Explorer’s Instant Rebate Sale Friday, March 23, through Sunday, March 25, 2012!

[Piestro]

<p align="center"><a href="http://www.everquest2.com/images/en/features/articles/marketplace/2012/012012/Unicorn_misty.jpg"><img src="http://www.everquest2.com/images/en/features/articles/marketplace/2012/012012/Unicorn_misty_sm.jpg" /></a><em>The Misty Unicorn is one of the many items available in this weekend’s Explorer’s Instant Rebate Sale</em></p> <p>Every good explorer knows that embarking on a successful adventure is all about the preparations you make beforehand. Whether it’s a new mount to ride proudly in your travels around Norrath, or a hefty bag to hold your loot in, this weekend we’re offering instant rebates on a wide variety of items to assist you in your exploration. Starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT on Friday, March 23, 2012, and lasting until 11:59 p.m. PDT on Sunday, March 25, 2012, the Explorer’s Instant Rebate Sale offers you an instant Station Cash rebate on select purchases.</p> <p>Don’t wait, log in today and see all the exciting items available!</p>

[Warpax]

<p>Rebates are stupid. If something costs 1000sc and you will rebate 300sc why not just sell it to me for 700sc to begin with.</p><p> Most people associate rebates with cheap maketing ploys requiring people to jump through hoops collecting receipts and UPC codes and filling out forms and mailing them in and waiting 4-6 weeks for snail mail..etc.</p><p>Call it a sale and show me the sale price. and be done with it.</p>

[Zimbiotic]

<p>Its not stupid, at least from the business perspective. From that point of view, its pretty smart because it encourages players to purchase more SC so they can take advantage of the discount. Once you purchase SC, they have your money, and you have only virtual money.</p><p>So, stupid is only a matter of perspective. I would say its stupid not to see this from both perspectives.</p>

[Koleg]

<p>I know during the last instant rebate promo there serveral people that purchased something didn't get the rebate, but when I purchased an item under the rebate sale, I was awarded the rebate SC as soon as I was rewarded the item.</p><p>I don't see anything wrong with having different types of promo's as long as they work they was they are advertised.</p><p>So, if you buy something for 1000 sc with a 500 sc rebate the "ploy" is that you must have the 1000 sc in the first place.  Some people may think that means you have to over spend on the currency before hand.  Others will not care becasue they have a balance of the currency from all the double redemptions.  I see it as a sale is a sale is a slae.</p>

[Raknid]

<p>One reason also may be that SC sales are reported as is to superiors with the raw numbers, not the rebated numbers, although the "overbuy" take is probably largely correct.</p><p>In any case, you can get some stuff cheap...as long as they make sure to have their ducks in a row this time.</p>

[redwoodtreesprite]

<p>Why is there an etherial prowler in the ad as being one for rebate when Serillis still has them all locked up in his vault?  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" /></p><p>----------------------</p><p>Edit -  Had to ask in chat where the prowlers were, I did not see the vault section at the bottom.  I am sure many others will not notice it as well.</p>

[Litlbigman]

<p>Rather than trying so hard to raise more funds thru the Marketplace, the EQ2 team had better focus on game content and offensive marketing. This is still one of the best MMO's on the market, and yet it fails to attract new players and retain the old ones.</p><p>N.B. Only aliens use the word 'rebate',  normal people say 'discount' <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Mystikreign]

<p>Ok so I am just wondering if the mounts and bags are the only things that are going to be on rebates this weekend or if the items will change everyday? Just curious because I spend my SC on prestige houses and housing items and character slots and that about it.</p><p>Thank you however, for doing this. Really appreciate that SoE does these little promotions once in awhile.</p>

[Laenai]

<p>Will the rebate system actually work this time? Or will it turn into another fiasco?</p><p>Honestly, the SC promotions are becoming just as bad as the game content in terms of bugs, needing fixes, getting pulled down and put up later, etc.</p>

[CoLD MeTaL]

<p><cite>Warpax wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Rebates are stupid. If something costs 1000sc and you will rebate 300sc why not just sell it to me for 700sc to begin with.</p><p> Most people associate rebates with cheap maketing ploys requiring people to jump through hoops collecting receipts and UPC codes and filling out forms and mailing them in and waiting 4-6 weeks for snail mail..etc.</p><p>Call it a sale and show me the sale price. and be done with it.</p></blockquote><p>The theory goes a little like this, it costs 1000sc with a 300 rebate.  You have to purchase 1000sc to get the item, then u r left with 300sc that you will just spend on something else.  By offering it this way they 'gimick' you into spending sc u might not otherwise have spent. </p>

[Zahk]

<p>Is this the same deal as the last time, where the rebates were "at least half"?  Or does the rebate percentage vary?  I don't like buying things without having any idea what the final price will be until the purchase is completed.  It's not very clear from the post as to how nice the rebates are - the way it's worded, it could be as small as just a 100 sc rebate, which wouldn't be enough for me to consider buying any of the rebate items.</p>

[Mystikos]

<p>Having one issue, How can i tell which item gives a rebate im ingame looking at marketplace but i dont see anything diffrent about the items/mounts. This is my first time buying during a rebate weekend, need some help.</p><p>Thanks in advance</p>

[Mystikreign]

<p>There are items. which at the top. say Rebate. Mostly it is ground mounts, a few flyers, and some backpacks.</p>

[redwoodtreesprite]

<p><cite>Mystikos wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Having one issue, How can i tell which item gives a rebate im ingame looking at marketplace but i dont see anything diffrent about the items/mounts. This is my first time buying during a rebate weekend, need some help.</p><p>Thanks in advance</p></blockquote><p>It will have REBATE over the icon for it.  If it doesn't now, it does not have a rebate.  Also be sure to browse the store after loading a character whenever they have a rebate sale.  Mounts of course won't be in the char load screen mini store, but other rebate times might have something there.  And it was severely bugged last time where things in the mini char load screen store showed as having a rebate when they did not.</p>

[Keratis]

<p><cite>Zahk@Crushbone wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Is this the same deal as the last time, where the rebates were "at least half"?  Or does the rebate percentage vary?  I don't like buying things without having any idea what the final price will be until the purchase is completed.  It's not very clear from the post as to how nice the rebates are - the way it's worded, it could be as small as just a 100 sc rebate, which wouldn't be enough for me to consider buying any of the rebate items.</p></blockquote><p>I would like to know this also or I wont be buying anything.  Just how much is this rebate?  If it isnt at least 50% off, its not even worth considering.  If it's 50% to 100%, I might consider spending some.</p>

[Bloodragon]

<p>I dunno, mebbe It's bugged, but I cannot see any rebate pricing. I remember last time it listed price/rebate, now none of the rebates are flagged to show in the sale section, and it only gives the full price. There is no way to see what the rebate is, and only the word REBATE on the icon to tell if it is on sale.</p>

[ET3D2]

<p>That's what I want to know too. Without information about the amount of rebate it's not worth going through this.</p>

[Tigress]

<p>what's stupid abt this is you have no idea how much of an instant rebate you are receiving.  i hate suprises when it comes to spending my money.  you can bet your bottom dollar that i will buy ZERO items from this "sale".</p><p>if rebate is the "wave" of the futre for EQ2 to boost their internal corporate image on sales, they need to create a "rebate" section bc having to look at each category for what is or is not on rebate is tedious.</p>

[Suziqueue]

<p>I was planning to spend some cash this time round, but since there is no indication of actual rebates per item before purchase, then they get ZERO cash from me. It's a shame really <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Mermut]

<p>Please give some indication of how much of a 'rebate' we're getting. I agree with most of the posters here.. if I don't know how much the 'rebate' is, there's no incentive to buy.</p>

[Te'ana]

<p>I won't buy anything with a hidden rebate amount either.</p><p>This seems more like "a hidden prize in every marked box" rather than a rebate where you know what you are getting.</p>

[Mystikreign]

<p>Well I am not sure if anyone else noticed, because I JUST did, but on the EQ2 homepage under game alerts it says that it is, sorry had to edit because it says ATLEAST a, 50% rebate on some ground mounts and flying mounts, most explorer bags and they pulled out the prowlers as well.</p><p>However, when you click on it for more infor, it does not say anything about it. Just wanted to let everyone know that. Just wished the rebate was on some of the prestige housing or even house items. The last rebate sale was a lot bigger and had more options. I think this one has maybe 10 items. Oh well.</p><p>Thank you SoE for atleast trying =)</p>

[Raienya]

<p>Just my opinion, lose the "instant" rebate and just list the items with their usual price and the sale price. Less chance of something getting bugged that way.</p>

[redwoodtreesprite]

<p>Big problem with this is that it IS a rebate situation.  I have several accounts that I would love to buy one mount each for.  But the most SC at the moment on those accounts is 750.  And this is a between paychecks time for us, so it is not feasable to add more SC to those accounts.  End result is, those accounts don't buy mounts this time because I am 300 SC short, even though I actually have the final sale price for them.</p>

[Krytin888]

<p>Like someone else has stated they need to get over and off the marketplace fiasco as a way to get money and start making the actual game content etc.</p><p>Most people dont give a rat about market items , quit using it as a resource to make money and make the game better adding content , while attracting new players .</p><p>I feel sad that sony has come down to the marketplace as there main focus , putting devs on it to make new items every week.</p><p>Fix the game already , in my opinion get rid of the damm thing all together . Put all the items you put in there in the actual game, give players something to do and market the game and keep it going!</p><p>The game was 25 x better before they added that marketplace in my opinion im sure others feel the same.</p><p>Nuff said.</p>

[Mystikreign]

<p>Some of us, including me, really enjoys the stuff they have on the Marketplace. I dont know about any of you but I got tired of decorating the same houses. They were plain and the same thing over and over. I rather enjoy all the prestige housing that you can buy, even though I wish the Mistmoore crag estates could be bought, and I love all the housing furniture sets. Wish are carps could make something that looks that awesome, but not yet.</p><p>I do agree that they should also concentrate on fixing the game, but some of us play the game to do decorating and stuff other than just go kill monsters and lvl.</p>

[mappam]

<p>FYI - I just took a chance and bought one of the "rebate" bags - the original cost was 550 = I got a 300 rebate - Not Bad for a 44 slot bag!</p><p>I have no idea if it is a set amount on each item or if it is a "lottery" type rebate?? "Step right up for a chance to win - just spin the wheel...."</p><p>But thought I would pass this info along in case it helps anyone else.</p><p>Also - if anyone else has bought something then we can compare notes on What The Rebate Is.....</p>

[DarkCat]

<p>Just bought the "Iridescent Swiftwing" mount and got 1000 SC back, so it only cost 950</p><p>Just tossing that one out there</p>

[Iron Hand]

<p>First of all, I agree with those who feel sony could choose a better method for a sale than this rebate method...</p><p>However, I've been wanting a mount for my mage so I gave it a try.</p><p>I bought a Lightning Wolf for 1,950sc and received 1,000sc as a rebate.</p><p>So far, the transaction seems to have gone well but I'll reserve my opinion for at least a week... until they've had time to either mess it up or keep it right.... depending on which side of the bed they get out of in the days to come.</p>

[ET3D2]

<p><cite>Krytin888 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>Most people dont give a rat about market items , quit using it as a resource to make money and make the game better adding content , while attracting new players .</blockquote><p>So you're arguing that SOE should get rid of a major money source so that it can allocate more money to other things. Why didn't they think of that?</p>

[Moldylocks]

<p><cite>Krytin888 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Like someone else has stated they need to get over and off the marketplace fiasco as a way to get money and start making the actual game content etc.</p><p>Most people dont give a rat about market items , quit using it as a resource to make money and make the game better adding content , while attracting new players .</p><p>I feel sad that sony has come down to the marketplace as there main focus , putting devs on it to make new items every week.</p><p>Fix the game already , in my opinion get rid of the damm thing all together . Put all the items you put in there in the actual game, give players something to do and market the game and keep it going!</p><p>The game was 25 x better before they added that marketplace in my opinion im sure others feel the same.</p><p>Nuff said.</p></blockquote><p>Dave Georgeson is the new Sheriff in town, and he was brought in specifically to make it Marketplace-centric with the new F2P model.  That is not going to change.  The horse that you are pining for left the stable quite some time ago.</p>

[Katz]

<p>I spent maybe 20 seconds looking to try and find rebate items and then looked for how much the rebate was.  I found it annoying to locate the rebate items and not knowing the end cost of the item further annoyed me. </p><p>Not going to bother with looking for rebates any more. </p><p>If you want us to spend our money, then you need to make it easy and less annoying.</p>

[Mystfit]

<p>Although I'd liek it if it were easier to find the things, they do say it's at least 50% off. So, if you want osmething...divide it in half and figure that's your final cost and then be pleasantly surprised if it's more <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[ramblinrod]

<p>I'm with those who think the actual rebate amount should be posted.  There are items I would buy if I knew that the rebate was, say 75%... a minor difference, but enough to keep me from a purchase which I think might only be 1/2 back.</p><p>That said, the turborotor was, to me, a good enough deal at 50%, so bought it and the end cost was 700 SC (750 rebate.)</p><p>To respond on another poster's concern, since I bought 1 for each of 3 accounts, and they were all the same end-cost, I highly doubt there's any randomness in the rebate amount.  Sony might change it at the drop of a hat*, yes, but no 'lottery' in play here, IMO.</p><p>* Thus reinforcing my feeling that the rebate amount should be listed -- even the amounts people post here are potentially invalid</p>

[mavetwhomavet]

<p>And what's up with the prowler mounts??? I have one, maybe 2, on some toons and I really like those - that and the dread stead. Anyone know as to why they were removed and if they are being put back?? Would be kind of crappy if they're not <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Thanks</p>

[Krytin888]

<p><cite>Mystikreign wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Some of us, including me, really enjoys the stuff they have on the Marketplace. I dont know about any of you but I got tired of decorating the same houses. They were plain and the same thing over and over. I rather enjoy all the prestige housing that you can buy, even though I wish the Mistmoore crag estates could be bought, and I love all the housing furniture sets. Wish are carps could make something that looks that awesome, but not yet.</p><p>I do agree that they should also concentrate on fixing the game, but some of us play the game to do decorating and stuff other than just go kill monsters and lvl.</p></blockquote><p>But wouldnt it be nice if there was some sort of tradeskill timeline quest to get those items you paid for? it would not only give you more to do in game but also provide those items for you free. Of course for subscribers.</p><p>This defeats the argument that they need the marketplace to survive .</p>

[Krytin888]

<p><cite>ET3D2 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Krytin888 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>Most people dont give a rat about market items , quit using it as a resource to make money and make the game better adding content , while attracting new players .</blockquote><p>So you're arguing that SOE should get rid of a major money source so that it can allocate more money to other things. Why didn't they think of that?</p></blockquote><p>Nope first off im not arguing , second there already spending money on the devs to make these items so yes.</p><p>Put them on the actual game , make it so SUBSCRIBERS can recieve these items via questing , fix the game bring in more customers. Adding content by doing this keeps players longer (also making them sub longer) ??????</p><p>Not that hard to understand. Everyones crying about not having enough content , heres your fix while also making people sub wich brings in monthly revenue .</p><p>Keep the marketplace , but also make items available in game for those of us who arent crying about having to work for our items theres no reason we cant have the best of both worlds.</p><p>I dont mind the marketplace being there for the casuals. But id also like another option of getting these items without having to fork over more cash after already paying a sub.</p><p>Nuff said lets move on now.</p>

[Krytin888]

<p><cite>Katz wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I spent maybe 20 seconds looking to try and find rebate items and then looked for how much the rebate was.  I found it annoying to locate the rebate items and not knowing the end cost of the item further annoyed me. </p><p>Not going to bother with looking for rebates any more. </p><p>If you want us to spend our money, then you need to make it easy and less annoying.</p></blockquote>

[Krytin888]

<p><cite>Moldylocks wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Krytin888 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Like someone else has stated they need to get over and off the marketplace fiasco as a way to get money and start making the actual game content etc.</p><p>Most people dont give a rat about market items , quit using it as a resource to make money and make the game better adding content , while attracting new players .</p><p>I feel sad that sony has come down to the marketplace as there main focus , putting devs on it to make new items every week.</p><p>Fix the game already , in my opinion get rid of the damm thing all together . Put all the items you put in there in the actual game, give players something to do and market the game and keep it going!</p><p>The game was 25 x better before they added that marketplace in my opinion im sure others feel the same.</p><p>Nuff said.</p></blockquote><p>Dave Georgeson is the new Sheriff in town, and he was brought in specifically to make it Marketplace-centric with the new F2P model.  That is not going to change.  The horse that you are pining for left the stable quite some time ago.</p></blockquote><p>Nice he had a limp and was broken anyhow...</p><p>/sad</p>

[mavetwhomavet]

<p><cite>Keratis@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zahk@Crushbone wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Is this the same deal as the last time, where the rebates were "at least half"?  Or does the rebate percentage vary?  I don't like buying things without having any idea what the final price will be until the purchase is completed.  It's not very clear from the post as to how nice the rebates are - the way it's worded, it could be as small as just a 100 sc rebate, which wouldn't be enough for me to consider buying any of the rebate items.</p></blockquote><p>I would like to know this also or I wont be buying anything.  Just how much is this rebate?  If it isnt at least 50% off, its not even worth considering.  If it's 50% to 100%, I might consider spending some.</p></blockquote><p>Personally, I'm not affected by rebates one way or the other. If I see something I like, then I'll buy it. I usually keep about 5K of those yellow coin thingys on the marketplace anyway...</p>