Benjamin Franklin famously said, "A penny saved is a penny earned," and rebate offers are certainly a way to save money on the products you buy. If you are willing to mail proof of purchase to the product manufacturer (or its rebate processing center), you can get back many dollars on your purchases.
Instructions
1. Search for rebate offers on product packaging, or near product displays at various retailers. You can also search rebate directories such as Rebate Place, Actually Free and B2B Yellow Pages. Focus only on offers that will give you money, not offers that merely offer a product for free. You want the freedom to do whatever you want with the cash.
2. Read the rebate terms carefully. Do everything the instructions say before mailing, since some companies will refuse to honor the rebate if you don't follow the instructions exactly.
3. Make copies of the rebate, product receipt and product UPC code (also known as a bar code). Keep a record of these as well as the name of the company, the rebate amount and the date you mailed. You may need this information if a dispute with the rebate processing center should occur.
4. Mail the rebate along with a copy of the receipt and UPC code. Request a delivery confirmation from the post office so you have proof your mailing was received.
5. Cross off the rebate from your records once you receive the rebate check and cash it. You can also throw away your copies of the rebate proof.
6. Write the manufacturer if the rebate processing center informs you it won't accept your rebate. Repeat Step 4 and include a polite letter explaining the situation. The manufacturer is likely to give you the rebate, even if the processing center will not.
