Rebates can often give you a 50 percent discount and more. Learn how to take advantage of these money-saving opportunities. Also what to watch out for.
Whether it’s toothpaste, a hair dryer or a washing machine; from small purchases to big ticket items, rebates can save you a bundle if you know how to use them.
Saving Money with Rebates:
- Clip, clip clip! Even if you are not a coupon collector, you should be on the look out for rebates. Have your scissors handy whenever you open a box of anything! Whether it’s cereal or a toaster oven, you never know when you’ll find the big money-saving UPC code. Rebates involve cutting out the bar code on the item and returning it to the manufacturer for either merchandise or cash.
- Follow directions carefully. If the instructions on the box say to save 3 UPC codes and send them back within 6 weeks, mark your calendar with the exact date and send not only the bar code but also a copy of the transaction receipt. And make sure if you are required to send originals, always keep a copy. Because remember, you are mailing first class. Sending it registered or even with a return receipt may not be worth the money you’re saving!
- Look for rebates online. Before you buy anything do a Google search of "rebates" for that particular product. You never know what offers are out there until you look.
- Keep a filing system. If you participate in a lot of rebate offers, it helps to catalog all of them. And make a note on your calendar as to when your free gift should arrive. If the instructions say 2 to 4 weeks and you haven’t received your items by then, call the company’s toll-free number. They may not be in any hurry to send you free merchandise, but you are entitled to on-time delivery. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you must receive the item by the date promised. If there is no time specified, the merchandise should arrive within 30 days. If the company misses that deadline, you have the right to complain to the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
- Don’t buy what you won’t use just to get a rebate. That is unless you can trade those items with another rebate collector and both of you get what you want. Check with online coupon traders’ clubs for other rebate aficionados!
Remember, if you send in a rebate, the company has your mailing address. If you don’t want your name on a list and you send in a lot of rebates, consider opening a P.O. Box. But first read the fine print and make sure you know what the company’s restrictions are.
The copyright of the article Save Money with Rebates in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Save Money with Rebates in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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