Sunday, January 29, 2012

Rebates from ASUS

I just bought a graphics card from ASUS, which (in case you don't know) is a very reputable maker of computers and computer components. They offer a rebate for certain items purchased in January 2012. After clicking through a fairly complicated form, I reached the following page, which I reproduce here in part:

o No-Wait
Choose our No-Wait-Rebate service. We will mail your Rebate payment via 1st class mail within 5-7 business days from the date of approval of your claim for a small fee of $1.00 which will be deducted from your Rebate payment. If you are in no rush and do not mind waiting 8-10 weeks and at no cost, we will mail your Rebate payment to you via 1st Class mail after we have received your Rebate documentation and have approved your claim.


o Basic
Choose this for our basic service of 8 to 10 weeks.


The American Express ® Reward Card
  • This Prepaid Card is a prepaid American Express Card and may be used at merchants in the U.S. that accept American Express® Cards.
  • This Card can be used instantly.
  • This Card is given to you as a Reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by you in exchange for this Card.
  • Free replacement of lost or stolen card.
  • Card cannot be used at cruise lines, for recurring billing charges, at casinos or ATMs.
  • Funds do not expire, service fees apply.
  • See Cardholder agreement for complete terms and conditions.
  • Cardholder agreement available at www.americanexpress.com/reward.
  • Issued by AEPCMC under license from ©2010 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
  • For questions about the Card, including balance inquiries, contact 1-800-297-7327
In other words, for the modest fee of $1.00, I can have my rebate in about a week after it's approved. Otherwise I will wait about 2 and a half months. Why does ASUS do this? Why should a reputable company appear to be chiselers, all for about 15 cents, which is the interest on my rebate ($15.00) for 10 weeks.