lost my proof of purchase for $150 rebate on compaq computer. Is there another
way to prove the purchase. We bot it from office Depot and we have the charge
slip from American Express as well as the sales slip. Jim Scarbrough

Proof of purchase is usually the UPC on the side of the box that your
computer came in where it will say "proof of purchase"

The reason that rebates exist is because they expect that you will get
tripped up alon the way. All the steps you have to take to get the
rebate;

1)Clip UPC from box
2)Fill out rebate form completely AND accurately
3)Make copies
4)Mail with proof of mailing at post office by the date listed on rebate form.

ALSO you must;
5)Follow up on rebate when it doesn't come (they will say that they
did not get it and you will have to resend it)
6)Take your check when it comes to the bank and deposit.

At every point in this process a few people drop out and do not get
their rebate. Hence profit is made off these people.

So to put it bluntly, you will not get your rebate without your proof of purchase.

I have lost rebates because of not making one of the above steps. Many
rebates simply never came. Rebates are creating headaches for more
than one attorney general. I personally feel like that it has become
criminal in many instances.

So much as this rebate is concerned, if you can not find the box, I
would use ebays "wanted" feature to try and buy the box if you can.

This is the reason why you fill out rebates RIGHT when you get home.
But I avoid them now because of their seemingly inherent dishonesty.

Laws vary state to state with rebates, so call you division of
consumer affairs (or similar agency) for help and information.

See this also

http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2003/commentary030410JF.htm

BTW, staples latest rebate with the big "EASY" button "WASNT" for me.