Monday, August 20, 2007

Huh?!?

In the “What were they thinking?” department:

I recently got a new computer from a large electronics retailer (who shall remain anonymous). I actually had a really good experience with the sales staff, got a great price for exactly what I wanted and even had a great experience with the mail-in rebate. I was nervous about the rebate offer because I’ve had horrendous experiences in the past with this process.

Anyway, I got through all of that and when I received my rebate check, I also received a $15 gift card (with purchases (sic) of $149 or more). Fair enough, 10%, right? Well it was until I got to the really small print with the exclusions:

“Qualifying purchases excludes computers, music, movies, games, Game Hardware, Sharper Image, Verizon, Infinity, Velodyne, Bose, Polk, Apple, Kicker, MTX Thunder, LG, KEF, Denon, Outlet and ‘anonymous’ Gift Card purchases.” I sat stunned for a while trying to think what it might actually INCLUDE. The only things I could come up with were sodas and batteries. $149 worth of batteries and cokes, anyone? I tremble to think what that might lead to...

Read on and you discover that this gift card is good for “future use only.” Is there actually a future target date? Are we talking 2010? Well, no, I see in looking closer it’s only good until 8/15/07. Hummmm…

I finally got my bead/jewelry-making stuff organized this weekend and while I was at it made this ring.