For the self-disciplined, rebates can be a great way to get an item for free, or at a greatly reduced price. Like the offer for a six-pack of PediaSure, free after rebate. CVS and Walgreens websites also have frequent rebate offers that can lead to great savings if you follow them closely. But if you don't understand the rules, you'll wind up frustrated and out of a bargain. In my journey as a "dealaholic" I've experienced my share of rebate casualties. To save you from a similar fate, I have put together "The Ten Commandments of Rebate Redemption."
Don't procrastinate. One of the reasons manufacturers offer rebates is because they know that most people will either never bother to redeem the offer. The longer you put it off, the greater your chance of loosing your original receipt, your UPC code or some other integral piece of information. If you are serious about a rebate the best practice is to complete it the day of purchase.
Do not lose your original receipt. Without the original receipt you will not receive your rebate-- period. Don't try to make a copy, copies will be rejected. Your receipt must have the date, store number and pertinent information fully in tact. Make sure to circle or highlight the item on the receipt eligible for rebate.
Purchase each item eligible for rebate in separate transactions. Remember any rebate you send in must have it's own original receipt. It may be an inconvenience, but if there are two items at the same store eligible for rebate, you will have to purchase them on separate transactions. Copies of receipts are not allowed.
Do not lose or copy the original UPC off of the product. This is the manufacturer's proof that you purchased the item. It is the bar code found on the packaging of the item. No UPC-- no rebate.
Before you send in a form read every single word on the rebate, even the fine print. Every rebate has it's own specifications. These ten commandments will get you through the basics, but can not replace careful reading. Each rebate is unique, and must be studied in detail.
Fill out the rebate form, every single bit, in clear legible printing. If your handwriting is not easy to read, your rebate will not be processed. If you leave out a piece of requested information, they will not process your rebate. Give it the same attention you give your taxes, at least with a rebate you're guaranteed a refund.
Don't send in any item without first making a copy for your records. Rebates do occasionally get lost, or there can be conflict regarding the information you put on the form. Make copies so if there is a conflict you have a record of what you sent in. Otherwise you will be out of luck.
Include the original receipt, UPC code, rebate form and any other requested material in its entirety. One small oversight can bring a rebate to a halt. Before you send in your rebate package, make a list and check it twice.
Never do business (rebate or otherwise) without a contact phone number. No matter how good the offer sounds, don't bite unless you have a verified customer service number to call in the event you have a problem. The first sign of a shady deal is lack of contact information.
Patience is a virtue. The quickest turnaround to expect for a rebate is around six weeks. Two to three months is not unheard of. Rebates are delayed financial gratification.
Take these commandments to heart, follow them to the letter and you will be on the road to rebate savings.