Mail-in Rebate

About Mail-in Rebates

A mail-in rebate is a marketing tactic manufacturers use to convince customers to purchase their product. After you buy a specific item, you must complete a rebate application form and mail it to a fulfillment center. Then, after your application has been approved, you’ll receive a check for the specified rebate amount.

Manufacturers love mail-in rebates because they allow the company to advertise a big discount without actually giving the savings to all of the customers. Many customers will either forget to submit their rebates or fail to cash the check once the rebate is received. In fact, some studies show that rebate redemption rates are frequently less than 50 percent.

Mail-in rebates are most frequently offered on big ticket items like computers, mp3 players, cell phones, and household appliances. However, you can find rebates on everything from cereal to office supplies. The value of these rebates can range from $5 to several hundred dollars. Some items can even be free after rebate.

Although many mail-in rebate requests are filled within four to eight weeks, it can often take 10 to 12 weeks to receive your check.

Getting the Best Deal

Are mail-in rebates a good way to save money? The answer to this question depends on several factors:

• Is the product something you would buy anyway? If you’re buying an item just to receive the rebate, it’s not a bargain.
• Could you get the product cheaper someplace else? If the rebate is from a specific retailer and not the product manufacturer, it might not be the best deal for you. Careful comparison shopping is needed to see if you’re really saving money.
• Can the rebate be combined with other coupons and discounts? Many rebates will work in conjunction with other offers, but some won’t.
• Are you commited to filling out the rebate paperwork on time? Be honest! If you’re too busy to submit the forms, you’ll never receive the money and you’re better off buying a lower-priced product that doesn’t require the rebate.

Rebate Tips

If you’re using rebates as discount shopping tool, remember the following tips:

• Read over the rebate terms before purchasing the product. If you don't like the offer, walk away.
• Only deal with established companies when submitting mail-in rebates. Scams are quite common in this area.
• Read the rebate instructions carefully to make sure you’ve submitted all the required documentation.
• Use your best handwriting when filling out the mail-in rebate form. Illegible rebates will often not be processed.
• Make a photocopy of your mail-in rebate submission for your own records. If your paperwork is lost in the mail, you’ll need the copy to get your money.
• After two months, follow up with the address on the rebate form if you haven’t received your rebate check.
• If you receive a notice from the rebate fulfillment center saying that your request was denied because your application was incorrectly submitted, resend a copy of your application with a letter demanding your rebate. Mail-in rebate junkies claim this tactic almost always works.
• If your second request for a rebate is denied and you believe you are entitled to your money, contact the customer service department of the manufacturer of the product. Unlike the rebate fulfillment center, this department has a vested interest in satisfying their customers.

Additional Information

• Confessions of a Mail-in Rebate Junkie
• The How and Why of Rebates
• The Great Rebate Run Around

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