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Easiest Ways To Save Money

Product Rebates Offer One Of The Easiest Ways To Save Money

The easiest ways to save money are sometimes the least obvious. Once we have our mind set on purchasing an item we want, many of us are so determined to get it that we often neglect to investigate all our best price options.

For instance, product rebates offered by stores and manufacturers have become evermore popular in recent years on a wide variety of items, especially on appliances, computers, and electronic items. It's common to see rebates of $25, $50, $75, and even $100.

Sometimes, instant store rebates are coupled with manufacturer's rebates, and the product is advertised as costing "$0.00" or "Free After Rebate."

Are these offers for real; are they "too good to be true"? Well, there are "catches" with some rebate offers, but if you exercise caution and follow the rules, rebates can get you some really great deals. They are one of the easiest ways to save money on an item you've planned to get anyway.

Here's how they work. First, you must pay the listed price for the item at the store. Then, you send a completed form and the item's bar code to the manufacturer along with their required proof of payment, and they will send you a refund check in the mail. It's that simple.

The rebate will significantly reduce the price you end up paying for the item, except for the effort involved and the several weeks (or months) it takes to obtain the refund. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them an excellent method of advertising for the manufacturer, and one of the easiest ways to save money for you.

Possible catches are that some rebates only lower the manufacturer's "suggested retail price." You may be able to purchase the same item at a discount store for a cheaper shelf price without the rebate. And some rebates are contingent on you buying two related items simultaneously. That's fine as long as you really need the second item.

The biggest catch is that you often have to jump through hoops to get the money back. There are forms to fill out, store receipts to copy, UPC barcodes to cut out, and an envelope and stamps to buy. And if you make a mistake on the forms or neglect sending all the required paperwork or miss the deadline, you get no money back. The companies count on you not meeting the challenge so they can pocket the money.

Generally, though, rebate offers are straightforward and to your advantage, and they are one of the easiest ways to save money on needed purchases.

Always Check For Available Rebate Offers

Before you go to purchase any appliance, tool, computer, software program, or an electronics related product, go online and check the store's and/or manufacturer's website to see whether there is a current rebate being offered.

You can also examine the large weekend ads in newspapers and even ask the store's salesclerks if they know of rebates available on the particular item you want.

Tips For Collecting Rebates

You stand a better chance of receiving your money by following these simple tips:

1. Look for rebates from well-known reputable companies.
You should have no trouble claiming rebates from established companies like Black & Decker, Microsoft, Apple, or Best Buy. If the store or manufacturer is lesser known, however, you might have a problem. In such cases, if you want the item and are comfortable paying the list price, by all means get it, and look upon the rebate as a bonus if it materializes; it might not.

2. Always check the rebate's expiration date.
Rebate forms sometimes remain on a store display with the product long after the rebate has expired. Examine the form and carefully check its expiry date to avoid being disappointed.

3. Make sure you have all the forms and other proofs required.
For most rebates you will need at least one form to be filled out, a store receipt, and a UPC barcode. The barcode is usually printed on the product packaging. Make sure you have all these things before leaving the store.

4. Always make backup copies of your rebate claim.
Photocopy everything you send to the company. This includes the rebate form, the bar code, and the proof of purchase. Mail does get lost, and you might need to back up your claim later. A $50 or $75 rebate check is certainly worth the extra bother.

Read the fine print on the rebate form. Most offers permit you to send a photocopy of your store receipt. The original store receipt is good to have on hand for any future warranty claims. But, if you are required to send the original store receipt, always keep a good photocopy for your records.

5. Send the package off on time and have patience.
Send all the required paperwork to the company BEFORE the expiration date. Many people neglect to do this, and that's what the company hopes will happen. For them, it becomes one of the easiest ways to save money on their product promotions.

Also, have patience -- much patience. It's unlikely you will see your rebate check before its expected arrival date. Be prepared to wait months. Even then, you might have to write the company and ask them to follow up on your claim.

By following the five tips, you should stand a good chance of finding your rebate check in your mail box "sometime" after its expected arrival date. Apart from all the hassle and time involved, this is one of the easiest ways to save money on a planned purchase.

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