Rebates
By Gary Gray, Sat Dec 10th

We’ve all had our issues with rebates. Remember the time youpurchased that “free” product from Comp USA or Circuit City whothen promised you would get your money back? What an easypurchase! But, did you know that the majority of folks neverredeem their rebates? If you really ever did get that check inthe mail, you’re one of the few savvy consumers out there. Ifnot, I want to let everyone in on how to ensure they’re going tobe getting the savings they signed up for. Get out a pen andpencil; this may require a little work.

I’ll be honest; I’ve always had a problem with rebates. I’m aconsumer aware of the price I’m paying, constantly wondering ifmy purchase is legitimate or there’s some hidden agendamotivating the seller. Rebates seem to fit the bill of a scam.After all, who wants to give something away for free, and howcan you make money on that? While rebates can seem promising onthe surface, they rarely pan out. According to Peter Kastner,executive vice president of Aberdeen Group, only 40% ofconsumers submit rebates they are entitled to, 40% submit therebate and successfully get a check, and 20% have problems. Youthink they want you to redeem that rebate? Think again.

But despite the difficulties of rebates and the burden toredeem, they do offer an opportunity at great savings impossibleto find elsewhere. A couple items of due diligence are requiredwhen using these cheap discounts. But first let’s explain someof the deception involved.

At the outset, merchants hope you won’t bother. It takes a lotof work to redeem a rebate, so be prepared. In addition, theredemption process is made to be complicated. Who owes you yourrebate, the retailer or the manufacturer? And the tediousness inthe process will make you so fed up you’ll forget about yoursavings or give up in the process, taking the loss as a learningexperience.

OK, so we know rebates are difficult at best. But what ifeveryone turned them in and was willing to follow up on all theproblems that can be involved? I’ll give you a hint, theseretailers would lose money, and rebates would end. But that’snot the case: rebates grew from 1 billion to 4 billion dollarsfrom 1999 to 2003, and they continue on today with a presence inthe online discount shopping arena. Learn

how to take advantageof these savings and you’ll be adding to your online shoppingsmarts.

1. Look at who’s issuing the rebate, the manufacturer or theretailer? Manufacturers often use rebates to remove excessinventory or to clear out products for the latest models. Ifit’s a retailer who’s offering the rebate, and what’s their truemotivation? Why aren’t they just offering a sale? Theseretailers are really just playing the odds hoping you won’tredeem your savings, so be aware.

2. The paperwork: Be sure to keep receipts, UPC codes, andsometimes even a cutout of the product picture or text on thebox. Read the fine print on the rebate form (don’t leave thestore without this) to know exactly what to send in. Be sure tofill in every field, don’t leave your email address blank, yourform could be rejected on a technicality! A hint is to set up aseparate free email address at hotmail for a lot of you‘potential’ spam mail. This address can not only be used forrebate forms but for online newsletters as well.

3. Keep good records. I’d suggest marking the deadline for therebate on a calendar, and then the date they state the rebateswill be sent out – if it’s 8 weeks after the deadline, markthat. Make copies of all receipts and UPC’s before sending inyour information. Be sure to take care of all of this within afew days of purchase, many times the rebate does not depend onexpiration but on a date that can be only 7 days after yourpurchase!

4. Don’t be afraid to call. Oftentimes I’ve found the only wayto get my rebate is to call, with records in hand, to explain mysituation. I NEVER leave my rebate to chance, because I knowI’ll eventually forget! After all, that’s what they expect!

Nowadays, I’ve resorted to using savings I can realize at thepoint of purchase, and no longer rely on rebates for my bargainhunting. Since most of my shopping is done online these days,I’m resorting to online coupons and codes where I canverify the savings before checkout. Am I getting the best deal?I think so; I never was one for paperwork.

About the author:Gary Gray, of CouponChief.com, is a bargain finderand deal hunter. Chief provides free discount shopping deals and couponcodes to help consumers save money online at nearly everystore – before checkout! No hassles, no worries!