Rakuten

[Mike Dee]

They haven't credited yet for both my S22 Ultra and Tab S8 Ultra orders. I contacted support and they told waiting from Samsung to confirm the order which can take multiple weeks. I don't have my hopes up but at least they are frequently updating me that they are still waiting. If they don't credit me as promised I'll probably stop using them from next pre order since it's pain every year to keep following up with them.

I only had an issue once the first time I used them but they made good on it after a couple of emails. I think it was when I bought the Note 10

 

[bkdodger2]

Don’t despair folks… they will get it I’m sure ..next cash back check is May I believe so set a reminder for beginning of April if you don’t see it in account by then …

 

[anon(40376)]

My problem is if it is not confirmed in writing in few days, the phone goes back. They could easily receive the money from Samsung, keep it all and screw the customer. I can imagine trying to get Samsung to tell you they paid Rakuten or not might be harder than getting a politician to tell the truth. It is not about the money it is the principal. I contracted with Rakuten to use their site to order through so they can make money; as well as me, and it appears they are attempting to screw me over. I understood the money would not be dispersed till (approx.) May of this year, and that was not a problem. However, I WAS NEVER notified of the fact that my account dropped to $0.00 from $154.00.

If it wasn't for this post that gained my curiosity, I would not have checked for a few weeks or a month and then it would be too late to return the phone.

So they DO NOT keep you updated into what is in your account! But they sure do pop up in almost every retailer window I open (except for Amazon). Therefore, I feel something is amiss. And I do not like being screwed over. And I will not be in this case. If I don't get paid, they sure as hell won't get paid from Samsung!

 

[bkdodger2]

My problem is if it is not confirmed in writing in few days, the phone goes back. They could easily receive the money from Samsung, keep it all and screw the customer. I can imagine trying to get Samsung to tell you they paid Rakuten or not might be harder than getting a politician to tell the truth. It is not about the money it is the principal. I contracted with Rakuten to use their site to order through so they can make money; as well as me, and it appears they are attempting to screw me over. I understood the money would not be dispersed till (approx.) May of this year, and that was not a problem. However, I WAS NEVER notified of the fact that my account dropped to $0.00 from $154.00.

If it wasn't for this post that gained my curiosity, I would not have checked for a few weeks or a month and then it would be too late to return the phone.

So they DO NOT keep you updated into what is in your account! But they sure do pop up in almost every retailer window I open (except for Amazon). Therefore, I feel something is amiss. And I do not like being screwed over. And I will not be in this case. If I don't get paid, they sure as hell won't get paid from Samsung!

Unfortunately with Rakuten you always have to keep track of your purchases.. when I'm ordering it from Samsung and it's a big purchase, I always take a picture of my shopping trip and then if for some reason it does not get added to my account I will fire off an email to the customer service with a photo of the order number and the screenshot of the date that I put the order in.. it's not only with Samsung. It's happened to me with Macy's and other retailers... The thing is they have a lot of orders going through Samsung and Samsung doesn't notify them right away on a lot of the orders to confirm so it does take some time.. doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes you get it. Confirm right away.. but if you have an email out to them and it's noted, they will credit you the money into the account.. This is all from my experience .. most of the time 90% of the stuff gets through right away, but you always have to keep an eye on that 10%..

 

[anon(40376)]

Why deal with a company where you have to take screen prints of the purchase so you have proof you made a purchase? Doesn't sound like a good trusting relationship between business and customer. And if they cannot keep track of sales made via automated verifications, they need some IT help really quick. I'm far from an IT guy, but if they are sending out thousands of requests for verification of a purchase to stores, they need to have a way to track those requests and see if they have been returned or not and then further verification is required.

I understand keeping verification for the first sale to determine if the company is legit. However, Rakuten should have notified me that Samsung did not confirm the sale and ask for documents. Instead, I looked and found the problem and I had to initiate the dialogue to find out what was going on with my account.

I "believe" I will give Rakuten two days to reply with a positive result and positive is all I will accept since I made the sale via Rakuten's site, have a screen print proving that fact, I have the phone sitting on the table next to me and I have supplied proof the phone was delivered from Samsung. However, right now I am giving them two days; later today, I might just bundle up the phone and ship it back. I really have no trust in Rakuten. And that does not make for a great relationship between two entities.

The S22 is sitting next to me, but no longer being used, I pulled the SIM, placed it back into my 4XL and will continue to use the 4XL till a decision is made.

Time to drive a hundred or so miles to the UPS depot to pick up my computer that was shipped days before the S22U was shipped and hope the 100 mile trip was kind. And we all think Fedex is screwed up.

 

[Gary02468]

Why deal with a company where you have to take screen prints of the purchase so you have proof you made a purchase?

Because in exchange for that small effort, they give me $60. That's not ideal, but still worth it.

 

[bkdodger2]

Why deal with a company where you have to take screen prints of the purchase so you have proof you made a purchase? Doesn't sound like a good trusting relationship between business and customer. And if they cannot keep track of sales made via automated verifications, they need some IT help really quick. I'm far from an IT guy, but if they are sending out thousands of requests for verification of a purchase to stores, they need to have a way to track those requests and see if they have been returned or not and then further verification is required.

I understand keeping verification for the first sale to determine if the company is legit. However, Rakuten should have notified me that Samsung did not confirm the sale and ask for documents. Instead, I looked and found the problem and I had to initiate the dialogue to find out what was going on with my account.

I "believe" I will give Rakuten two days to reply with a positive result and positive is all I will accept since I made the sale via Rakuten's site, have a screen print proving that fact, I have the phone sitting on the table next to me and I have supplied proof the phone was delivered from Samsung. However, right now I am giving them two days; later today, I might just bundle up the phone and ship it back. I really have no trust in Rakuten. And that does not make for a great relationship between two entities.

The S22 is sitting next to me, but no longer being used, I pulled the SIM, placed it back into my 4XL and will continue to use the 4XL till a decision is made.

Time to drive a hundred or so miles to the UPS depot to pick up my computer that was shipped days before the S22U was shipped and hope the 100 mile trip was kind. And we all think Fedex is screwed up.

I hear you I'm just going by my experience.. thinking 2 days is not going to get it resolved I would be very surprised if you're going to get it credited right away but good luck with it.. there's just way too much traffic with the orders and what they get back confirmed from the different retailers.. I'm definitely not saying that it's the right thing or backing up their service I'm only going by experience and at the end of the day the credit hits your account before that check makes it for your rewards... I believe they pay every 3 months... I even had one order one time that I canceled with Samsung a week later and they reported back after the cash check hit my account but got it resolved...

 

[bkdodger2]

Because in exchange for that small effort, they give me $60. That's not ideal, but still worth it.

I’m always keeping track like everything else in my life

$1100 + since end of 2020 is worth it to me …

 

[KupKrazy]

I find that inexplicably, some people get it credited almost immediately, and others don't. My own experience is like a 50/50 with them, despite the popup coming up telling me that I would be credited by the following day. When I don't get it within the next day, I contact them and I get the same as you - a letter about how they need to get confirmation from Samsung first, and they will inquire with them which may take up to 45 days. This is even after I tell them that their extension acknowledged it, and also how others have gotten it quickly.

I will say that I eventually always got the rebate back, though - even if it was a 45 day wait. They end up never being able to confirm with Samsung and then give me the rebate anyway.

I didn't feel like going through that stuff this year, so I ordered through the app and didn't go through Rakuten this time. I ended up probably losing in about $30 or so in savings (due to the bonuses offered in the app that wasn't on the site). but I really wanted a break. lol I'll try it again next time.

 

[anon(40376)]

They are now saying Samsung does not pay for these types of purchases. Time to return a phone. Maybe order another one, maybe something else. Shame too, I really like the S22; but don't need one.

 

[anon(40376)]

This subject is over for me. I am returning the phone and the earbuds to Samsung tomorrow. I have notified Rakuten they can take their website and place it where the sun does not (normally) shine.
I do not need this BS for a hundred and fifty dollars.

 

[Mike Dee]

I have a strong feeling it's on the Samsung end because my wife buys tons of items through other retailers using Rakuten and they never miss a beat.

I've purchased Samsung through Rakuten about 7 or 8 times and they only missed once. Sent them an email and they informed me that they had to wait for Samsung to confirm. Samsung never confirmed, however since i had the order documentation Rakuten made good on the amount.

Based on all the Samsung website issues during pre-order which impacted more than just ordering items I would not be surprised if many Rakuten purchases didn't communicate properly.

 

[anon(40376)]

You could be correct, when talking with Samsung and being placed on hold while the person was checking with management (so she said) her reply was no, they don't work with Rakutan.

Regardless, the return FedEx shipper is printed, I have reset the phone it is packed away in it's little black box, the two sets of earbuds (never opened) are packed in the box and ready to be sealed.

I'll run it in an drop it off tomorrow at Fedex.

If I do go with another S22, it will be through Amazon. As much as I want to stop purchasing from Amazon, it is the best place, best return policy, and considering where I live, Prime is almost a requirement. Just wish they would stop using UPS or get a UPS driver in my area who is not afraid of snow, and drop offs with no guardrails (other than a pile of snow). That's why locally, Fedex is better. My driver has a smaller based Fedex 4x4, she loves mountain driving.

One of the very few photos taken with the short lived S22U, coming back from picking up my computer. (And yes, I stopped to take the photo.)....

 

[J Dubbs]

This subject is over for me. I am returning the phone and the earbuds to Samsung tomorrow. I have notified Rakuten they can take their website and place it where the sun does not (normally) shine.
I do not need this BS for a hundred and fifty dollars.

I don't mind saving money when the opportunity arises, but I can't stand playing the dog and pony show for a few bucks. I'd rather save $150 by shopping through B&H photo/video (awesome site) or other trusted sites, or just pick my phone up in person through a retailer on sale. Life's too short to play games over a few bucks.

But I also don't preorder stuff.... I wait till the price drops or it goes on sale. I wanted to try the Z Flip 5G.... but I wasn't going to pay $1380 for it, so I waited till the 256 gig Z Flip 3 went on sale for $900, and picked up a better phone for $480 less... unlocked, no activation required, no payment games, in person at my local Best Buy. No bs, just a clean easy sale... which is exactly how I like it. I guess I'm kinda old school

On a side note my wife tried Rakuten, then she had me uninstall it from her browser because she said it wasn't worth using. I've never used it so I can't comment, but it definitely isn't the type of thing I normally use... and it doesn't sound like I'm missing much

 

[anon(40376)]

My last email from Rakuten:

Thanks for contacting us. We checked on your Samsung order and it looks like your Cash Back amount was adjusted by Samsung because part of your order isn't eligible for Cash Back.

Here are some reasons why this happens:

Part of the order was returned, exchanged, canceled, or price matched.
Nothing was returned until TODAY...just dropped the phone off at Fedex about an hour ago. So when this email was sent nothing was returned. Now I did get the shipper yesterday when I filed for the return, however, this email is a reply to the problem noted a day or two before I decided to return. Therefore, someone; Rakuten or Samsung is full of dung.)

The order contained an excluded item. You can find exclusions for Samsung listed on their store page: www.rakuten.com/samsung.com
The order was simply a Samsung S22 Ultra, 256gb, White. It is not on their excluded list. And many here I believe have received money for purchasing the same basic item...a phone.

A non-Rakuten coupon was used. To be safe, stick to codes provided by Rakuten.
Not even sure what coupon they are talking about. I never used a coupon. I linked to Samsung directly from their site and in fact, after I did the purchase, they noted the $144 pending (understandable it would be pending till delivered), plus $10 for opening account. Not really sure what they are talking about. But it appears they do not know what they are talking about either.

We know it's frustrating when you don't earn the Cash Back you expected. If you think this is a mistake, send your order confirmation as a reply to this email and we'll look into it some more.

Not sure frustration would be the correct way to describe exactly how I felt and currently feel. I would use two words to describe it; however, cannot use that expression here. However, the initials are P.O. and I do not mean Post Office.

I have already sent them copies of the original invoice showing the sale, a copy of the email from Samsung noting the phone was delivered, a photo of the phone on my table, plus copies of their own website screen prints. I guess I could send them notarized copies of everything and have I can sign, along with the notary in blood.

However, it was easier to have them close my account, as well as I will be closing my Rakuten KOBO account and moving on to Barnes and Noble.

I removed the "R" from my browser yesterday.

I am also in the process of firing off an actual letter to Samsung in regard to this BS from Rakuten and maybe BS from Samsung to Rakuten. Letting them know that that is the reason the phone was returned. I liked the damn thing, it actually bugged me to box it all up and drop off at Fedex. In fact, I kept thinking of cancelling the return. However, I just could not in good conscience take a chance that Rakuten could make one penny off this sale.

I may also put my legal mind to work and fire off a letter to Idaho's state Attorney's General to see if there are other complaints in regard to this company.

So I will warn you all, they may be legit, and if that is true, then they are full of morons manning the accounts.

I might purchase another S22U when it goes on sale at Amazon; I'll probably never deal directly with Samsung again; but they sure do make some great phones. However, a possible sale could be determined by a reaction to the letter I send Samsung. That is, if there ever is a reaction.

I might end up waiting for a Pixel 7; heck I might just say screw it with the high-end flagships phones and head back to Motorola, buy cheap but reliable phones and not care about being careful when using. (wish LG was still in the game).

If I do get another S22U, I'll be back; however, for now, nothing to see or do here.

 

[Mike Dee]

My last email from Rakuten:

Thanks for contacting us. We checked on your Samsung order and it looks like your Cash Back amount was adjusted by Samsung because part of your order isn't eligible for Cash Back.

Here are some reasons why this happens:

Part of the order was returned, exchanged, canceled, or price matched.
Nothing was returned until TODAY...just dropped the phone off at Fedex about an hour ago. So when this email was sent nothing was returned. Now I did get the shipper yesterday when I filed for the return, however, this email is a reply to the problem noted a day or two before I decided to return. Therefore, someone; Rakuten or Samsung is full of dung.)

The order contained an excluded item. You can find exclusions for Samsung listed on their store page: www.rakuten.com/samsung.com
The order was simply a Samsung S22 Ultra, 256gb, White. It is not on their excluded list. And many here I believe have received money for purchasing the same basic item...a phone.

A non-Rakuten coupon was used. To be safe, stick to codes provided by Rakuten.
Not even sure what coupon they are talking about. I never used a coupon. I linked to Samsung directly from their site and in fact, after I did the purchase, they noted the $144 pending (understandable it would be pending till delivered), plus $10 for opening account. Not really sure what they are talking about. But it appears they do not know what they are talking about either.

We know it's frustrating when you don't earn the Cash Back you expected. If you think this is a mistake, send your order confirmation as a reply to this email and we'll look into it some more.

Not sure frustration would be the correct way to describe exactly how I felt and currently feel. I would use two words to describe it; however, cannot use that expression here. However, the initials are P.O. and I do not mean Post Office.

I have already sent them copies of the original invoice showing the sale, a copy of the email from Samsung noting the phone was delivered, a photo of the phone on my table, plus copies of their own website screen prints. I guess I could send them notarized copies of everything and have I can sign, along with the notary in blood.

However, it was easier to have them close my account, as well as I will be closing my Rakuten KOBO account and moving on to Barnes and Noble.

I removed the "R" from my browser yesterday.

I am also in the process of firing off an actual letter to Samsung in regard to this BS from Rakuten and maybe BS from Samsung to Rakuten. Letting them know that that is the reason the phone was returned. I liked the damn thing, it actually bugged me to box it all up and drop off at Fedex. In fact, I kept thinking of cancelling the return. However, I just could not in good conscience take a chance that Rakuten could make one penny off this sale.

I may also put my legal mind to work and fire off a letter to Idaho's state Attorney's General to see if there are other complaints in regard to this company.

So I will warn you all, they may be legit, and if that is true, then they are full of morons manning the accounts.

I might purchase another S22U when it goes on sale at Amazon; I'll probably never deal directly with Samsung again; but they sure do make some great phones. However, a possible sale could be determined by a reaction to the letter I send Samsung. That is, if there ever is a reaction.

I might end up waiting for a Pixel 7; heck I might just say screw it with the high-end flagships phones and head back to Motorola, buy cheap but reliable phones and not care about being careful when using. (wish LG was still in the game).

If I do get another S22U, I'll be back; however, for now, nothing to see or do here.

If part of your order was adjusted then you would have partial credit which doesn't make sense since you didn't get any credit.

 

[jlangner]

Finally got my $60 today. Emailed support and sent copy of email order and they credited.

 

[kolyan2k]

I was pissed at them at some point but eventually got my money. For my S22 order I actually got $85 cash back

 

[Katrina White1]

RETG - Sorry to see you go. You provided so much USEFUL information. But I get it!

 

[anon(40376)]

I may be back; however, I might just try a Pixel 6 pro to find out if the problems noted such as bad signal, FPS are accurate or not. I'll never know for sure.