The Never-Ending Rebate Wars
I’ve written before about Big Clueless Companies (BCCs) and the rebate wars. Hello? T-Mobile? Can you hear me now? It’s a universal topic that turns otherwise sane, rational adults into frothing maniacs (At a loss for small talk at a cocktail party? Just bring up rebates. You’ll soon be in a group hug, singing “We are the World.” Okay, maybe the cocktail helps, but…)
Then, today, I read of John Whiteside’s issue with Circuit City. He’s jumping through hoops to get the $30 they promised him. Sound familiar?
Idea for all the small businesses out there competing with the BCCs: When you have a rebate program from your suppliers – hang a big sign outside your store. Example: Instant $30 rebate! No papers. No wait. We do it all for you!
Of course, you’ll have to deal with the goofball paper work, but you’ll be bringing in some very happy customers, who will likely – out of sheer relief – spend even more with you. And, who knows? Maybe if your suppliers hear from you re the rebate stupidity, they’ll listen.
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Tags: customer service, Circuit City, rebates, T-Mobile, marketing, marketing troubleshooting
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[...] It might show up at the end of a report under “other comments.” Oh well. Related Post: The Never-Ending Rebate Wars Mktg. Troubleshooting, [...]
[...] that someone’s heart was in the right place, but the end result looks a lot like the standard rebate scheme scam…designed so to limit the actual rebates paid. In this case, it all sounds good to the [...]