$200 Rebate - UPC help

[robostock]

Hi All -

Just got my first Tivo! I picked up a Series 3 at CC but it did not come with a box. I was looking over the $200 rebate form and it said I have to send in the UPC or legible copy of the UPC.

BUT no box no UPC. I spoke to a CS rep and he said I did not need it. :rolleyes:

I've been around long enough to know when it comes to rebates, what one says is different from what another person who is processing you reabte is thinking.:confused:

Is it possible I can get a scan or picture of a series 3 from anyone? Normally rebates are not a big thing, but a $200 rebate is!

Any help would be great!

Thanks!

[jjberger2134]

I do not claim to be an expert in rebates, since I try to buy products without rebates (after many bad experiences). However, I think TiVo rebates are only for never previously activated units. If you bought a unit without a box it is possible the unit was previously activated and returned to CC. Unfortunately, a unit as I described would not be eligible for a rebate. I am not saying your unit was previously activated, but I would call customer service back and find out the history of the TSN. I just want to throw this out there, so you are not disappointed if this turns out to be the case.

Options for finding the UPC:
1.Maybe the manager of CC could get you a copy.
2. People on this board are very helpful, and you may get lucky.

[jjberger2134]

Also, go to the TiVo Rebate Center http://dynamic.tivo.com/2.6.asp

and the site to Pre-Qualify your rebate (found in step 2 of the above link).

[robostock]

Also, go to the TiVo Rebate Center http://dynamic.tivo.com/2.6.asp

and the site to Pre-Qualify your rebate (found in step 2 of the above link).

Thanks!

I did a Pre-Qualify with no problems.

So, I'm crossing my fingers on the rebate.

[rambler]

robo, you got PM.

[Einselen]

Doesn't the UPC have the TSN also attached to it? I know you can just cut it to have the barcodes, but any time I did teh rebates I cut out the whole square. If the TSN of the UPC and TSN of the actual box do not match then there will be a problem there. Maybe someone can chime in and state is just sending the barcode without all the other stuff around it has worked for a rebate or not.

[rdgdmd]

newbie here and needed a UPC scan of the 3 series as well. anybody kind enough to share?

[m.s]

Doesn't the UPC have the TSN also attached to it? I know you can just cut it to have the barcodes, but any time I did teh rebates I cut out the whole square.Don't "cut out the whole square." UPC != entire label.

Having said that, TiVo asks for a UPC for a reason, and if you don't have one (for any reason), and have to ask someone else to give you one, that seems highly unethical.

[omni555]

As m.s said, upc's are requested for a reason. They are your Proof of Purchase of the item in question. In the rare cases that copies of upc's are accepted (usually you have to cut the original from the box and send it) I would think that there is some SPECIFIC identifying information linking THAT upc uniquely with the product in the box (serial numbers or such).

That said, the only chance that robostock or rdgdmd have of getting their rebates would be to either 1) track down the original box that the unit was packaged in, or 2) call the rebate center and see if they will accept anything else in place of the upc.

I had a similar situation a few years ago when I bought a new TV that had a $100 rebate. I wasn't home when the delivery guys dropped it off, and they unpacked it and set it up, taking away all the "garbage" INCLUDING the original box! My wife was glad to see the trash taken out so efficiently, and didn't raise any objections. Next day when I called in to get the box for the upc, I was told that all such materials from deliveries had been thrown out, but I was welcome to search through about 2 tons of garbage to look for it!!!

MY situation was resolved in an unexpected manner. The TV turned out to be defective, and I had to have it replaced. When the store delivered the replacement I made SURE that they had instructions to leave EVERYTHING behind (box, packing materials, etc!!!). I then removed the upc from this new box and submitted the rebate materials, along with a copy of the receipt showing that the original TV was replaced.

Note: I HATE rebates!!! I had to call the rebate center about a dozen times before I finally got the $100 about 8 months later!

[robostock]

Don't "cut out the whole square." UPC != entire label.

Having said that, TiVo asks for a UPC for a reason, and if you don't have one (for any reason), and have to ask someone else to give you one, that seems highly unethical.


I don't think it is "highly unethical" if you ask for a copy of a UPC.

If you buy a qualifying product or TiVo and they need a copy or original of the UPC, I do not see the problem in asking for a copy of one.

To me, you are not trying to scam anyone. You legitimately bought it from a authorized dealer and for whatever reason the box with the UPC code is gone. The whole point of the UPC is to show proof that you did purchase the item.

I personally hate dealing with rebate companies, especially with restrictions they have in getting your rebate. This is a topic in itself.

[m.s]

Why not just include a note with your rebate and ask them to make a copy for you - I'm sure the rebate center has lots of UPCs laying around which they could copy.

It's not for "whatever reason." Not all TiVos purchased through an authorized reseller are subject to rebate.

It's a scam, a reprobate rebate, if you will.

[NealS]

I personally hate dealing with rebate companies, especially with restrictions they have in getting your rebate. This is a topic in itself.

I don't think having a UPC is a really tough rebate restriction. Pretty common these days.

I wouldn't have bought the unit if it didn't have a box, just me I guess.

[robertcn]

If anyone has a copy of a upc for tivo series 3 with tsn starting 648 i would appreciate a pic or copy.

[robertcn]

If you find one i need a copy too

[WVZR1]

I just stumbled upon this thread and while it might be "considerate" to attempt to accomodate an owner looking for a UPC I believe it could have maybe "serious ramifications"!

I believe the serial # of the machine is also included on the UPC and it could "I suspect" be considered maybe "fraud" on the part of the "participant/donor"!

The UPC tag includes Model#, Serial# and then just a simple "barcode" but I'm sure they're expecting the information to match the "activation" that is also required. There's "no one" getting mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!