Stand Up for Your Rebates | Penny Pinching Hints

Rebates are great and do save you money! But, not everyone takes advantage of rebates when they should. We don’t recommend you buy an item because it has a rebate; that’s not good money sense, but when you do need a product, check to see if buying from one manufacturer over another will help you save with a rebate. Also, don’t forget to use coupons WITH rebates. You’ll pay less for the purchase and still be able to recoup the rebate—double savings!

Here are some PennyPinchingHints.com tips for getting the rebate you’re due:

Buy carefully – Some rebates will require original receipts so purchase the rebate item separately so you can more easily send on the receipt and so the purchase receipt will be clear. Also when at the register buying a rebate item, ask the clerk if you have all materials you will need to apply for the rebate.

Time it well – Apply right after the purchase. Make sure you read the fine print to note deadlines. You should plan to have all rebate applications and materials ready to send within a month after you buy. If forms are online, print those forms immediately before they disappear from the site. If you have mail forms, mail them in way ahead of time so they will arrive on the specified date.

Be organized – Photocopy all the materials you send in with the contact information. Also note on your calendar the date 3 months from the time you send in the forms. All rebates should be back to you within that time and, if not, you need to call your retailer (toll free) or get in touch with the manufacturer (online).

Last Resort – If you do not get your rebate after applying and within the 3 month time frame, you have recourse. You can contact your state’s attorney general and/or you can be in touch with the Federal Trade Commission on their website.