BFG Tech Rebates...

[nitromullet]

So, I had purchased a second GTX 280 back in Sept, submitted my rebate info, and got a conformation email from the processor on Oct. 21. Since then, nothing...

So, I check out BFG's site, and see this:

http://www.bfgtech.com/importantrebate.aspx

I had already submitted the rebate, but not gotten a check so I shot BFG an email at: sales@bfgtech.com per their instructions a week ago, and I haven't received anything from them. Not even a "Thanks, we got your email auto-response"... nothing.

I also contacted 877-776-6541, which is the CS number for rebatestatus.com. I wasn't able to locate my rebate via their automated system. When I opted to speak to a rep, I got a recording saying that the number was no longer valid. It then instructed me contact the original issuer of the rebate - which is BFG...

As you can see, I'm getting the run around. Just curious is anyone else has had difficulty with their BFG rebate? I've always felt that BFG was a customer centric company and have recommended them, but after this I'm not so sure.

 

[chizow]

Looks like BFG used CPG, which filed for bankruptcy some months ago.

Does BFG have a forum on their site? I've had good results posting in rebate threads on EVGA site as they always have the appropriate people monitoring such threads. You may also be able to track down the exact e-mail for the person who handles rebates. Times are tough though, everyone's witholding payment as long as possible nowadays.

 

[apoppin]

same story
--BFG GTX280 .. i think, $30 MiR

i will try NewEgg first as i bought it there and see what they suggest

 

[Andrew1990]

Same here except with a 9800GT. I sent the rebate in mid december and they rebate site states they have not even received it yet. I am pretty sure they have as it doesnt take over 2 weeks for an envelope to get there.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: chizow
Looks like BFG used CPG, which filed for bankruptcy some months ago.

Does BFG have a forum on their site? I've had good results posting in rebate threads on EVGA site as they always have the appropriate people monitoring such threads. You may also be able to track down the exact e-mail for the person who handles rebates. Times are tough though, everyone's witholding payment as long as possible nowadays.

I don't see a forum on thier site. That would actually be a good idea.

Originally posted by: apoppin
same story
--BFG GTX280 .. i think, $30 MiR

i will try NewEgg first as i bought it there and see what they suggest

How long ago?

...when all else fails... http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot...bbb=0654&firm=27005623

I really hate to be that customer, but if I don't receive a response to my second email I think I'm going to have to file a complaint. One really shouldn't have to though...

 

[edplayer]

seems to me like the BBB is pretty toothless


I think you can get the best results from forum threads with very well written titles at places like here and hardforum and comments in the newegg review section. The title of this thread is OK but I would have made one more provocative. Hardforum video section seems to have a lot more traffic than here so I would have started there first.


Maybe try looking for other valid emails at BFG and just email them asking who is handling their rebates currently (apart from sending sales another email)? Takes a long time to develop a good reputation so I think they don't like seeing or hearing about threads like "Are BFG rebates a scam?" Of course, if they are hurting really bad financially, it could be that they don't really care anymore...

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: nitromullet

Originally posted by: chizow
Looks like BFG used CPG, which filed for bankruptcy some months ago.

Does BFG have a forum on their site? I've had good results posting in rebate threads on EVGA site as they always have the appropriate people monitoring such threads. You may also be able to track down the exact e-mail for the person who handles rebates. Times are tough though, everyone's witholding payment as long as possible nowadays.

I don't see a forum on thier site. That would actually be a good idea.

Originally posted by: apoppin
same story
--BFG GTX280 .. i think, $30 MiR

i will try NewEgg first as i bought it there and see what they suggest

How long ago?

...when all else fails... http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot...bbb=0654&firm=27005623

I really hate to be that customer, but if I don't receive a response to my second email I think I'm going to have to file a complaint. One really shouldn't have to though...

Many months ago .. like August

i am thinking if NewEgg doesn't help i may just write it off
-i do not trust nor depend on rebates any longer

 

[TidusZ]

I sent my $60 CDN rebate in mid december, got two emails back stating that it has been processed and to expect ~4 weeks to get my rebate in hand. About what I expected.

 

[Andrew1990]

Well BFG Support seems not to respond to questions. next step is to contact Tigerdirect about my problem and if they can not help then I will try the BBB.

One question though, if I contact the BBB, what company do I complain about? The Rebate Company or BFG? I am in the same state as BFG headquarters so I would think they would be a little more hard pressed than an out of state entity.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
Well BFG Support seems not to respond to questions. next step is to contact Tigerdirect about my problem and if they can not help then I will try the BBB.

One question though, if I contact the BBB, what company do I complain about? The Rebate Company or BFG? I am in the same state as BFG headquarters so I would think they would be a little more hard pressed than an out of state entity.

You would complain about BFG, as that is who you have the business relationship with. I can understand that a partner/client of BFG may have issues, but as their customer, I expect BFG to remedy the issue if it affects me.

 

[chizow]

Hmmm maybe shoot a PM to Zap and see if he can help. Surprising BFG doesn't have a support forum, perhaps they're hosted somewhere off-site like Corsair did for years?

 

[nitromullet]

So, I just heard from BFG (after I submitted a complaint to the BBB). They said they will issue me a check. I might have to give BFG another shot if they come through.

 

[Zap]

Calling rebatestatus.com probably does no good.

Email (sales@bfgtech.com)
- There is no autoreply on that because it goes into someone's mailbox. She probably gets triple digits worth of non-spam emails a day so don't expect any response within hours. Also, this rebatestatus.com fallout was just kind of dumped on her on top of her normal tasks, which is why it takes a while and the email address is sales@ and not something like rebate@. However, a week is too long to wait for a reply.
- if that doesn't work -
BFG toll free tech support 866.234.3499
- if that doesn't work -
BFG corporate office 847.281.3110
(BTW these numbers are available straight from the BFGtech.com web site under "contact us.")

Filing a complaint with the BBB should be your last resort, not your first or middle. That would be like taking your neighbor to small claims court over an unreturned hammer he borrowed... without having asked him about it in person.

Originally posted by: edplayer
I think you can get the best results from forum threads with very well written titles at places like here and hardforum and comments in the newegg review section. The title of this thread is OK but I would have made one more provocative.

You can also get results by calling tech support, and if they are unable to help, call corporate office. Creating "provocative" threads on public forums just seems kind of vindicative to me. I would always suggest going through normal channels first.

BTW, yes I work for BFG. No, my job is not customer service so I can't directly help anyone. If there's a problem and calling on the phone doesn't work, then feel free to PM me and I'll see about getting you in contact with someone who can help.

However, if anyone PMs me before trying normal channels, expect a sarcastic reply along with the assistance. :evil: You're welcome.

 

[TidusZ]

I shipped my gtx 280 to BFG today, cost $60 CDN to ship it overnight delivery, there goes my rebate I suppose

I just hope they ship me the 295 w/o hassle, and when they do, that they choose some sort of air delivery and not some here's your card a week and a half later sort of delivery.

I packed that thing in anti-static, wrapped with foam, 2 bubblewrap bags, air filled plastic sacs, and a cardboard box duct taped. If customs opens it up and rapes my packing, I will probably use my new card (and my ps2) as a missile guidance system to destroy all customs offices and then go for their homes. I hope they are reading this, keep your prying eyes away from my shit you sniveling bastards.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: Zap
You can also get results by calling tech support, and if they are unable to help, call corporate office. Creating "provocative" threads on public forums just seems kind of vindicative to me. I would always suggest going through normal channels first.

Maybe, but is making a post which some people would consider "vindictive" wrong? I don't see the problem if everything posted is true. Also, you could be helping other people avoid the same fate. I do agree with going through normal channels first. The company is the one that will be making/not making the rebate payment, not the readers of Anandtech. However, what happens when you don't get paid after multiple attempts? Are we supposed to just accept it up the *ss from them?



I think one of the benefits of a board like this is to alert other members of potential problems. Not just hardware problems but also potential money problems.



I am having a similar problem with Gigabyte right now. I just made a post over at the hardforums motherboard subforum. I started contacting the rebate processor after the final possible day of payment. They said Gigabyte was holding up the claims. I contacted Gigabyte and they did not deny that and said I would get paid the following week. Did not happen. Contacted them again. They said the holidays held up the money (holidays were over 3 weeks ago) and I would get it next week.

Status-now says that they are getting many complaints from other people about Gigabyte rebates currently. I also posted this issue on a review over at newegg (I bought the board through them). Was it wrong for me to post this on the net/newegg? I don't think so. Everything I posted was true. I am willing to update the threads/review when/if I get paid.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Zap
Calling rebatestatus.com probably does no good.

Email (sales@bfgtech.com)
- There is no autoreply on that because it goes into someone's mailbox. She probably gets triple digits worth of non-spam emails a day so don't expect any response within hours. Also, this rebatestatus.com fallout was just kind of dumped on her on top of her normal tasks, which is why it takes a while and the email address is sales@ and not something like rebate@. However, a week is too long to wait for a reply.
- if that doesn't work -
BFG toll free tech support 866.234.3499
- if that doesn't work -
BFG corporate office 847.281.3110
(BTW these numbers are available straight from the BFGtech.com web site under "contact us.")

Filing a complaint with the BBB should be your last resort, not your first or middle. That would be like taking your neighbor to small claims court over an unreturned hammer he borrowed... without having asked him about it in person.

Originally posted by: edplayer
I think you can get the best results from forum threads with very well written titles at places like here and hardforum and comments in the newegg review section. The title of this thread is OK but I would have made one more provocative.

You can also get results by calling tech support, and if they are unable to help, call corporate office. Creating "provocative" threads on public forums just seems kind of vindicative to me. I would always suggest going through normal channels first.

BTW, yes I work for BFG. No, my job is not customer service so I can't directly help anyone. If there's a problem and calling on the phone doesn't work, then feel free to PM me and I'll see about getting you in contact with someone who can help.

However, if anyone PMs me before trying normal channels, expect a sarcastic reply along with the assistance. :evil: You're welcome.

in this case, i just can't agree

i consider this thread a PSA .. that there are potential issues with a certain rebate company .. that i am also having

.. and thank-you for letting me know the only penalty for skipping normal channels by PMming you - is a sarcastic reply - *along* with the assistance

. . . sticks and stones

. . . expect a PM

and i was gonna let that $30 go too

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: apoppin


in this case, i just can't agree

i consider this thread a PSA .. that there are potential issues with a certain rebate company .. that i am also having

.. and thank-you for letting me know the only penalty for skipping normal channels by PMming you - is a sarcastic reply - *along* with the assistance

. . . sticks and stones

. . . expect a PM

and i was gonna let that $30 go too

Well he also doesn't have to help you.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: apoppin


in this case, i just can't agree

i consider this thread a PSA .. that there are potential issues with a certain rebate company .. that i am also having

.. and thank-you for letting me know the only penalty for skipping normal channels by PMming you - is a sarcastic reply - *along* with the assistance

. . . sticks and stones

. . . expect a PM

and i was gonna let that $30 go too

Well he also doesn't have to help you.

However, if anyone PMs me before trying normal channels, expect a sarcastic reply along with the assistance. You're welcome.

Sounds pretty unconditional to me .. and a great offer to skip the "normal" channels - i just have to endure the sarcasm, evidently

Do you ever use normal channels?


- - - that is WHY i was gonna just forget about attempting to get my thirty bucks
.. a little sarcasm sound good about now .. coupled with the assistance.

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: apoppin


in this case, i just can't agree

i consider this thread a PSA .. that there are potential issues with a certain rebate company .. that i am also having

.. and thank-you for letting me know the only penalty for skipping normal channels by PMming you - is a sarcastic reply - *along* with the assistance

. . . sticks and stones

. . . expect a PM

and i was gonna let that $30 go too

Well he also doesn't have to help you.

However, if anyone PMs me before trying normal channels, expect a sarcastic reply along with the assistance. You're welcome.

Sounds pretty unconditional to me .. and a great offer to skip the "normal" channels

You ever use normal channels?


that is WHY i was gonna just forget about it

He's a nice guy, don't take advantage. :fingerwag;

 

[apoppin]

come on .. that is an INVITATION if i ever saw one

i will thank him kindly .. even after the sarcasm

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: apoppin
come on .. that is an INVITATION if i ever saw one

i will thank him kindly .. even after the sarcasm

:laugh: remind me never to go on a date with you.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: apoppin

i will thank him kindly .. even after the sarcasm

:laugh: remind me never to go on a date with you.

I didn't know you guys swing that way.



Did anyone see the time stamp on my post? I can get pretty snarky around that time of night.

 

[apoppin]

well if you also look carefully i did not respond to his "invite"

but thank-you for the offer of help .. can you give me a little 'taste' of the sarcastic response i might be getting later ?


i need to see if it is worth $30 to pursue my rebate

 

[nyker96]

i did two last year with bfg got both back. not sure about any recent problems though.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: nyker96
i did two last year with bfg got both back. not sure about any recent problems though.

Times do change

Part of my decision on whether or not to buy a product with a rebate is do I trust the company to follow through. I never even considered Gigabyte not being able (willing is probably more accurate) to pay $10 on time.