Part of the usual "terms and conditions" for Canon's special rebate offers is that the camcorder be purchased from a "Canon Authorized USA Digital Video Dealer". Is this serious (Canon applies it rigorously), or am I just reading the fine print too much? Naturally, when I purchase online I look for the lowest priced dealer which seems to be reputable. But if Canon won't honor the rebate for that dealer I might actually end up spending more!

Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

Those are Canon's conditions and in my experience they are applied consistently. It could be grounds for having your rebate invalidated by the company authorizing and issuing the rebate checks. It is always safest buying from an authorized dealer.

Ah....I think this explains why I never got my $200 rebate. That is total crap. I purchased the camera from an online dealer, and sent in all the paper work, with the coupon they sent me, back to Canon.

That is a totally dishonest business practice, if it's true, and consumers should have some kind of legal recourse for these business' actions.

I have this happen with several rebates this year. They should be required to tell you who is an authorised dealer and who is not. Can you say business fraud?

This is why I always urge our members to buy through our DV Info Net sponsors (www.dvinfo.net/sponsors). Not only are they fully authorized by the various manufacturers, but they're the best, most reputable dealers in the business.

Just an update: I called CamerasAnd Electronics where I purchased my Xi from. Their service has always been really fast and friendly. They said they are authorized Canon dealers.

Then I called Canon, and they said there had been a problem processing the rebates, causing a big delay. Apparently, they will be sending them out this week. I hope so….