Rebates are a wonderful thing, if and when you receive your rebate check. The most common mistake made when sending in a rebate is failure to comply to all the rebate requirements and failure to keep a copy of all materials sent to the rebate processor. When dealing with rebates; please be sure to follow our guidelines, it will save you a hassle in the future and ensure that you receive your rebate promptly.

• Price compare before you buy anything with a rebate. Rebates are usually promotions that are offered to deal with price cuts or competitive pricing. Sometimes you may find that you can purchase the same product from another store at a lower cost without having to fill out any rebate! The less hassle, the better off you are.
  
• Before purchasing any item with a rebate; read the rebate requirements in detail. Be sure that you can meet all the requirements before you make the purchase. If you purchase a product, and then return it because you don't qualify for the rebate you will end up losing on shipping costs. The requirements you should pay attention to are the: product/purchase requirements, quantity, expiration date; post-mark date, location requirements, stipulations, etc.
  
• Some rebates will only be honored for specific stores; don't expect to have a rebate honored if you did not purchase it from an authorized retailer listed on the rebate form.
  
• If the company sponsoring the rebate is not well known, beware. Many rebates are never honored by their sponsoring companies and you could be the one to lose out. If in doubt, check the Better Business Bureau to get information on a company. If there are any open complaints against them, they will most likely be listed there.
  
• If you're dealing with an upgrade rebate; be sure that you have the proper proof-of-purchase to be eligible for that rebate.
  
• Once you receive the product, fill out the rebate form CLEARLY so that your handwriting is easy to read. If I was a rebate processor and I received chicken scratch all over a rebate form, I would most likely ignore it as well. Many companies will not accept typed-in responses, one good practice is to write in all the details with a non-smearing pen. Then place a sticker with your name & address on the rebate form in a blank space. It doesn't hurt to have a second opinion.
  
• Most rebates require the original UPC (Universal Product Code) to be cut from the package as proof of purchase. The UPC is the white/black barcode on the outside of the box that is scanned by price scanners. Remember; if the rebate requires the "original' UPC they most likely will not honor a photocopy.
  
• Photocopy or scan all the materials you are sending to the rebate company. This includes the rebate form, receipt, UPC and any other required paperwork. It's kind of hard to prove that you sent in a rebate if you don't have a copy. The rebate forms will also have the numbers you need to call to verify that a rebate has been received and is being processed.
  
• Many rebates can be submitted online, usually requiring you to send the printed form out along with the required proof-of-purchase. This method is extremely convenient and you will receive email confirmations on the status of your rebate. Save these emails as well.
  
• When checking the status of a rebate; you can save time by first checking online. Most rebate companies have a website where you can track the status of your rebate. If you fail to find your submission, call them directly to find the status.
  
• Before you call for the status of your rebate; please wait the required amount of time for your rebate to be processed. This time period is always listed on the requirements of the rebate; the typical time period is 8 to 12 weeks. If after this amount of time you haven't received your rebate, you should follow up by checking the status online, or calling the rebate company directly. Be prepared to be placed on hold as some companies are overwhelmed with calls, and you'll have to deal with an "automated attendant" for a good portion of the call.
  
• Track all your rebates using spreadsheet or database software. If you are waiting for multiple rebates; you can easily forget about ones you should have received. After a the rebate period expires, you may not be eligible to resubmit it.
  
• The post-mark date determines if your rebate will be accepted due to time restraints. If you are dealing with a large rebate (> $50.00) you may want to take your envelope directly to the post office and ask for a dated stamp and a receipt. This is your proof that your submission was mailed on time, and that you dropped it off at the post office. Rebate companies are not responsible for late mailings and have no problem rejecting your rebate if it is not postmarked on time. Certified mail also works, but will cost you more then $2.00 per envelope.
  
• This is totally opinionated, although any rebate under $4.99 may not be worth the time. If there's a problem with the rebate; you will most likely lose 30 minutes of your life while you check to see if it was received, place phone calls, etc. Remember, most every rebate you send in will cost you a stamp, envelope, and time to do the work (purchase, cut UPC, photocopy, envelope, stamp). Time is money, and sometimes you'll find that your time is more valuable then $1.00 back. You'll most likely earn this amount of money in your savings account by the time you get your check!

Richard Iglar

Richard Iglar is a contributor for Anticost.com, an online shopping site dedicated to help consumers save money while shopping online.