Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

[snapperbait]

Has anyone had trouble collecting their computer related rebates?... <br /><br />I signed up for Bellsouth DSL internet service back in July of this year (2002) and I'm still waiting on them to credit me $125 Bucks for the rebate on the modem...<br /><br />I mailed in the rebate coupon in July and they recieved it in July which Bellsouth confirmed... I was expecting to see the credit within the two billing cycles as specified in the small print on the coupon...<br /><br /> For some reason, which they have NO awenser for, they did not process the information untill I called them on the first of October, more than two billing cycles later asking "Where is the credit", to which they responded "uhhh well, uhhh, it has'nt been processed yet, so we'll take care of that today and you'll see the credit in two billing cycles.".... Ok fine... They have absolutely NO problem charging me $50 odd Bucks a month for so/so service to the same credit card...<br /><br />Well, here it is, December 13th, two months and two billing cycles later and much to my shock and amazement (read sarcasm) still no credit... Dang it all, I'm ready to pay this credit card off and cancel it, so I need this taken care of asap. ... <br /><br /> Called them again today, same crap... "It shows here that it was processed on the first of October so you should have been credited the $125 Bucks"... Ok, called the credit card co. "Nope, no credit".... Called Bellsouth back, "Well, please allow another two billing cycles"... Yeah Right... <br /><br />What do I do now, forget it and cut my losses?... <br /><br /> I'm half temped to tell Bellsouth to stick the whole deal up their butt pipe....

<br /><br />What do ya'll think?...

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Snapperbait: Let me suggest you report this to your local Better Business Bureau. They will take your information and write to Bellsouth asking for a resolution. It has a lot more clout coming from them than from an individual. It's usually seen further up the line, too, by people who can get something done about it quick. Good luck.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Snapper,<br /><br />Be VERY persistent. Tell them that you plan to take the story to the local news channel in the morning. Get them to give you a written confirmation that they received the rebate coupon (you may have to be "smooth" for this one). Then, if all else fails, sue them. You have a legitimate claim here. Charge them interest for the wait. They charge you when you are late so give them a taste of their own medicine. No matter what anyone says, if you fight it hard enough, they will oblige you. Even if they are forced to do so with a court order. I had a little fuss with Comcast a while back over an installation fee refund . I let them know what WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, or else. They fixed it quick . The key is, as hard as it may be, to keep your composure. Try not to get too beligerent with them. You know how the saying goes, "You get more bees with honey than vinegar." Good Luck!<br /><br />James

 

[Scoop]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Snapperbait, here is another option. Computer component manufacturers do this all the time. this is not unusual. here is a place that may get some action. I wish I had a more concrete plan, but the answers above are good. This is watchdog area of a tech magazine called Maximum PC. I've had a subsription to it and its predecessors for 8 years or so. All this portion does is look into theses things. Maybe you'll get lucky. Send them an email<br />>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /><br />Watchdog<br />watchdog@maximumpc.com<br />If you've been wronged by a PC vendor, send a full description of your complaint to the Watchdog. Please include your full name, home town, and telephone number. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Due to the large amount of email we receive, we cannot personally respond to each letter.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

if it were me I simply would not pay my bill for<br />3 months or until my credit was used up. perhaps<br />put a note in with the bill saying you are using<br />your credit.<br />what can they do? disconnect you?<br />I doubt it.....<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Snapper-<br />I am in the same boat. No rebate credit either. TO be quite honest, forgot about it. I am going to start calling as well. BTW, do not quit paying your bill. It will only mess up your credit and if you went to tv BBB/news/court it would come out that you were not paying your bill,etc. Then you would lose some public sympathy. Good luck

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Thanks for the help Guys... I'm going to give then untill the end of this month to get it straight, and if it's a no-go then I'll turn up the heat on em' a little... Think I'll give them a couple calls a week, AND get names of whom I'm speaking with and keep a list.... <br /><br /> I'll definately turn them over to the BBB, and I'm going to contact a local TV news crew who deals with this sort of thing... I'll give Scoop's Watchdog idea a shot too...<br /><br />Beaux... I think they want us to forget...

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Well, just wanted to leave an update on this stinky situation with these Bellsouth Jerks...<br /><br />The BBB was a total waste of time...<br /> The News guys said "$125, thats small potatos, not interested"...<br />So I've pretty much gone it alone so far with many phone calls to Bellsouth with no satisfaction as of 2-20-02...<br /><br />So, yesterday after their "Bellsouth Representative supervisor" lied to me again, I contacted the States Attorneys office and informed them of Bellsouth's fraudulent buisness practices... <br /><br /> Waiting for a response from the States Attorney..<br /><br />If you are considering Bellsouth for DSL internet service, or any of their other services; BEWARE...<br /><br />I must be stupid, cause I still have the service and the bill is paid every month and on time... But not for long..

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Sorry your are having such a time getting your rebate. I have had similar problems with other companies. Direct TV offered $150 back on installation and it took over a year to get it. Bellsouth has been my provider for over 8 years now and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I am keeping my same service and email address when I move to Jax. The support is excellant and when I have a problem it is solved asap. Direct TV did finally come through after legal action by someone.<br />Good luck and I hope your rebate shows up soon.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

snapperbait, sound like a dead end. Here's what I do with crap like this, call the company, ask for help, if you get a run around get names, titles, and dates/times, make notes, then ask for their boss, do the same thing until you get to someone who will or can help you. Most people don't like you going above their head. If all else fails try small claims court, works pretty good. Good luck.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Bellsouth DSL Modem Rebate?

Snapper,<br /><br />What I would do is go to the local radioshack and get a telephone recorder/tap. Then when they answer the first thing out of your mouth should be "for quality assurance this call may be recorded." Then tell them the situation and ask for their boss. If they tell you they aren't available tell them that you want to speak to the person in charge RIGHT NOW. If they still say that they are unavailable, ask them "So, I guess you are the top dog. You're the boss aren't you." When they say no then tell them that you want to speak with whoever is supervising them at that moment. Then if they still insist that they are unavailable tell them that they are withholding information. Then tell them that if you don't receive your credit that you will file suit for your money plus the maximum legal amount for the interest accrued since the first agreed credit date. Then you take them to small claims court. I just about got into big time with Sprint PCS. They were charging my night and weekend minutes against my daytime minutes. They did it two months in a row . If it happens again I plan on holding them in breach of contract, cancelling the service, and dare them to charge me the $175.00 early termination fee. Then when they do and I don't pay it and it shows up on my credit report I will sue them for upwards of $50,000 for slander . Then I will sue them for 50% of the current going price of the phone I can no longer use due to their breach of contract. A few more gov't agencies you might try are the FCC, FTC, FBI. They might be interested in the case based on consumer fraud. If anything it might scare them into submission. Because (insert sarcasm here) as I understand it, Corporate lawyers are VERY EXPENSIVE! LOL. Just make their lives a living hell man. Then, like I said before, Take them to small claims for the $125.00 plus interest. Use the tape you recorded to help diminish their credibility. Just be sure to tell them that they MAY be recorded so that the tape will be legal. You have to tell someone you are recording them because of the fifth amendment. If you don't the judge will through the tape out. No judge in his right mind would deny you your money. Good Luck!<br /><br />James