February 13, 2008 - Associated Content

How to Save Money with Mail-in Rebates
By JMichol

I have been purchasing products for many years using mail-in rebates. Why, you ask? Because I save money and sometimes even get products for free. Now, I do not go buy things just because there is a rebate offered, but if it is something that I would have bought anyway, then why not save money? I may have to wait 8-10 weeks, but it is worth it when those rebate checks arrive. I've always wondered how companies could offer products for free or for such a large discount. According to an article on the Business Week website, "... 40% of rebates never get redeemed . . ." So, basically, companies hope that not everyone submits the rebate forms or that they make some kind of an error that hinders them from receiving the rebate and therefore the companies end up with more profit.

Here are some very important tips that I follow when dealing with mail-in rebates.

Mail-In Rebate Tip #1

Make sure when you purchase the product that you are following the rebate requirements. Most rebates have purchase deadlines as well as submission deadlines. The rebate may be sitting next to the product but be expired. Rebate companies do not bend the rules on requirements so if you purchase an item a day after the deadline, you will not be getting your money. Read the rebate very carefully and make sure you understand the terms offered.

Mail-In Rebate Tip #2

Do not leave the store unless you have the rebate form and receipt. Some rebates print out at the register when you check out, others can be found by the product, or in one central location in the store usually on a bulletin board.

Mail-In Rebate Tip #3

Complete the rebates right away because many of them are date sensitive and if you miss the deadline, you can be sure that you will not receive your rebate. Write so that it can be easily read, using all caps if necessary. If your rebate form is not legible, then you probably will have problems receiving your rebate. Trust me that nobody will take the time to decipher your handwriting.

ORIGINAL LINK:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588703/how_to_save_money_with_mailin_rebates
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