Rebate Basics

Rebates aren’t as scary as you might think. The biggest challenge? Following through.

Companies offer rebates in hopes that you’ll run out and buy the product, but never get around to sending the rebate in or you do send it in and don’t follow the directions – so you’re denied. Either way, the company wins. These tips will help you keep a steady stream of rebate checks arriving in your mailbox.

• Follow through
  If you buy a product and it comes with a rebate form – fill it out as soon as you get home. By doing this you avoid missing the postmark date or forgetting about it all together.
• Follow the directions, exactly
  Companies hire clearinghouses to process their rebates. The employees are hired to make sure every rebate follows all requirements. If you don’t complete the form correctly you are looking at a rejection for your rebate – which seriously stinks.
• Be organized
  Have a folder that says “pending rebates” and keep copies of all rebates that you send in. Check the folder periodically to make sure you are getting your refunds. If you don’t, call them – often times just a phone call is all it takes for a rebate check to show up in the mail.
• Online rebates rock
  Don’t be afraid to try online rebate programs through Walgreens and Rite Aid – they are SO easy. You register for the program and then enter your receipts online. No hassle, no stamp – it’s so easy. At the end of the month, you hit the “redeem/claim my rebate” button and a check appears in the mail a few weeks later – piece of cake.