Tips for Successful Rebate Redemption

Rebates are an awesome way to get free and nearly free merchandise. It only requires a little work on your part to make sure it works for you. Here are my best tips for getting started with rebates.

Where to find them:

• Store circulars and catalogs. Frequently stores will advertise special rebates that they are offering on products. These will either appear in the weekly circular or in a special month long catalog like that at Walgreens.

• Product packages. Sometimes you will get a nice surprise when you get to the store. Frequently packages have stickers or tags on them announcing the rebate.

• Internet postings. The internet is filled with bloggers who love to share the good deals they find. Frequently they will point you to rebate announcements on manufacturer’s websites, or post about items that they have found in the store, or through a company mailing list.

• Coupons circulars. Most of the rebates I have personally taken advantage of were rebates that were featured alongside the coupons in the Sunday paper. Hold on to these when they come out. Many times a store will run a special sale on the item in question within a week or two and this will give you a chance to maximize your savings.

Keys for successful rebates:

1. Read carefully. Most rebates require an original cash register tape with the purchase price circled, the UPC code from the product (barcode), and the original rebate form. Make sure you read carefully so your rebate isn’t disqualified because of a missed requirement.
2. Prepare rebate and mail immediately. Prepare the rebate as soon as you get home with the product. Most rebates are never redeemed. Do not let this be you.
3. Combine coupons with rebates. Most rebates will reimburse you for the full purchase price of the product. That means if you are purchasing a $3.00 item and you have a $1.00 coupon, you will pay $2.00 plus tax and get a $3.00 rebate. Effectively, you get a free product and make $1.00.
4. Keep track of your rebates. Keep a photocopy of your documentation if possible. If not, keep a written record of the details such as the rebate amount, information you supplied, phone number for the company, and the date you mailed the rebate. There are online resources to help you track your rebates, too, if you prefer a digital method of organization.
5. Follow up. Before you mail your rebate, make a note on your calendar at the time that you expect your rebate check to arrive. Most rebate forms will indicate a wait time of anywhere between six and ten weeks. If you haven’t received your check by then, it is probably worth giving the company a call.
6. Cash rebate checks frequently. Once the checks start coming in, make sure that they don’t sit around gathering dust. Keep them handy for your next bank run.
7. Use your rebate money to purchase other rebate items in the future. When you bring your rebate checks to the bank, get them cashed and keep that cash in a special envelope devoted exclusively to purchasing rebate items. As long as you consistently cash your checks and replenish this envelope, you will effectively be spending the same money over and over.