Best Buy Eliminates Mail-in Rebates on Notebook Computers and Introduces Online Rebate Submission

dartworth

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
15,200
10
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Press Release
Source: Best Buy Co., Inc

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2006--Best Buy said today that it has begun the next phase of its two-year plan to eliminate mail-in rebates from its portfolio. First, at the start of the year, customers began receiving their savings instantly on notebook computers, rather than waiting for these rebates via mail. Second, the company has introduced a convenient online rebate submission process that enables customers to submit select Best Buy rebates online, through BestBuy.com/rebates. Both of these initiatives mark a significant step forward in improving the overall shopping experience for Best Buy customers.


"Best Buy is taking a leadership position within the retail industry with our plans to eliminate mail-in rebates," said Ron Boire, executive vice president and global merchandise manager, Best Buy. "Our customers told us they hate mail-in rebate programs. As a result, we're working as a company and partnering with our vendors to find new solutions to give our customers a better shopping experience, while remaining competitive on pricing."

As of Jan. 1, customers started receiving instant savings on notebook computers, eliminating the need to mail-in rebate forms and wait for their rebate check. Additionally, Best Buy customers will begin receiving instant savings on a majority of computer accessories by the first week of February. These new means of savings are a result of strong vendor partnerships and the commitment of Best Buy to keep customers first.

In addition to eliminating mail-in rebates on notebooks, Best Buy has also created an online submission center for those products which still have mail-in rebates. This recently-launched tool provides customers a simple and convenient way to submit select Best Buy rebates online and receive their checks faster. Provided the submission is compliant, most rebate checks will be mailed within seven days after submission.

Best Buy announced in April 2005 that it intended to eliminate mail-in rebates from its portfolio within two years in an effort to improve customer's experience. These announcements are consistent with the company's plan to transform its stores and business model to an approach built around customers and their needs, rather than around products.
 

PokerGuy

Lifer
Jul 2, 2005
13,650
201
101
Good idea... lousy store.

Of course, they're also well behind Staples (EZ rebate = good!), compusa etc.
 

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Jan 2, 2001
25,198
4,774
136
The problem I see so far is that their advertised sale items without the rebates are priced much higher than you have been able to get them elsewhere with rebates. Example: this week they are advertising Hitachi 250Gb drive for $90 with no rebate. The same drive was just $50-$60 AR at Fry's, Outpost.com and CompUSA. I'd rather have the rebates than pay 50-80% more to not have them. Maybe future sales will have better prices.
 

JoPh

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2002
7,312
1
76
good. staples does something like this. makes it much easier.
 

daveymark

Lifer
Sep 15, 2003
10,573
1
0
now if they would only properly train their store associates so they don't lie through their teeth to get the sale....

My favorite Best Buy employee quote so far: "AMD is going to be out of business soon, that's why they are cheaper. You need to buy intel. Besides, a lot of software isn't supported by AMD"
 

Fritoz

Senior member
Dec 17, 1999
350
0
71
I bought a DVD-R/VCR unit there last month, and was shocked to see an online option for submitting my rebate. Just typed in my basic info, plus the unique code from my receipt. Got an email that the rebate will be ready in the usual 6-8 weeks. Heck of a lot less painful than the usual method. If it comes through properly, kudos to BB for using their powers for good, not evil, for a change! :)