What are the best methods to get your rebates from stores, especially for multiple rebates

[Zelgar]

Hello....

I was hoping to get some ideas to increase my chances of getting my rebates. I especially want to know what tips people have for items that have multiple rebates listed (e.g., right now with all of the tax software there are deals to get other software "free" after rebates, but all of the rebate coupons require the UPC from the tax software box).

Does anyone do the following?
* Send rebates by certified mail
* Print out the information on a index card instead of the rebate form to prevent errors in spelling of names
* Photocopy the UPC symbol, or scan and print the UPC label on photo paper
* Send the UPC symbol to the manufacture, but send copies with a note to the store and other software companies rebate centers?

Any hints/tips are appreciated.

 

[olouie]

might wanna move this to the rebate thread. does not belong in hot deals

 

[Devistater]

Generally you must follow the rebate instructions EXACTLY. If they say original UPC, you must use the original UPC for it. The rebate people probably look for any excuse to disqualify rebates. So, read the fine print and follow it exactly.
Also, as for printing out on index cards, a lot of rebates say that you must use original rebate form only, so I don't think that will help either.

 

[Zelgar]

<< might wanna move this to the rebate thread. does not belong in hot deals >>



Two reasons why I didn't use the rebate tracking thread:
1. The thread was more about people commenting on whether or not they had received their rebate, not how they submitted them.
2. I wanted to be able to see what people's response were, whereas using the thread would of been hard to find the responses.

 

[alaskadan]

I always take the following steps when sending in a rebate:

1) Make copies of the filled-out rebate forms
2) Make copies of the UPCs
3) Make copies of the receipt
4) If the rebate is due in 6-8 weeks, I create a reminder in Outlook 8 weeks from the day I mail the rebate form, which includes a message stating something like, "Did I get my rebates from compUSA yet? IF not, call 1-800-comp-USA for them."

If I get them on time, I just ignore the remider when it comes up. If not, I set the remider for a week into the future and call the rebate company using the number I put in the reminder. It saves time looking it up or posting somewhere in an effort to locate a valid contact number.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

[John P]

Simple:

1) Send everything in on time and follow the instructions.

2) Keep copies of everything in a letter size envelope. Write the date you mailed the rebate form on the envelope. I just keep the envelopes on my desk in a letter organizer.

3) Check the rebates periodically. If they get past the 6-8 weeks deadline call the phone number on the rebate form once a week to bug them. It rarely takes me more than 1-2 phone calls. The only rebate I never received (out of a couple hundred) was my Value America rebate for my V3 2000 PCI when they went bankrupt. I didn't bother filling out the litigation paperwork

 

[peterframpton69]

ask the mods to lock this - abide by the rules - this is for hot deals only

 

[Athena]

My advice:

[*]Read the rebate coupon before you buy; certainly before you open the package.
[*]Follow the rebate instructions to the letter. If you have questions, contact the handling center before you mail anything.
[*]Many promotions require that you use the original form. If it's one of those tiny box stickers, you can scan and enlarge the form then include both the original and the filled in blowup in the envelope. No matter what you do though, misspellings will happen.
[*] Make copies of all your documentation, including the backs of the coupons. I scan everything and save the copies in a "Rebate Documents" folder on my system then copy them to a CD every week.
[*]Use a tracking program such as Rebate! Rebate! or Rebate Tracker to record all the details. If you load the file name of the scanned copies in the comments field, you will have everything you need in one place and won't have to come here to ask for a telephone number or other information when something happens.
[*]Don't wait until the last day to mail the rebate. I have never used certified mail and I've received every rebate I've submitted (eventually).
[*]Save all the product packaging until you have received the check so that you can take the merchandise back to the store if the rebate center messes up.

«Two reasons why I didn't use the rebate tracking thread:»

In other words, you decided that your personal convenience was more important than the guidelines for the group.

 

[pigseye2]

Although this isn't a hot deal I'll' add a few tips.

As stated above

1) Follow directions exactly
2) Make copies of everything
3) save your copies (duh)

OK here are a few more tips

I don't use rebate tracker but keep copies of all rebates and when they were mailed. I make a note when the checks arrive and copy the check and attach it to the rebate copy and file it. That way i know which ones I got and know which ones are stilll outstanding. Plus I used it once as evidence of how diligent I am with rebates and it helped. It's also kind of fun at the end of the year to see how much you have received in rebates.

On high buck rebates (over $40) I use certified mail. That's definite proof you mailed it on time.

On very high buck rebates I also use signature confirmation. Just used it on my Phillips 19" monitor $100 rebate.

If your rebate is late call and note who you talked too, time, and date. Save this evidence you may need it later. Then keep calling!!! If after 9 to 12 months you still don't have your rebate, see below.

If your rebate is rejected for some unknown reason or you never received it , go back to the store you purchased the item from and kindly ask for the rebate. Bring all your evidence. I've never had a problem with a legitimate store and BestBuy and CompUSA have been fairly friendly providing unpaid rebates with proper documentation.

Hope that helps.

Pigseye

 

[vcarpio]

<< I always take the following steps when sending in a rebate:

1) Make copies of the filled-out rebate forms
2) Make copies of the UPCs
3) Make copies of the receipt
4) If the rebate is due in 6-8 weeks, I create a reminder in Outlook 8 weeks from the day I mail the rebate form, which includes a message stating something like, "Did I get my rebates from compUSA yet? IF not, call 1-800-comp-USA for them."

>>



Very important to do the same. I also keep all the copies in one envelope, with handwritten notes outside the envelope of the contents plus date-mailed, 8th week date, and rebate phone #. When I received a rebate, I simply cross out it's entry on the envelope.

It's important to call on the 8th week (or after). I suspect some of them actually wait for you to call. Be friendly when they return your call, even if it's the 5th message you left.

 

[Zelgar]

<< «Two reasons why I didn't use the rebate tracking thread:»

In other words, you decided that your personal convenience was more important than the guidelines for the group. >>



I did forget to mention two other reasons why I didn't use the other thread:
1. I didn't see the other thread until after I read the 1st response
2. I didn't know how to move the message to the thread

I didn't mean to break any of the rules of this forum, and I humbly apologize for any problems I have caused. I just thought that since most of the "Hot Deals" used rebates that this forum would be the best place for this question.

p.s. I do appreciate all of your suggestions.

 

[farstar]

the best method I've found is to submit the rebate. All of the rebates that I forgot to submit were never paid.