Rebates Part II: Tips for Return Rebate Forms for Cash

How can you prevent ignoring rebate redemption? Here are some tips:

For starters, you should submit your rebates no longer than three to four days after the product purchase. The longer you wait, the easier it is to procrastinate.

If you purchase something at a store that comes with a rebate, go to the customer service desk and ask for your rebate form. Many times the store will have the physical copy of the rebate form which will save you from having to go to a website to retrieve it.

Check your receipt sometimes the rebate form prints out with your receipt.

When you get home don’t throw anything out until you read the instructions on the rebate form. No rebate is alike, so you must verify what the manufacturer or retailer needs to give you the money back.

Cut the UPC code panel immediately after opening the package and save it in an envelope for safe keeping.

Keep your receipt in the envelope with the UPC code panel.

Make copies of everything. In the event your rebate gets lost in the mail, have copies of all supporting material and your rebate form.

Just do it! Fill out the form, gather your supporting materials, stamp it and send it.

Don’t forget to include your email address if they ask for it. Often an email will be sent letting you know that your rebate is being processed.

Watch your mail carefully! Many manufacturers will send you a rebate check in the form of a postcard with no envelope. I think they do this in the hopes that you think it is junk mail and will throw it out. Don’t fall for that.

When you receive your rebate check cash it immediately. Many times these checks are only good for 30 or 60 days – again they hope procrastination will prevent you from taking the time out to go to the bank to cash $10 or $20 check. I cash my checks immediately.

Because of my diligence late last year, I was able to get $45 back total with just two rebates. The time I spent filling them out was time I was not getting paid to do anything. I was at home making not a single dollar. So think of it this way. If you are at home on Saturday and you are not getting paid to do anything, the ten minutes that you spend doing your rebate form is making you money when you normally wouldn’t be.