Mail-in rebates are one of
product manufacturers' favorite ways to convince customers to buy their products.
Imagine this scenario: you're considering buying a piece of computer hardware for
$200. Maybe it's a bit out of your price range, or you just aren't sure it will be worth
the investment. Then, the manufacturer offers a $100 rebate on the product. They
know that you're likely to jump on that deal.
Rebates can indeed lead to real bargains, if you're a smart shopper with the right
temperament. Some products are even available with a 100% rebate - in other
words, they end up being free after rebate.
A good friend of mine is precisely the wrong person to rely on rebates: his kitchen
table is littered with unopened mail. His to-do list would be a mile long - that is, if
he were organized enough to make a to-do list. I would never recommend that he
buy a rebate product, because he probably wouldn't get around to redeeming it.
He is, in fact, exactly the kind of customer that rebate marketers love. They know
that the majority of people don't actually mail in a rebate, or don't manage to do it
correctly. The smaller the amount of the rebate, the less likely it is that people will
bother to redeem it. Complicated rebate instructions can make it more difficult to
do the job right.
On the other hand, if you would describe yourself as detail-oriented (or even anal-
retentive!) rebates are for you. Print out or obtain the rebate forms as soon as you
buy or order the product. Fill them out immediately. Most importantly, mail them in
as soon as you receive the product - before you lose the proof of purchase or
simply forget because you're too busy playing with that new gadget.
When you file for a rebate, read the fine print carefully and follow the submission
instructions to the letter. You only get one shot - so take care to do it correctly. Fill
out the submission form completely. Oftentimes, you'll have to submit a UPC code
or other proof of purchase as well as a sales receipt. Unless the form explicitly says
that you can submit a copy of the receipt, send the original. Always, always, keep a
copy of all the materials that you submit, including the form and receipt. If there's a
problem with the rebate, you'll have contact information for the company and proof
that you met the rebate requirements.
Many rebates take six to ten weeks to arrive: the time range will be shown on the
rebate form. By law, the company is required to send the rebate within the time
period specified, or 30 days if they don't give a time estimate. (They practically
always do give that estimate.)
To marketers, rebates are simply discounts that they only have to provide a small
percentage of the time. Although you may occasionally hear of buyers who fail to
receive rebates they rightfully deserve, most companies that offer rebates are
legitimate, upstanding firms that will honor your rebate if you hold up your end of
the bargain: submitting the rebate form correctly and on time.
Copyright 2005 by Kevin Savetz.
Kevin Savetz is a freelance technology journalist who has written for more than 80 publications. He is the co-founder of Free After Rebate which features computer gear, consumer electronics, office supplies, and more -- often 100% off the original price after rebate. You can keep up-to-date on the latest deals with the site's free newsletter.
