Drobo Rebate
edited by Earl on Jul-30-2008
Here is what the rebate form looks like:
After I made the purchase and have the product in my possession, now I see in the fine print at the bottom of the rebate form that the rebate will be "in the form of a gift card". What does that mean? A gift card to where? To a store? I thought the rebate would be cash in the form of a check. I have a bad feeling about this rebate, so I thought I would document what happens in case other people wonder what kind of a deal this is.
I printed the form out today and am in the process of filling it out. The form asks for the Drobo Serial Number. Where is that? It's not on the back of the unit. I turned my drobo upside-down to attempt to find it... while the power was ON... I hope the hard drives inside are OK! [ Edit: After I completed the rebate form, I saw how one guy thinks he lost all his data when turning the unit on its side.]
I see a sticker on the bottom of the unit with two rows of numbers. Which row is the serial number? I guess I could write down both rows of numbers onto the form and let Data Robotics figure it out.
The rebate form also states that in order to be eligible for the mail-in rebate, you must register your Drobo at http://www.drobo.com/register/ . They make you jump through some hoops to get that "gift card".
During the registration process, they ask you for the Part Number and Serial No. Now I have to find the part number. Where is that? It's not on my invoice from Buydig. I thought it was just a "drobo"... didn't realize there were different part numbers to keep up with.
Flipping the drobo upside-down again to look at that sticker, I see that the first row, the top number, must be the part number, since it matches one of the choices on the online registration form. My drobo's part number is 900-00002-003. I assume then that the second number below that is the serial number.
Next step: Get "proof of purchase". Since I bought it online, I'll print the invoice that I received via email.
OK, I got the rebate form and copy of my email stuffed into an envelope. I'll put that in the mail on Monday and wait to see what form the $50 rebate is in... check or gift card? I'll post the result here.
Update, Aug-16-2008
The gift card arrived. And it's alright. It is a gift card, not cash or a check, but is basically a debit card worth $50.
The card required activation at Bank of America's website. The activation took only a couple minutes.
I'm happy that it appears I can spend this most places that I shop.
Comments
The Drobo dashboard, in the advanced tab, displays the unit serial number. No need to turn it over for that.
I checked to see if the serial number could be found where you said. I did not see a "tab" labeled "Advanced", but I did see a button labeled "Advanced Controls". I did not see the serial number there. However, you got me started in the right direction. Until your message, I had no idea that there was a way to find the serial number using the drobo software. The Data Robotics rebate form certainly didn't state how to find the serial number.
On my Vista installation, here are the steps to find the drobo serial number.
1. Get the drobo software running if it isn't already.
Start --> All Programs --> Drobo --> Drobo Dashboard --> Drobo Dashboard
The dashboard itself doesn't show the serial number when it first opens. Pressing on the button labeled "Advanced Controls" doesn't show it either. Once you see the dashboard, it will load the icon into the dashboard. The icon is what will help us, so close the dashboard.
2. Close the dashboard
Click on "About Drobo Dashboard"
Good Luck getting the gift card. I received mine today which is a Bank Of America Visa Gift Card and I went to activate it and was told it was a stolen card!!!
You revealed what I should probably expect: a Bank of America Visa gift card. Interesting. I read some details about the gift card:
It's a prepaid gift card.
Use the Bank of America Visa Gift Card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. It looks like any Visa credit or debit card, but because it is a prepaid card, the spending is limited to the amount of money placed on the Gift Card.
It's easy to use.
Once activated, simply present the Gift Card at the time of purchase and sign the receipt - you do not have to enter a PIN. The transaction amount must be less than or equal to the amount remaining on the Gift Card, otherwise you will need to pay the difference before using the Gift Card. To check the amount remaining on the Gift Card, click the Cardholder Sign In link above or call 1.866.300.8288. Also, make sure you know the expiration date for the Gift Card. After that date you will no longer be able to use the remaining amount on the Gift Card.
It's secure.
If the Gift Card is ever lost or stolen, call 1.866.300.8288. Provide the Gift Card number to begin the replacement process. Be sure to keep a record of the Gift Card number in a safe place, separate from the Gift Card. And don't forget to sign the back of the Gift Card to help ensure it cannot be used by anyone else.
There is a toll free number if the card is stolen: 1.866.300.8288. Matt, maybe you should try that if you haven't already.If I receive a Bank of America gift card as my rebate, that will be alright with me. (As long as it's a valid card and not reported stolen!) I'll have to make sure I spend it immediately before I forget, since I read they expire in 9 months. I would rather have a check for $50, but I can still spend the gift card most anywhere I want.
It's a bit of a pain that Bank of America requires that we call or log into their website before we can use the gift card. I wonder if they will get my identity when I activate the card. I'll check to see what kind of privacy policy they have on those cards. It could be a good marketing research tool for Bank of America for them to see who is buying what. That data might give them a better idea of who to send credit card offers to.
thanks for this.. very helpful information
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