Some top tips for cashback deals ...

orlwaysbroke

SURELY, somehow, a simple set of rules can be applied to taking up all cashback deals.

Something along the lines of ...

1 Read, read and read again all docs - including online t&cs. Gain email confirmation from CS from whichever company for anything not clear. If they don't respond, then try once more after a few days - if still no response then WALK AWAY (there are many more offers with your name on it ).
2 Print everything off and spend 50p on a stapler - staple all together (inc screenshots of offers if relevant. Put this somewhere safe.
3 Order.
4 If the phone arrives within agreed timescale then check all delivery docs against your preorder knowledge. Any problems contact CS - include that you require response within 48hrs , or you'll cancel and return the phone. Keep responses with your stapled bundle. If you are happy the move to 6 below.
5 If the phone is late - even by one day, or if you are in any way concerned - then send it straight back as per their instructions for return. Remember - there are so many offers and so many dealers - don't be afraid to go elsewhere.
6 Buy a calendar (or update your PDA, phone or whatever), and your first bill arrives mark on it when you are expecting your next bills - and most importantly when you are expecting your 'cashback' bills ( the ones that trigger the cheques).
7 When the cashback triggering bills arrive send in the claim (along with anything else they ask for ) within 24hrs by SPECIAL DELIVERY it must be worth a few pound to ensure it all gets where it should.
8 Many dealers will text or email to confirm receipt. Keep a copy.
9 Trace the Special Delivery letter - ensure it arrives.
10 Mark on your calendar the date you expect your cashback.
11 Put the kettle on.
12 On the due date - if it's been received then great. If it hasn't then contact the company by email - making it clear the cheque is required within 7 days. If after 7 days still no checque then send another. This time give 7 days again, but make it clear a claim through the courts will follow on the 8th day (or the next available working day).
13 Gird yourself for a fight. On the day you said you would contact moneyline to issue a claim against the dealer. Email , including your costs, and require cheque for all owed within 14 days.
14 Still no sign of a check - allow the courts to deal with it for you. REMEMBER - you entered into a contract in good faith, and have jumped through all their hoops - IT IS YOUR MONEY, DON'T LET THEM KEEP IT.
15 Cash the cheque (eventually maybe) and mark on the calendar for the next cashback bill, and start all over again.


What does everyone think - does this offer a condensed and complete way to deal with the thorny subject of cashbacks ?????

Aiadi

Forgetting about these deals is by far the most condensed and complete way to deal with this thorny issue.

Great advice by the way but mine is a bit better.:cool:

melipona

Seems a good starter for 10, however with respect it did seem a bit aggressive. I have done loads of cashback deals over the years and have personally never had a problem, of all the people I have recommended these deals to the only ones who have had any difficulty are those who did not abide by the Ts & Cs, usually they missed a claim date.

Judging by the posts on this forum I know that not all have had the same good experience but I do suspect that there is a silent majority who have had there cashback as agreed and been very happy with the process, also I wonder how many who make a comment about not receiving cashback actually subsequently get it?

I do agree with your emphasis on the dates, it is imperative that you understand the Ts & Cs, it is true that they are often written in a way which may catch out the unwary but this is a clear case of buyer beware.

If you are looking for a deal I suggest that you make a list of what you need to send, the earliest and latest date you can send it, when and how the payment is made. All of these vary considerable between companies, also make sure that you know what the consequences of missing a claim is, with some companies you can lose all entitlement to cashback.

My advice is to make a pragmatic assessment of the offer, make sure that you can afford to fulfill you contract obligations should the cashback fail, don't commit to a £45 a month deal if what you really need is a PAYG. Its not all about cashback either, think about network coverage, type of phone and company viability.

If you do some research and satisfy yourself that it is for you and that you are organized enough to meet he deadlines cashback deals are brilliant. For the last 6 years all my friends and family have effectively had free phones, rental and calls, we have reduced our land line bill to a minimum and even made some money by selling surplus phones on e-bay and buying through cashback sites like quidco and greasy palm additionally most companies will give a referral bonus.

DO NOT go into these deals with your eyes shut, as op said "Read, read and read again" the Ts & Cs.

One last thing, the time most people seem to mess up their claims is when they go on holiday, think about what is due when especially as some companies only give a 14day claim window.