I ordered a video card from an online merchant today. I won’t mention the business but the seller’s name evokes a reminder of Exxon’s long-time Mascot, Tony the Tiger.
The order came with a mail-in rebate. Mail-in? Here are the actual instructions from the video card manufacturer:
How to Claim Your Rebate
In order to obtain a rebate, visit http://evga.4myrebate.com and enter the offer code shown. You will then complete your rebate form submission online. You must have internet access, a valid email address and a printer in order to claim this rebate.
The reason I need internet access, a valid email address, a printer, and an envelope and stamp to claim this rebate is simple. After filling out the five pages of forms with my complete DNA information online, including selecting a payment method of a check or a gift card (I took the check), including turning down the $3 “expedited” processing fee, I had to print the form, buy a stamp, and send all the exact same information to EVGA.
That, dear readers, is ridiculous.
Yeah, I know. I suspect the real reason I need internet access, a valid email address, a printer, and an envelope and stamp to claim this rebate is simple. 90% of the eligible rebates who bother to fill out the online stuff wont lick the stamp.
Wait, you ordered a video card from a gas station?
Better than using the Interweb. After all, T-Mobiley was down all morning.