The criteria stipulates "proof of on-time submission", not proof of delivery. The on-time submission referenced is a postmark deadline, not a receipt of submission deadline. IOW, they do not require that your rebate submission be received by a certain date, rather that is postmarked by a certain date.
I have to somewhat disagree, se7en.
On
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...s/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1289175&Tab=5]the "Rebates" tab of the monitor advertisement linked above[/url], it clearly says:
To qualify for the TigerDirect Rebate Guarantee you must comply with the following:
1. Complete the attached rebate form and follow all the instructions that apply.
2. Submit the rebate via Postal Service: "Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested" by the required postmark date to the address on the rebate form.
3. Please make copies of all materials submitted:
* Rebate Form
* UPC, Barcode or Serial Number
* Invoice or Receipt
* Postal Tracking Information
For more information on the TigerDirect Rebate Guarantee Click Here.
Please Note: Maximum of 5 Rebate Guarantee claims per household per year
](empahsis mine
A Certificate of mailing is NOT "Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested". Return Reciept means you get a postcard back, signed by the recient, proving the letter was recieved and accepted. Certificate of Mailing only proves that it was sent, but Tiger Direct is only guaranteeing that the rebate will be issued if the rebates and all supporting document are recieved and accepted.
Make any claims you want about what the guarantee's terms *should* be, but you'd have a tough time arguing anywhere --on the phone, with the BBB, the state AG's Consumer Assistance, or small claims court-- that it isn't what is explicitly stated in the ad..
I fully agree that the general
http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors/rebates/rebate-guarantee.asp]Rebate Guarantee page[/url] does only say:
4. You must supply us with proof of on-time submission (i.e.: USPS Return Receipt).
but "i.e." ("id est" = latin for "that is") is different from "e.g." ("exempli gratia" or "for example") When someone says "i.e.", they are giving a specific (though you can argue that other possibilities are allowed), when they say "e.g." they are only giving an example (with the implication that other examples exist and are permissible)
I'm not saying you don't ahve a leg to stand on. You certainly do. I'm saying that the ad is written in a way that would clearly indicate, to a lawyer, that you should have sent it by the more expensive method, and you'd have to argue that this would, in itself, interfere with the performance of the rebate (which would be a pretty good argument, if you can get anyone to listen), but as a general principle a specific requirement in a product advertisement overrides general store policy.
We certainly expect the *ad* to overide store policy when it works in our favor: if an item's ad says "no restocking fee", you'd never accept a general store policy on another page that said "25% restocking fee on all returns". If an ad says "If you don't like it, we'll give you your money back" overrides a general policy of "No Guarantees. No returns. All Sales, as is", doesn't it? If a girl says "I do" it overrides a lifelong policy of "I'll never marry"
Why do you think that doesn't apply here? Again, I'm not saying that an argument can't be made: any ambiguity in an offer or contract is generally interpreted *against* the party that drafted the offer or contract -- which, in this case, is the merchant. I'm just saying it isn't as cut and dried as you make it seem, and looks like it could be a hassle. If the buyer is willing to face a possible hassle and possible denial of the guarantee, great. But don't you think they should know about it?
Or are you willing to guarantee, in writing, the outcome of following your assertion? If so, great - where do I sign up?
This ain't professional advice. I ain't your lawyer or doctor, and I almost certainly ain't licensed in your jurisdiction. However, any dang fool can go to grad schools and get diplomas, and I ain't nuthin' if not a dang fool. If I could think of any other professions where you can hold a man's still-beating heart in your hand, and have them thank you afterwards, I'd probably train for them, too!
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