HP B9180 Rebate Problem and Part number issues

Are you having trouble qualifying your HP Photosmart B9180 printer for HP's $70 mailin rebate? You are not alone. This is a common problem that has taken a quite a few calls to HP and authorized dealers to sort out. Here is what I have learned:

To order the 13" HP B9180, you order part number Q5736A#ABA (or simply Q5736). This is the HP manufacturer part number for the combination of the HP B9180 printer unit (stamped Q5734A on the back), the software CD, the power cord, the box, the manual, and the media. All of the actual printers are stamped on the back with Q5734A. You can not order a Q5734A, as it would not even contain a box, cords, etc.

Sometimes the number on the plate on the back of the printer will appear as Q5734A-002, or something similar.

Now to the rebate part: If you enter the part number on the back of the printer, Q5734A, HP will reject your claim. However, if you enter Q5736A and your serial number (from the plate on the back of the printer) it should go through online just fine. HP at one point recommended mailing in your claim if you had problems, but that is probably not necessary.

Some questions this answered:

If my B9180 printer says Q5734A on the back does this mean it is an older model?
No. This number is stamped on the back of all the HP B9180's. These are not refurbished, grey market, foreign, or outdated printers.

Does the Q5734A product qualify for HP's mail in rebate?
Yes, simply enter the part number as Q5736A as that is the product you ordered (and the product number on the outside of the box you received from HP).