Microsoft Class Action Suit Outcome: Indifference

Ec|ipse writes points out that only about 7 percent of eligible Californians have decided to take Microsoft up on their settlement claims resulting from a class action suit in that state, writing "Microsoft contends that it's because the software giant is so popular with consumers." Eclipse excerpts from the press release on Yahoo! (from Settlement Recovery Center, a company that "helps businesses participate in class action settlements"): "With only two weeks remaining until the January 8 deadline, fewer than one million claims have been filed, out of some fourteen million eligible, for a share of the $1.1 billion fund arising out of the Microsoft class action settlement in California."

Comments

Suprise?

[confusion]

Should this really be a suprise?
Why do you think stores offer "mail-in rebates"? Because NO ONE SENDS THEM IN. Or at least a substantially small number as to still be wildly profitable.
People like to think they're getting a good deal, but when it comes time to send in the paperwork, it doesn't happen.

Jerry
http://www.syslog.org/

Re:More Money for the ones that Do File?

[NetNifty]

From the FAQ on microsoftcalsettlement.com:

"Q: What benefits are available under the settlement?

A: You will receive vouchers redeemable for cash after the purchase of a wide variety of software and computer hardware products. The vouchers are worth: $16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.

Q: What can the vouchers be used for?

A: You can exchange your vouchers for cash by submitting proof of purchases you made after July 18, 2003 of the following computer products: Any desktop, laptop, or tablet computer made by any manufacturer for any operating system platform, or any of the following devices: printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards, or pointing devices (e.g. mouse, trackball). Qualifying software includes any non-custom software offered by any software vendor for use on a desktop, laptop or tablet computer. The qualifying computer hardware or software does not have to be a Microsoft product. After you submit proof of purchase to the Claims Administrator (either with your claim form or your voucher) a check will be sent to you for the amount of your purchase. The Claims Administrator will keep track of any remaining value on the voucher for your use in making future purchases. The claim form instructions and the voucher will explain the redemption procedure in more detail. "

Re:More Money for the ones that Do File?

[marco0009]

From TFA:
According to the settlement, two-thirds of the unclaimed proceeds will go to public schools around the state in the form of Microsoft software and vouchers.

So no, the claim filers will not get the excess.

Reminds me of Nintendo

[beldraen]

My state of Missouri decided to "get tough" with Nintendo's price fixing back in the late 1980's, I belive. I signed in for the class action suit and everything. Being young, I had the nievity to believe that this would change things. The state "won," and I got a certificate for $10 off my next game purchase. Wow, Missouri punished Nintendo with a game sale and state-wide advertisments.

The only think that Microsoft didn't manage to do in this case was tie the deal to new purchases; otherwise, it's Microsoft laughing, not rumbles from Mt. St. Helens over there.