On 8/9/10, having seen a promotion from Staples offering Copy Plus 8.5 x 11 copy paper by Hammermill for $43.98 per box. If I purchased four boxes for a total of $175.92 I would receive a debit card for $87.96 = 1/2 the price per box. I told my assistant to place the order and to inquire if the rebate was automatic as I have had a Staples account for 15 years or better or if it was necessary to apply for the rebate. In my presence she placed the call and asked. She was told that the rebate was automatic as I was an existing Staples customer and I would receive the debit card for $87.96 in 4-6 weeks. After five weeks she called. She inquired about the rebate debit card and was told that it was being sent automatically and that I should have it in two weeks. Several weeks later, having not received the debit card, she called again and was told that an "application" would be faxed to her. She completed the application on 11/5/10 and faxed it back with a copy of our sales receipt. On 11/11/10 I received an email stating:

"Thank you for submitting your rebate request(s) through Staples Easy Rebates! We have received rebate information for this/these product(s):

COPYPLUS 8.5X11 COPY CS

COPYPLUS 8.5X11 COPY CS

COPYPLUS 8.5X11 COPY CS

COPYPLUS 8.5X11 COPY CS"

It provided a web link to check the status of the rebate. I clicked the web link and there it stated that the rebate was invalid because - get this - it was out of time, i.e., the application had been submitted more than 60 days after the purchase date. I had noticed on the application which was faxed on 11/5/10 that it said that the rebate must be applied for within 60 days of purchase, but figured that under the circumstances, an exception was being made since I had been affirmatively misled. I called Staples rebate and spoke to a very nice woman and told her about the foregoing. I also told her that I am an attorney and have no intention of letting the matter drop; that Staples had joined the ranks of large corporations that have been exhibiting a pattern of ripping customers off using artifice, stealth and subterfuge. She offered to "fix the mistake" instantly and I have received a website confirmation that indeed, my rebate will be mailed in 15 days from today - 11/111/10. Our old allies are now ripping us off. It's sad.