Sprint Is Running A Rebate Fraud IMHO

In keeping this post somewhat short I will just make a few statements.

If you purchase a sprint phone due to an offered rebate: Do Not Count On Receiving It

Though you submit all of the requested information (proof of purchase, receipt etc) your first attempt to collect your rebate will likely be rejected due to one of four reasons.

One of these four reasons will be printed on a postcard that denies your rebate within 4-6 weeks of submission.

Calling for assistance with this issue will entail three things: A wait on hold before reaching a person, being unsuccessfully transferred to another queue, repeat step one and obtain the direct phone number for their rebate denial service, which will walk you through the four possible reasons they have denied your rebate.

Within moments of verification of your identity the Sprint rebate denial service will tell you your rebate is now on the way. Do not attempt any other follow up questions, as you will be met with a brick wall.

Lastly, use the online rebate tracker to check the status of your rebate. This can now be done within moments of hanging up with the rebate denial center. Your rebate will likely be approximately 60% of what was advertised.

The direct line phone number for the sprint rebate denial center is 1-800-477-4127.


Please keep this bumped for a while to warn others if you will.


BTW, the four reasons for rejection are:
Did not include sales reciept
Did not activate phone
Did not activate phone within the rebate period
Did not send the rebate in before the end of the promotion

I wouldn't trust them farther than I could spit.

On a happier note: I use Verizon. For a multi-national corporation, they aren't that bad.

Yes, they cost a little more...but I've NEVER had any problems that weren't fixed with a quick phone call. They are the only large corporation I've done business with that hasn't put me on hold for more than a minute.

When I need something I always get a human, I don't think they have exported their service centers AND they have a good Union.

On Edit: No, I do not work for Verizon.

We handled Verizon, Sprint, Cingular, T-Mobile, Hewlett Packard, Iomega, Good Guys, Western Digital...you name it.

With ANY kind of consumer rebate, here's what is important to understand:
1) the rebate thing is (kind of) legitimate; our center sent out millions of $$ in checks, but one must apply CAREFULLY...
2) rebates are designed largely as sales tools. Many people who legitimately buy the product and would be eligible for rebate never apply because they think it's too much trouble or that it's a scam. While the companies that offer them DO pay out, they also know that most people who are eligible will not apply. The amount of unclaimed rebate $$ is called "takeback" and is already factored into the company bottom line...these things are designed for ease of failure.
3) your salesperson does NOT know the rebate industry; many consumers are misled (intentionally or otherwise) by salespersons who do not understand how they work, or simply don't care as long as they make a sale. BUYER BEWARE.
4) You MUST follow the instructions on the rebate form TO THE LETTER. (it's the same deal with sweepstakes, contests, etc. ie, if you are told to enter on a 3x5 card using black ink, and you send in a 4x6 card, you are disqualified like right now). You MUST make copies of everything you submit, for your own protection. Follow the instructions religiously, and do not dispose of any of the packaging until your check is in your hands and has cleared your bank. There is almost always some element of the packaging required, along with the rebate form and either the original or a copy of your receipt.
5) Document each step you take...when you sent in the form, what you sent along with it, when you called for help, to whom you spoke, what they told you, etc. etc. etc. And MAKE COPIES!!
6) Most people who are denied rebates from any of the major wireless carriers (or anyone else, for that matter) are denied for the following reasons: a) they did not completely fill out the rebate form; b) they did not enclose all required proofs of purchase; c) they enclosed incorrect proofs of purchase, such as the bar code from the FedEx box your phone was mailed in, rather than the bar code from the phone box itself; d) sending in a copy of something that was supposed to be original; e) not activating the phone, usually with a new account, new number and new service all being required; f) being behind on your phone bill.

Again - follow all instructions very carefully and make copies of EVERYTHING you submit, and keep them for your records. It's amazing how much mail gets lost before it ever reaches the rebate center, and how much more is lost once it gets there, just due to human error.
Please also keep in mind that the person to whom you speak on the phone probably has NO control over whether or not you get the rebate, and these phone reps get the most vicious abuse from some consumers (having been a rep before I started training, I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand on end!) Try as best you can to be at least civil, if not polite, to the rep, and if they are rude to you or state that they cannot assist you, politely ask to speak to a supervisor and DON'T GIVE UP. As you go up the ladder, from Rep to Sup to Manager, you will eventually get to someone who actually has the authority to get you your money, if you are indeed entitled to a rebate. If a consumer is the one pulling the scam and trying to apply for rebates to which they are not entitled, that is serious mail fraud and it WILL be prosecuted.

Also...the time frame for reciving your rebate may seem utterly ridiculous. It is long for a reason...it is designed so that you cannot recieve a rebate and THEN return the product. Usually to return the product you have a time limit and must also return it in the original undamaged packaging. The rebate time frame is set up to provide some protection against fraud to the manufacturer or other entity that is offering the rebate.

Sorry this was so long,,,hope it helps!

Didn't dial *blah blah and tell them in person you had the rebate.
I like the Sprint phone and the clarity, but they have the lousiest customer service. Methinks it's a George Carlin kind of customer service.