Trouble with Canon rebates

It would be interesting what happens if one calls and says "no I do not have copies of my submissions...".

Several fine details:

1. There was a postcard in the mailing announcing the rejection because of the "Invalid UPC Code". There is no information on the $50 check itself -- just a check in a red lettered Canon envelop. The letter and the postcard arrived the same time in my case.

2. The postcard does invite resubmission with the correct proof of purchase, and provides the toll free number for inquiries. However, with the original proof out of hand (mailed to them), most people would feel completely hopeless (I did), if they do not search in these forums, and there is very little point to call and beg.

3. When you call 1-877-862-6870, you first reach the automated menu. The very 3rd choice is for rejected claims. After I made the choice, I was immediately talking to a man at around 6pm PST (I though it was too late for the day). I told him I am a Nikon converter and this is my first Canon investment, which I do not really believe helped. I was then asked my last name and my zip code on the rebate application, only these two information. It took around half minute for him to locate my information to offer the $300, and later, the $650, check, so it is more likely an electronic database, not a physical file system with the actual submitted UPC codes.

If they have to retrieve your claim package to double check the UPC code cut out, for example, then it make sense since human errors do happen frequently. However, if they have already information in their computer database, how comes they do not try to reach you or to just send you another check? As one poster pointed out, calling the number was not on the list of the original rebate claim requirement.

The same goes on for the amount of the check. The amount should be either $650 or none if they found my information and made the "correction". How comes they try to get away with a $300 single rebate (so some one can have the rest $350)?

4. Also go to this page: <page omitted—personal info>
where they list two claims, the first dated 12/12/2006, in which there used to be the records of the mailed $50 check but changed to as if it is a new claim after the 2/7/2007 call to the 1-877 number, and the second, the top one, added after the call with the $650 check "approved" and waiting to be mailed.

The web pages give the impression that the rebates are carefully handled in a very professional manner with frequent updates!

The $700 rebate could have been the highest amount I have ever submitted (I am thinking to get the 24" HP Z3100 with their current $1000 rebate and $300 free media offers and I hope HP handles this better). As said I had absolutely no problems with these $5, $15, and $30 rebates -- I have an Excel log record and whenever I mail one out I make an entry, and whenever a check arrives I delete the line. This seems to reinforce the story that naturally the criminals only work on rebates of large amounts.

Jan 8, 2007 — From this email I received it seems they had processed and approved my submission! Actually this was true — for the single lens rebate.

Dear <name omitted>,

Thank you for participating in the Cash in with Canon Promotion. We have processed your submission. Please allow 2 weeks to receive your award.

Thank you for your purchase. We look forward to serving you again.
Sincerely, Canon

Jan 23, 2007 — I was a bit confused when I receive this second email since it seemed
a step backwards from the first...

Dear <name omitted>,

We have received your submission for the Cash in with Canon Promotion. Please allow 6-8 weeks for final processing.

Thank you for your purchase. We look forward to serving you again.
Sincerely,
Canon