Nothing says "DEAL" like a product that is free or almost free - after rebate. The newbs among us often forget that to get that deal you basically have to float the retailer or manufacturer a small loan. That float is returned 6-12 weeks later in the form of a rebate check.
Sure I'd probably be better off with a low price upfront. But there is an adrenaline rush that comes with going to the mailbox and picking out a rebate check that you "forgot about". (Yeah right! Who forgets about a check that's coming?!)
Here are some tricks and tips I use to make success with rebates much better:
- Fill out the rebate before you start using the product. Don't wait before submitting your rebate, unless the rules make you wait. While you're at it, read the rebate submission rules before you put your pen down. Most rebates follow a simple formula of complete the form, include copy of purchase receipt, original UPC... but high dollar rebates and those of annoying tech companies who shall remain nameless often have additional requirements, such as a signature, serial number, DNA sample or copy of the Magna Carta. It takes just a moment to read the fine print. Forget one little thing, and it's so long rebate, hello denial.
- Get the rebate form as a PDF whenever possible. Save the PDF on your computer. Personally, I take it a step further by scanning the completed rebate forms, receipts and even UPCs as PDFs on my PC. For this purpose I use one of the Brother MFC units I have and a Custom Scan button I have configured in their Control Center software to automatically scan to a file, save it as a PDF and put it in the "Rebates Due" folder on my hard drive. Since most rebates tells you to keep copies of the documentation until after the rebate arrives, this also eliminates paper clutter in my already cluttered office.
- Keep a spreadsheet, Word doc or other task list with rebate info, such as amount, date submitted, and rebate status URL if given. Since I use Google Apps and Gmail for my email, I also have a filter and tag setup for rebate status emails. That way I can see all my rebate emails with a single click.
- Make sure you have supplies handy. It's a total P-I-T-A not to have an envelope around when you need one. Also consider using a electronic postage program like Endicia or Stamps.com instead of hand writing the envelopes. That saves you from having to keep stamps around. Yes this costs a monthly fee... but if you do much other mailing the gas saved on trips to the post office for stamps will quickly save you enough to pay back the fee. The electronic postage also serves as proof of mailing since it logs the exact date and time the item was postmarked. For high dollar rebates you can add Delivery Confirmation for just a little more then the regular postage.
- And of course... Be lazy when possible! Look for shortcuts. Many rebates can be partially submitted online. Costco is great about doing that with all their rebates. OfficeMax's "Easy Rebate" is similar. You save them from having to read your crappy penmanship and pay someone do data entry. And in return you get status updates and tracking for your rebate. I consider that a fair trade.
