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| Rebates - Make Sure You Get Your Money |
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Why are there rebates? Retailers are always
looking for ways to get you to buy their product. Offering you money off has
been a good way for years, but rebate bargains have proven more profitable
because of the following;
- Up to 90% of people never file their rebate. Even a $100 rebate has a low
60% fulfillment rate.
- Of those who file, many will be revoked because of not strictly adhering to
the rules.
- Even if all terms are met, too many people fail to follow-up on an unpaid
rebate
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Follow the directions.
This seems too obvious, but when the rebate asks for an original something,
don't send the copy. Likewise when they say cut the UPC from the box, don't try
to peel it off. Try to read the directions before making the purchase. Sometimes, the
rules will be too complex to bother with. Sometimes you will be asked to give
more personal information than you are comfortable giving away.
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In case you forgot what a
UPC is. |
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Do NOT procrastinate.
This is generally a
good rule for life, but is particularly important with rebates, because they are
invariably time-sensitive.
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Avoid problems.
This is easier said than
done but it makes sense to follow these rules.
- read the
fine print (and if it's too small, then don't buy it) -
I once read a rebate form for a cell-phone plan that
requested the rebate include a copy of the first month's bill and be
mailed within 30 days of purchase. You are not likely to receive your bill
by the deadline (it's generally out of your hands, anyway.) You are doomed
to fail from the beginning!
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deal with reputable "rebaters" -
Staples has an online rebate center which allows customers to find the right
forms, file them and even track them. Toshiba has an online center for
filling out rebates (you still mail the UPC). Amazon has developed a good
reputation with respecting rebates.
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Keep good records - Make a copy of
everything you send. I always mark three things on my calendar
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The date the rebate was sent
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The latest date by which the rebate should
arrive (≈ 6-10wks)
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The number/website to
contact for tracking and/or complaining.
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Learn how to follow-up -
Of course, the smaller the rebate the less likely you will do this. In
general, if it's not worth fighting for, then it wasn't worth buying to
begin with. When the deadline for receiving the rebate passes, make sure the
retailer and manufacturer hear about your problem
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Complain if you have to -
The best is to use the 800 number on the rebate form (that's why keeping a
copy is a good idea). If that doesn't work, a written complaint aimed at the
highest possible level at the company will usually work. I sometimes visit
the corporate website to get information on board of directors. If all else
fails, threaten to send a complaint to the
Federal
Trade Commission or
Better Business Bureau.
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Without rebate is better than with rebate.
For the most part, if the rebate is less than a few dollars it's not really
worth the hassle. Think about it...you have to wait 6-10 weeks then, if you
get a check, you have to go to the bank and waste more time. If you don't get
the rebate, are you really going to call the company and follow-up?
Small rebates are only worth it for the retailers. They are being tricky and
are relying on not having to meet their obligation. Just pass the item over and
teach them a lesson!
Bigger rebates are also devious, but we will fight for these! |
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