FTC Readies Rebate Workshop for April
The Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop on mail-in rebates to set a list of best practices for the industry.
The FTC is responding to growing consumer dissatisfaction with rebates, and marketers’ increasing scrutiny of the cost of rebates.
The workshop, scheduled for April 27 in San Francisco, will include presentations from academics, consumer groups and industry experts, including manufacturers, retailers and fulfillment houses.
The topics include ways to implement rebate programs and pitfalls to avoid, as well as a debate on the pros and cons of rebate marketing, and a discussion of the past and future role of government in improving consumers’ experiences with rebates, according to the FTC.
The FTC is considering a request from Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) to standardize rebate practices (PROMO, Jan. 4).
In 2005, the FTC reached a settlement with CompUSA over problems with its rebate fulfillment practices. Best Buy dropped manufacturer rebates the same year, citing consumer complaints. OfficeMax dropped rebates in 2006, for the same reason.
