account in a couple days after claim approval. In total, the process from filing claim to having money in Paypal account took a bit under 2 weeks.

Ensquared
harrychimp said:
I recently had a tablet under warranty with SquareTrade that ended up getting damaged.
I filed the claim online which was rather simple and straightforward. Within a few hours, I received an email stating the claim was received and a 2nd day shipping label was attached. Sent the tablet that night and within a week, the claim was approved for reimbursement of the purchase price of the tablet. I elected to get my funds sent via Paypay (rather than a hard check), and the monies were in my account in a couple days after claim approval. In total, the process from filing claim to having money in Paypal account took a bit under 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Ensquared to insure my devices. The good thing is they cover international devices. I made 2 claims on my Galaxy Note 1 and they sent my replacements within 3 days. I have been lucky to get brand new devices each time. They get thier replacement direclty from the manufacture and at times they get them from Negri. they ship them to you overnight at no additioanl charge.

marshwc said:
Thanks for the great info.
NegriCare is serviced through Mack Warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a Mack warranty on my old DLP TV that included bulb replacement and had a very pleasant experience with them when I needed a new bulb.