By Linsey B. Knerl

I often buy products with the lure of getting it cheaper (or free) with a rebate. Many of my best purchases cost me nothing more than a little time and a single postage stamp. Rebates have been getting a bad rap the past few years, as many consumers report not getting anything back from their rebate requests. Here are some tips to be sure you aren’t getting taken.

Don’t throw anything away. Whether you purchase a nice new toy for your computer or simply a box of toothpaste, if you plan on requesting a rebate, save everything! Receipts and packaging are usually necessary to claim your cash, so save everything in a safe place until submission time. Products that don’t have a clippable UPC code will still need to be kept for documentation purposes (you will want access to the code for entry on your submission form).

Ask for your rebate form. A rebate is no good without your claim form, so be sure to get one! Many big box stores allow you to print one out from online, but several companies only give you one when you make your purchase. Others just keep them in an odd place at the end of store aisles. Grab one (or two for safe keeping) and don’t lose it!

Read the directions. Then read them again. A rebate may not be honored if even the slightest detail isn’t performed. If the directions ask that you print your information in blue ink, do it! If they request only a portion of your receipt, be sure to comply. Circle and underline where they tell you to, and then check it all again before submitting. You don’t want to give the processing clearinghouse anyway to decline your request. (And believe me, many will try.)

Save copies of everything. Use a scanner or digital camera to document your documents. Take a picture or copy everything, including the rebate form, receipt, and UPC code. If your request should happen to get “lost in the mail,” you will have the evidence you need to get your money back.

Follow up accordingly. Been awhile since your request? It may not be a bad idea to check in with the fulfillment company. Check the request form (remember that you should have a copy) for details on when your request should be fulfilled. If it has been too long, contact them via their submission contact info. Some companies now offer you the ability to check the status of your rebate online, so use this handy tool. Others might not mail it out until you ask for it, so be sure to keep a record of every rebate you have mailed and keep close tabs on the cash you are waiting for.

Decide if it is worth it. A “free after rebate” offer on an 89 cent flyswatter just might not be worth it after you figure in your time, postage, and scanning/printing costs. And never buy something you don’t want because it is cheaper with a rebate!

I have been lucky (and persistent enough) to get memory cards, vacuum cleaners, and contact lenses for pennies because of good sale shopping and the powerful rebate. They can be worth it–just be sure to remember that it is your money!