A Tale of Two Rebates

I’ve applied for a couple of rebates recently. The first, a few months ago, was for $100 from Pacific Gas & Electric on the purchase of an energy-saving washer & dryer unit. The second, tonight, was for my iPhone.

Let’s compare these rebate processes:

PG&E:

1. Visit website
2. Fill out 6-page web form, 10 or so fields each
3. Print confirmation page
4. Attach receipt and copy of most recent PG&E bill
5. Put documents in manila envelope
6. Mail, at my own expense
7. Wait two months (did I ever get that check?)

Apple:

1. Read about website in RSS reader
2. Fill out first page of a web form (two fields)
3. Await text message
4. Finish web form
5. Save as PDF for later redemption

Most rebates I’ve submitted (from CompUSA or the water company or what have you) seem to be geared towards introducing the largest possible number of manual steps, so as to introduce the largest possible chance of consumer error, such that the company will have the greatest chance of keeping the consumer’s money.

Of course, Apple isn’t really giving back money — they’re offering store credit only. Still, I figure I’ve got a nice shiny new Apple wireless keyboard or some such.