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Author Topic: ICOM  (Read 1670 times)

KN6SU

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ICOM
« on: January 09, 2021, 01:37:05 AM »

I just learned that ICOM  requires buyers to complete and submit an on-line request for their rebates. I understand ICOM is doing this to make the rebate process easier (mainly for them but not necessarily the customer). They also require the customer to upload an electronic file containing a copy of the receipt for the radio as well as a the UPC from the  box that came with the radio. Unfortunately they no longer accept mail-in rebate requests, which will present a problem for folks who don't have internet access (and yes, there are some Hams who don't). >:(
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W9FIB

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2021, 04:35:43 AM »

Yes it is becoming harder to get through life without being online in some form. I think that's because we live in the 21st century and need to upgrade to the 21st century way of doing things.

Then there are the Hams that complain when a website isn't updated every 30 seconds.

Chalk this up to "you can't please everyone".
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73, Stan
Travelling the world one signal at a time.

W5JON

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2021, 05:44:26 AM »

Hi,

It is the "Golden Rule" ...... he who has the Gold, makes the rules.

73,

John
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G8FXC

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2021, 06:11:40 AM »

The level of usage of paper communications channels is falling fast. Unfortunately, the cost of operating the paper channel is not simply proportional to the level of usage - a postroom handling one item per week still costs quite a lot to own. I've spent much of my working life designing and implementing customer contact centres - we were seriously trying to phase out the paper channel fifteen years ago.

Martin (G8FXC)
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WW5F

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2021, 07:29:41 AM »

I just learned that ICOM  requires buyers to complete and submit an on-line request for their rebates. I understand ICOM is doing this to make the rebate process easier (mainly for them but not necessarily the customer). They also require the customer to upload an electronic file containing a copy of the receipt for the radio as well as a the UPC from the  box that came with the radio. Unfortunately they no longer accept mail-in rebate requests, which will present a problem for folks who don't have internet access (and yes, there are some Hams who don't). >:(

Yes, scary isn't it?  Can't live without the internet these days?  Why not?  How did we live before the internet?  Use the internet or don't get your refund?  Is that a threat?

Icom has already lost me as a customer with most of their radios coming with DSTAR now.  These radios have DSTAR, therefore, I refuse to buy them.  (I have my reasons which I've explained before in these forums.)

Given very recent events, which show the "internet" is starting to *assert* what it thinks, the day I completely disconnect may be sooner than I think.
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SOFAR

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2021, 10:15:43 AM »

The whole rebate concept is antiquated. Useless busy-work.
Give the discount up front. Or offer a promotional code to use when ordering.

Last Icom purchase, I didn't bother jumping through hoops for $20.
Likely for the better. Bet my mailbox would be stuffed with junk from their 'affiliates' for the next 2 years.
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KC6RWI

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #6 on: January 09, 2021, 11:19:46 AM »

I've never had a phone, never paid a penny towards a phone, but I fear someday I will have to own one.
I could name reasons not to own, but for me I can get all my work done on the computer, and I don't need to surf the net on a tiny screen.
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K0UA

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2021, 03:11:30 PM »

I would welcome the all electronic rebate process with open arms.  Last rebate I sent if for required the printing of a paper form and sending in the envelope.  Don't like that. Much rather upload a .jpg and be done with it.  MUCH much better. This IS the 21st century, why do some of you want to use postal things dating from the Kings Royal Mail in the 18th century?  it is a mystery to me.  Why anyone would complain about a modernized streamlined rebate process is beyond me.
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73  James K0UA

SOFAR

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2021, 03:31:00 PM »

I would welcome the all electronic rebate process with open arms.  Last rebate I sent if for required the printing of a paper form and sending in the envelope.  Don't like that. Much rather upload a .jpg and be done with it.  MUCH much better. This IS the 21st century, why do some of you want to use postal things dating from the Kings Royal Mail in the 18th century?  it is a mystery to me.  Why anyone would complain about a modernized streamlined rebate process is beyond me.

You still have to wait for your check or gift card to come in the mail.
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KC6RWI

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2021, 09:39:53 PM »

You can get your money on a rebate, I even called on one  they refused and they agreed and sent me the money, its was only $20 but its worth it. I have contested late charges and phone rates that have changed and I usually prevail. Its like getting paid to make a phone call.
I did get a rebate on ic7300, it took awhile but I took a $100 check and put it in the bank.
I don't like rebates at all, but I'll make an effort to get them. But I agree its a pia to play the game on some products that find some reason no to pay you.
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K0UA

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2021, 04:32:15 AM »

You can get your money on a rebate, I even called on one  they refused and they agreed and sent me the money, its was only $20 but its worth it. I have contested late charges and phone rates that have changed and I usually prevail. Its like getting paid to make a phone call.
I did get a rebate on ic7300, it took awhile but I took a $100 check and put it in the bank.
I don't like rebates at all, but I'll make an effort to get them. But I agree its a pia to play the game on some products that find some reason no to pay you.

Well, of course we all would rather not have to deal with rebates. It is just a way to entice you to buy by "lowering" the price with a promise to pay eventually. In the mean time they get to use your money to make money with while you wait for it. Sure it is a PITA, but at least Icom has attempted to take some of the pain out of it with the electronic submittal. I have gotten 2 of the Icom $100 rebates and had to suffer with the paper thing, so yes, I welcome the electronic submittal. As PITA's go, it will be less PITA that the old way. This IS the 21st century guys.  Bundling up paper forms and chunks of cardboard you cut out of the shipping box is pretty 18th century.
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73  James K0UA

AC2EU

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2021, 07:48:29 AM »

You can get your money on a rebate, I even called on one  they refused and they agreed and sent me the money, its was only $20 but its worth it. I have contested late charges and phone rates that have changed and I usually prevail. Its like getting paid to make a phone call.
I did get a rebate on ic7300, it took awhile but I took a $100 check and put it in the bank.
I don't like rebates at all, but I'll make an effort to get them. But I agree its a pia to play the game on some products that find some reason no to pay you.

Well, of course we all would rather not have to deal with rebates. It is just a way to entice you to buy by "lowering" the price with a promise to pay eventually. In the mean time they get to use your money to make money with while you wait for it. Sure it is a PITA, but at least Icom has attempted to take some of the pain out of it with the electronic submittal. I have gotten 2 of the Icom $100 rebates and had to suffer with the paper thing, so yes, I welcome the electronic submittal. As PITA's go, it will be less PITA that the old way. This IS the 21st century guys.  Bundling up paper forms and chunks of cardboard you cut out of the shipping box is pretty 18th century.

I, too, think the rebate concept is a thing of the past along with "send in your box tops". Why can't they just issue the rebate to the sellers and announce a price cut, via social media and banner ads? Now THAT would be 21st century!

AN aside to the rebates being processed though the internet, is the focus on electronic media versus print media itself.
In the "old days" when there was a purge, they burned books, but they had to FIND ALL THE BOOKS. Now all they have to do is deny access to the internet.

KN6SU

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2021, 11:21:30 AM »



I, too, think the rebate concept is a thing of the past along with "send in your box tops". Why can't they just issue the rebate to the sellers and announce a price cut, via social media and banner ads? Now THAT would be 21st century!

AN aside to the rebates being processed though the internet, is the focus on electronic media versus print media itself.
In the "old days" when there was a purge, they burned books, but they had to FIND ALL THE BOOKS. Now all they have to do is deny access to the internet.
[/quote]

Here's a link to a video that shows how it was in the really "old days"...https://youtu.be/yUQRbqc2qtY

"The more things change the more they stay the same" which also sound cool in French.
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RADIOPHONE

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2021, 11:01:51 PM »

Soon, to do anything will require a puter/network.

You too will be of the Borg.
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G8FXC

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Re: ICOM
« Reply #14 on: January 13, 2021, 02:05:14 AM »

...

I, too, think the rebate concept is a thing of the past along with "send in your box tops". Why can't they just issue the rebate to the sellers and announce a price cut, via social media and banner ads? Now THAT would be 21st century!
...

I assume that the concept of a rebate gives the manufacturers the ability to target the reductions better and maintain some control over shop prices. They can set time limits on the rebates that focus sales - as short as a week or two. If they cut stock prices to retailers, they can choose how much of the cut they pass on to customers and can vary the timings.

The other advantage of rebates as far as manufacturers are concerned is that they produce strong CRM links - in order to get the rebate, you have to give the manufacturer your contact details. In marketing terms, this is very valuable - they now have a strong marketing channel to you and implicit permission to contact you.

Martin (G8FXC)
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