is a certificate of mailing worthwhile for mail-in-rebates?

[draggoon01]

i've seen some people recommend getting one and others not. the benefit is of course proof of mailing, but some have said that even if the mail does get lost it doesn't do much good for you. so which is it?

 

[apoppin]

I look at the extra 90 cents as cheap insurance. I usually don't bother if the rebate is under $10. IF the rebate fullfilment co says they never received your packet (or that it was late) you have "proof" of mailing. And that buys you a second submission of the photocopies and the eventual rebate is more likely.

 

[UsandThem]

Proof of mailing does nothing for you, but you can use a "Return Receipt" on large rebates. That way you have a card signed by the person accepting it.

USPS

 

[vegetation]

Certificate of mailing ($.90) is absolutely worthless for package/mail not received disputes. All it does is show that you mailed the item, not that the item was delivered by a postal agent to the receipient's mailbox.

 

[RossMAN]

It depends on the value of the rebate, how important is that rebate to you?

Usually if the rebate is $30 or more I always send it USPS Return Receipt (different from delivery confirmation), yes it costs around $4 but for me it's worth that peace of mind.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: vegetation
Certificate of mailing ($.90) is absolutely worthless for package/mail not received disputes. All it does is show that you mailed the item, not that the item was delivered by a postal agent to the receipient's mailbox.

I can't agree - anything that gives you leverage in a dispute is beneficial.

For my really big rebates, I usually certify (or even register, return receipt requested) my letter so there is record of a signature of the letter being delivered.

Proof of Mailing is absolutely worthless in mailings to the IRS, however. 😀

 

[vegetation]

But there is no leverage with certificate of mailing. It is not even meant to be used with this type of situation. You have no better grounds of evidence than showing a receipt for a book of stamps that you bought on the day you mailed it.

I can't agree - anything that gives you leverage in a dispute is beneficial.

For my really big rebates, I usually certify (or even register, return receipt requested) my letter so there is record of a signature of the letter being delivered.

True. Using return receipt for IRS mailings is a huge scam for the postal service. A postal agent once told me they weren't allowed to instruct customers that using proof of delivery to the IRS was a total waste of money.

Proof of Mailing is absolutely worthless in mailings to the IRS, however. 😀

 

[apoppin]

USPS

A Certificate of Mailing is a receipt showing evidence of mailing. It can be purchased only at the time of mailing. The certificate does not provide insurance coverage for loss or damage, nor does it provide proof of delivery. No record is kept at the mailing office, and a receipt is not obtained when mail is delivered to the addressee.

Certified Mail provides the sender a mailing receipt at the time of mailing and online access to the date and time of delivery. The recipient's signature is obtained at the time of delivery and a record of it is maintained by the Postal Service. Return Receipt service (the "green card") can be purchased at the time of mailing, which will provide you with a postcard containing delivery information and the recipient's original signature.

Delivery Confirmation?
Verify the delivery date, time and location online. You can also find out if delivery was attempted, or if the piece was forwarded or returned. Delivery Confirmation service is available for Priority Mail, Package Services parcels (including Parcel Post), First-Class Mail parcels and Standard Mail parcels.

All that you need to know.