Originally Posted by
soitgoes
There are laws about such things as anti-competitive behavior, fair trade, truth in advertising, deceptive trade practices, etc.
Imagine a $100 rebate on a $500 computer. The rebate is listed as valid through 12/31, but the rebate T&C say that the terms may be changed at any time. You buy the computer on 12/1 because of the rebate. On 12/3, the company announces that they have ended the rebate. Despite the terms in their rebate, they couldn't simply say that the rebate never existed, just that it no longer exists. It existed on 12/1, and the company would be expected to honor it for purchases prior to the change in terms.
Your last sentence is vague: Who would expect them to honor it? I would expect them to honor it according to the terms that were in effect.
First of all, I'm not talking about anyone announcing they have ended the rebate. I'm dealing only with the changing of terms of the rebate. If the terms say they may be changed, well, then the terms may be changed. Is it good PR? No. Will it generate good will? No. Is it exactly what they warned you about? Yes.