Rebate card uncertainties

Regarding “Rebate check is not in the mail,” David Lazarus’ Consumer Confidential column, Sept. 30:

We recently got two rebate cards from AT&T.; I used one easily at a local greeting card store, was unable to use either one at Staples, was unable to use either at a local hair salon -- though they know me and went out of their way to try to redeem the cards -- and finally was able to use them easily at the Container Store.

It was completely unpredictable, and it didn’t matter if it was a chain store or a local store.

I definitely am in favor of ending the practice of rebates. Just give the purchaser the cut price at the register.

Kathleen Sheldon

Santa Monica

Whenever I send for a rebate I make a copy of the form I send as well as my receipt.

If I don’t receive the rebate in a reasonable length of time, I write to the corporate offices of the manufacturer. This usually gets results.

Lynn Merles

Costa Mesa