Winning at the Rebate Game!

Rebating is a bit of a game.  You want your money back and the manufacturers want to keep it, but with a few strategies you can win the Rebate Game. 

Tip #1 - Read the fine print

Always read everything on the rebate form and follow the directions exactly.  If the rebate says to include the original UPC, don't send a copy. If the online checkout invoice is required, do not try to send the confirmation emai instead. If the directions ask you to write in black ink only, print in all caps, etc., make sure you do it. If the rebate requires you to circle the item on the receipt, make sure you do it even if it was the only item you bought.  Make sure you know how many rebates can be submitted per form, person, or household.  If the rebate requires that you purchase the item from a specific store, it will only be honored on purchases from that store.

Tip #2 - Make sure you buy the right item(s)

Many rebates are very specific about the product, size, or quantity of an item that you must purchase.  Make sure that you buy exactly what the rebate form specifies or your rebate will be rejected.  For example, if the rebate calls for ABC detergent with bleach and you purchase ABC detergent without bleach, your rebate will be rejected.  If there is a specific UPC listed on the rebate form, make sure that it matches the product that you purchase.  Is the rebate valid for online orders or in-store purchases only, if so make sure you purchase it through the correct method. If it is an upgrade rebate, you may have to prove that you to already own a previous version of the software.

Tip #3 - Make sure your submission is legible

Many rebate forms are printed on glossy paper, so the ink smears easily even after it seems to be dry.  I generally do not use gel pens on these forms because they are prone to smearing.  If the rebate form is small and does not specify a specific ink color or writing style, I often stick an address label in the address area of the form.  This is a timesaver, but also guarantees that the writing is legible.  

Tip #4 - Complete all required fields

Each form is a little bit different, so you will need to read carefully to see what is required.  Some forms will require your name and phone number, but on other forms this is optional.  If you do not want to give your real email address, you can set up a special email address through a free service like Hotmail, Google, or Yahoo.  Some forms have surveys attached and sometimes they are optional, but other times they are required.

Tip #5 - Make sure your information matches

If you submit a receipt or invoice that contains your name and address, make sure that matches what you submit on the rebate form.  Many manufacturers will reject your rebate if this information does not match because they will suspect that you are submitting multiple rebates under different names or addresses.  Even though the rebate form does not specify this, remember that the manufacturers are the final decision makers since they have the rebate money.

Tip #6 - Keep track of all deadlines

Rebate forms have several deadlines on them that you should be aware of or you may miss out.  First, make sure that you purchase the item within the purchase period.  If you buy it before or after the specified period, you will not be eligible for the rebate.  Second, there is always a postmark deadline. Make sure that your submission is sent on or before that deadline.  Third, most rebates have a date by which the rebate must be received.  It can be as little as a few days after the postmark deadline, so make sure that you allow enough time for the company to receive it.  You can also download the Rebates and Promos Tracking Form to help you.

Tip #7 - Keep copies of everything you submit

You need to make sure that you have proof of submission if there is a dispute about your submission or if you do not receive your rebate when you expect it.  See my post on Organizing Your Rebates for some additional tips.

Tip #8 - Don't be afraid to be assertive

If you do have to call the company regarding your rebate, don't be afraid to be assertive.  You always need to be polite, but you do not just have to accept "We don't have it" or "You did not submit the proper information" as the final answer.  If you have kept your copies, you should be able to work through the situation to get your rebate.  Remember, this is your money.