Database Users

Warning about Amazon rebates

I'd like to warn everyone to avoid buying any wireless product on Amazon.com if you expect to receive your rebate. Although I followed the procedures carefully, the third-party rebate outfit (RebateHQ.com) has repeatedly (three times to date) sent emails telling me the rebate was invalid because "Product is wireless invalid," and each time retracted it, until the last one received Saturday night. It shows as invalid at this time, despite the fact that Amazon has "intervened" twice on my behalf, or so they state.
This rebate outfit will not return emails as they promise to do within 24-48 hours, but I did get through to Amazon customer service by phone and received polite lip service. After one month and promises from Amazon the problem would be resolved, the rebate still shows up as "wireless invalid." Amazon cannot explain what this means, and its meaning totally escapes me.
It has been 16 weeks since submitting the on-line rebate and the rebate agreement states that it will be paid within 12-15 weeks. The last canned email from Amazon states that they are working on it and to expect an answer in eight weeks--not the rebate check, but a reassessment of my rebate status. There is no provision for replies to their emails, further demonstrating their lack of willingness to rectify the problem.
In another thread, others have also expressed problems with Amazon, one person stating that it took 10 months and lots of effort to get his Amazon rebate on another type of cell phone. If anyone else is having trouble I'd like to hear from you. I'm not sure if there's any legal recourse, as if a small-claim lawsuit is started they could just pay it immediately and avoid the legal wrangling. Any lawyers lurking that would offer advise?
The bottom line is that I'd advise against buying anything from Amazon.com that involves a rebate, unless of course you have no interest in receiving the rebate. FWIW, the Amazon customer-service phone number is not listed on their site, but it is 800-201-7575. If you have an outstanding rebate with them or plan on having one in the future, the likelihood of needing this number is high.

If you paid with a credit card contact them they can intervine on your behalf. You can also dispute the charges as the other party has failed to honor their end of the agreement.

kyphur is right, if you know yourself you've follow all guidelines, you can take it to court.
Rebates from radio shack are sh*t also. 5 times, I've never recieved my rebates, supposibly a check arrived in the mail box.

Kyphur, thanks for the idea, and I just got off the phone with my card company. They stated that rebates were independent offerings by the seller and not related to the credit-card purchase. Had they not delivered the phone or it was defective, they said they could intervene.

TyTN for only $255, too good to be true???

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=
Scroll down and all the auctions at the bottom are wicked cheap!!!
I looked at the sellers feedback though and he only has feedback from the 16th all selling .01 items and now he is selling $700 phones for only $250?

Are you prepared to lose your $255 to find out?

Yes it is. I placed a bid and then received this advice from eBay:
The following is a notice from eBay Trust & Safety regarding:
Item Number - ************
Item Title - NEW i-mate JASJAM Pocket PC Camera Phone 3G WiFi QWERTY
Our records show that you placed a bid on this item. We removed this item from the Site and cancelled your bid because it appears that the seller's account has been compromised and used by an unauthorized third party. The seller's privileges to trade on eBay may be temporarily suspended while we investigate this matter further. Due to privacy concerns we will not be able to share further details related to this seller.
If the seller asks you to complete this transaction outside of eBay, we strongly recommend that you do not proceed with the transaction and do not respond to the seller. Transactions for items listed on eBay but then completed off of the eBay platform are not covered by buyer protection programs offered by eBay and can be highly indicative of fraud. For more information on Offers to Buy or Sell Outside of eBay, copy and past the following Help Page link into your browser: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/rfe-spam-non-ebay-sale.html.
If you have already paid for this item but have not received it, you should take all possible steps to receive reimbursement.
1. Stop payment with your bank if you paid by check.
2. Contact the Security Department of your credit card company to file a chargeback if you paid via credit card.
3. If you paid via Western Union or MoneyGram, contact the company directly (Western Union 800-325-6000 or MoneyGram 800-926-9400).
4. If you paid with PayPal, you may be eligible for up to $1,000 USD coverage at no cost. To file a claim with PayPal, login to your PayPal account and copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/protections-buyer-outside. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the File a Claim link. PayPal claims must be filed within 45 days of the close of the listing. It may take at least 30 days to complete the investigation and resolve the dispute.
5. If you did not pay with PayPal and would like to file a claim with eBay, please initiate the Item Not Received Process online directly from the Security and Resolution Center at the bottom of the eBay.com page.
6. eBay claims must be filed within 60 days of the end of the listing.
Our goal is to ensure that your eBay experience is safe so that you can buy confidently. It is rare that something goes wrong with a transaction on eBay. However, in the event it does, we would like to provide as much assistance as possible to help resolve the issue.
Please do not respond to this email, as your reply will not be received.
Regards,
Customer Support (Trust and Safety Department)
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So the old adage still applies, - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
cheers
2sheds

Thanks for the info!

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.
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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
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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.

Loose screen customer service.

I just a nexus 7 from staples, and just realized I have a loose screen from the left side. I cannot return it to staples because I did not purchase a protection plan . Has anyone purchased the nexus 7 from a store and try to get a replacement with google play store? I just emailed google play store and because of the high demand in customer service I have to wait a couple days to get a response.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

If you're fairly confident you can use a plastic tool to pop the back case off from the screen and gently tighten the screws up your self.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

ferndom said:
I just a nexus 7 from staples, and just realized I have a loose screen from the left side. I cannot return it to staples because I did not purchase a protection plan . Has anyone purchased the nexus 7 from a store and try to get a replacement with google play store? I just emailed google play store and because of the high demand in customer service I have to wait a couple days to get a response.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Staples has a 14 day 100% satisfaction return policy. Has it been more than 2 weeks since you bought it?

Staples Return Policy said:
Easy Returns.
If you’re not 100% satisfied with your Staples purchase, return it for any reason.
Technology and Business Machines: Technology and business machines may only be returned within 14 days of the date of receipt, including Staples® brand technology and business machine products.
Returns with a receipt: If you paid with cash, debit card, or check, we’ll refund your purchase with cash if it was an in–store purchase or by check if you purchased through staples.com®. If you paid using a debit card and if the card and PIN are present during the refund, we'll credit the account used for payment. If your purchase exceeded $500 pretax, and you paid with cash, check or by debit card but do not have your debit card, your money will be refunded in the form of a corporate check. If you paid by credit card, we'll credit the account used for payment.
Any product that is returned without a promotional item(s), which was included in the original transaction (e.g. buy a printer, get free ink), will have the value of the promotional item deducted from the amount refunded.
Returns without a receipt: If you don't have your receipt, your return is eligible only for an in–store credit for the lowest selling price within the previous 30 days in our U.S. stores. Valid government identification is required for all non–receipted returns. We carefully monitor returns and in some cases returns made or without a receipt may be refused. Staples reserves the right to deny any return.
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The protection plan is like an in-store warranty service. It doesn't mean they won't accept returns otherwise.

It has only been a day since I purchased the device. However, I don't want to return it, I really like the device. I want to exchange it for a non-defective one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

ferndom said:
It has only been a day since I purchased the device. However, I don't want to return it, I really like the device. I want to exchange it for a non-defective one.
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Then take your refund and get in line.
Google is processing orders and exchanges for Play store customers. You're not going to be processed before them. The larger capacity is backordered.
This is partly why I ordered the 8 after returning my defective 16 to Sam's. I'd rather deal with Google, and the 8 will arrive much sooner.

You, my friend, are a genius.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

You can return it to staples if it is defective.

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.
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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.
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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
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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.