Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

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