Smartphone $100 rebate, $25 Data plan required...

[magicman08]

Okay so I just upgraded to a q9c with a $100 rebate, no I am not on the sero plan. I am wondering because in order to qualify I must have a data plan of $25 or more, can I upgrade to the $25 plan for a month, try it out, and then downgrade once the warranty is processed....

This should work right?

[PacoJr67]

yes, you should be able to (unless the fine print on the rebate says otherwise), just make sure to wait untill you have the rebate in your hand (or bank account)

[Tony Bag o Donuts]

Just FYI, on verizon, with their data rebates, you have to be on the plan for at least 3 months. If not, you get charged the rebate.
catch 22.

[rainmakerrc]

Definitely check the fine print - there probably is a minimum period for which the data plan has to be in place to qualify for the rebate (similar to Verizon).

[TarHeelsRule!]

If you go an check your rebate status, I think it tells you when they will be sending it out which is anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks after you joined. So you will be paying the $25 for at least 2 months or more.

But check your status and see what it says.

[weee96]

Be warned, Sprint just "denied" my rebate for no reason even though the proper paperwork was sent in the proper amount of time.

[rainmakerrc]

Originally Posted by weee96

Be warned, Sprint just "denied" my rebate for no reason even though the proper paperwork was sent in the proper amount of time.

From the SERO thread at slickdeals.net:

8: WHAT IF MY REBATE GETS DENIED?
A simple call to the rebate center will take care of this most of the time. Here is how you make your call (thank you b0n3):

• Dial 1-800-477-4127
• wait through ALL of the prompts (including for english .. for spanish ..etc. etc.)
• When asked for number, type 555 555 5555
• If this is correct, press 1
• If you have already mailed in your rebate, press 1
• If it's been longer than 14 days .. please press 1

That should have gotten you to a live person.

What if you still do not get it validated??
Be pro-active and call again. If you KNOW you have met the requirements for the rebates, follow through and do not take 'no' for an answer. File with the BBB if you have to (I have found Sprint responds to this quickly). For a BBB complaint to be most effective, follow the following steps:

1. Contact sprint rebate directly (number in OP)
2. If CSR won't help you, ask for a supervisor. Make sure you write down his name and employee number
3. If supervisor won't help you, email eCare. Explain the situation. Often they will just credit your account outright. If they won't, write down the name of the person who refused to help
4. Write the BBB and include all names and the dates you talked to the individuals of steps 1-3.

[weee96]

Originally Posted by rainmakerrc

From the SERO thread at slickdeals.net:

8: WHAT IF MY REBATE GETS DENIED?
A simple call to the rebate center will take care of this most of the time. Here is how you make your call (thank you b0n3):

• Dial 1-800-477-4127
• wait through ALL of the prompts (including for english .. for spanish ..etc. etc.)
• When asked for number, type 555 555 5555
• If this is correct, press 1
• If you have already mailed in your rebate, press 1
• If it's been longer than 14 days .. please press 1

That should have gotten you to a live person.

What if you still do not get it validated??
Be pro-active and call again. If you KNOW you have met the requirements for the rebates, follow through and do not take 'no' for an answer. File with the BBB if you have to (I have found Sprint responds to this quickly). For a BBB complaint to be most effective, follow the following steps:

1. Contact sprint rebate directly (number in OP)
2. If CSR won't help you, ask for a supervisor. Make sure you write down his name and employee number
3. If supervisor won't help you, email eCare. Explain the situation. Often they will just credit your account outright. If they won't, write down the name of the person who refused to help
4. Write the BBB and include all names and the dates you talked to the individuals of steps 1-3.

Thanks, yes I've created a complaint with the BBB.

[magicman08]

yeah they sure drag their asses on this, and I doubt it is that hard. I have been with sprint for like 3 years and I am still in the f*cking acitvation period....blow me sprint

I mean how long does it take to process....mine has not been denied yet but it has been almost a month since I received the "we got your rebate, heres the page to track your progress"

[weee96]

Originally Posted by magicman08

yeah they sure drag their asses on this, and I doubt it is that hard. I have been with sprint for like 3 years and I am still in the f*cking acitvation period....blow me sprint

I mean how long does it take to process....mine has not been denied yet but it has been almost a month since I received the "we got your rebate, heres the page to track your progress"

I have always said rebates are scams that companies get away with on LOTS of people. Most people forget about them because of the month or more wait to ever get the check, or the company "loses" your letter (I have NEVER had a lost letter to anyone, except rebate centers, interesting) or they claim you did not fill it out properly and deny you. I had a Canon rebate for $300 once and they said they "lost" it, im still in the process of that one. Utter bullsh--.