Rebates Helper

Once you prepare supporting documents and had filled out rebate form, it is very important you submit/send all documents in timely manner. Consider… 

• Do I’ve to send it in specific envelope size?
• Have you written the address correctly?
  • Use program like MS word to print envelope. It also prints out bar code so it is easy for USPS to route the mail.
• Have all of the required items made it into the envelope?
• Have you completed every line on the rebate form?
• Is everything legible?
• Are you submitting prior to the deadline?
• Have you used correct postage?
• Do you need to certify mail?
  • If this is more than 100$ rebate and rebates handler do accept certified mails, it is good idea to send it by certified mail. It cost around 1.50$ more but worth it.

For your rebate to be accepted, you’ll need to submit proof of purchase. Proof of purchase can be any one or more items….

• Cash register receipt with the item circled
• UPC code from box.
• Product box top (mostly for software bundles rebates)
• Serial number (mostly for high cost rebate items, i.e. Digital Camera)

Once you read rebate offer and make sure you have what is required by offer, make sure…

• You circle the item in cash reciept.
• If single rebate form can be submitted for mulitple offers, also mark offer number along side of circle.
• Do you need to send original cash reciept? 
• Do you need to submit original UPC?
• Remember to black out credit card transcation details.

Once you fill out rebate form and have supporting material ready..

• Make copy of everything you are sending.
• Make a note of date sent and when you should expect rebate.

Pay attention to details while filling out rebate forms.

• Read the rebate offer carefully and look for instuction that applies the way form should be filled out.
• Look for anything special that you’ll have to do to fill out the offer to the manufacturer’s specifications. For example, most rebates will specify that you print all information or register to some web site before you can mail-in the rebates.

More specifically, look out for…

• Does the offer need to be filled out in pen?
• Does it have to be written in all caps? (good idea anyway)
• Does it have to be hand-written.
• Does it require you to include an e-mail address or telephone number?
  • If form has e-mail or telephone number space, fill it out correctly. Most of rebates handler do send emails about rebate status.
• Does it require a street address, or will a PO Box work?
  • Most likely, PO Box won’t work. Check twice if you are planning to use PO Box.
• What’t the limit?
  • Most of offers has one rebate per household/name, read rebate item limits before you send in mulitple rebates for same items.