More Changes to the Rebate Rulebook
Over the years, running rebate programs has been a rough-and-tumble business. Consumers have pushed back on the complicated processes, states have acted to regulate rebate providers and brands have tried to make life easier for consumers looking for a return on their investments.
But hard as the operators of rebate programs try, it is still not good enough. So once again legislators have stepped in.
A new law in New York State, which took effect Jan. 1, requires entities offering rebates to disclose whether the rebate will be issued in a form other than cash or a check, including credit, credit towards a future purchase, gift certificates, gift cards, general use prepaid cards or any other form of compensation.
I recently renewed by Verizon contract and took advantage of the $50 rebate. I dutifully filled out the form, sent it in and in return received a $50 Visa card, which the clerk had alerted me to. The card was hassle free and easy to redeem. But most consumers expect a check and if I hadn
