Up to half of buyers fail to apply for rebates, according to Consumer Reports. Minkin says companies that offer rebates count on that. Deanna Louis, a community college instructor, describes herself as a faithful coupon clipper. But when it comes to rebates, she puts her scissors down. Nevertheless, pursuing a rebate seems more trouble than it's worth for many people.
Consumer advocates say companies put up barriers.
They had an 800 number, but no one ever answered. Businesses stand by the claim that any apparent resistance is unintended or meant all in the name of making sure the person on the application actually purchased the product. If instructions aren't followed carefully and any step is omitted or not executed adequately, the rebate could be invalidated. And getting the most meticulously crafted application into the mailbox does not spell victory. Fulfillment companies may need to be nudged along with phone calls and e-mails.