Terry Hanushek
11-17-2006, 03:29 PM
N.J. lawmakers want to restrict mail-in rebates
Beth DeFalco
Associated Press
Consumer frustration with mail-in rebates has drawn the attention of state legislators. Two Gloucester County lawmakers have introduced a bill to require retailers to advertise the price charged at the cash register before the mail-in rebate is redeemed, or to honor the rebate at the time of purchase.
New Jersey wouldn't be the first state to crack down on mail-in rebates. Connecticut has restricted rebate advertising since February 2004 and a similar law in Rhode Island took effect in July.
Alabama and Maryland are considering similar legislation and lawmakers in California, Missouri and New York have proposed tighter restrictions. New York Sen. Charles Schumer has also called on the Federal Trade Commission to regulate and standardize rebate practices.
According to a study by Vericours Inc., a corporate consulting firm, approximately 40 percent of manufacturer rebates are never redeemed, saving computer manufacturers an estimated $2 billion a year.
Full story (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16037787.htm)
The end of mail-in rebates can't come a minute too soon.
Terry
Beth DeFalco
Associated Press
Consumer frustration with mail-in rebates has drawn the attention of state legislators. Two Gloucester County lawmakers have introduced a bill to require retailers to advertise the price charged at the cash register before the mail-in rebate is redeemed, or to honor the rebate at the time of purchase.
New Jersey wouldn't be the first state to crack down on mail-in rebates. Connecticut has restricted rebate advertising since February 2004 and a similar law in Rhode Island took effect in July.
Alabama and Maryland are considering similar legislation and lawmakers in California, Missouri and New York have proposed tighter restrictions. New York Sen. Charles Schumer has also called on the Federal Trade Commission to regulate and standardize rebate practices.
According to a study by Vericours Inc., a corporate consulting firm, approximately 40 percent of manufacturer rebates are never redeemed, saving computer manufacturers an estimated $2 billion a year.
Full story (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16037787.htm)
The end of mail-in rebates can't come a minute too soon.
Terry