Detroit Deal Diva

I apologize for taking so long to finish this series. Initially, I was going to do two more parts, but because I am a few weeks behind, I have decided to wrap this series up. 

Once you make the decision to  submit for a rebate, you definitely need to read and understand the rebate requirements.  Every rebate has it own fulfillment requirements and if you fail to meet the requirements, you will not  get your rebate.   Following are some of the more common requirements for redeeming your rebates:

1. The purchase -Nearly all rebates require you to make some kind of purchase.  You must ensure that you purchase the qualifying item(s) for the rebate.   Please read the  rebate form very carefully to ensure that you have purchased the correct items.
2. The receipt – Most rebates require that you submit your receipt.  Usually you must submit the original receipt, but there are rebates that allow for a copy of the receipt to be submitted.  Be mindful when you are shopping to either request a duplicate receipt or purchase your rebate items in a separate transaction.  There is nothing more frustrating than to discover that you have items for two different rebates on the same receipt and you need an original receipt for both.  Furthermore, you may need to return an item to the store, but you realize that you no longer have the receipt because you submitted the receipt with a rebate request. 
3. Rebate fulfillment dates and postmark dates – It is imperative that you take note of the rebate fulfillment dates. That is the beginning and the ending dates to purchase your qualifying items.  The receipts that you submit must be dated for the  required  dates of the rebate.  Additionally, rebates must be postmarked by a specific date. 
4. The rebate form – If a rebate form must be submitted, you must fill it out completely and accurately.  Most forms request your mailing information, but often you must provide additional information. i.e. UPC codes, brief survey answers, etc.   Always double-check the information you put on your form.

Once you are ready to mail your rebate, I strongly recommend that you make a copy of everything that you are submitting.  Rebates are usually handled through a clearinghouse that has contracted with the manufacturer and they handle a lot of mail.  Just in case your rebate is not received or if you rebate is rejected, having a copy of your submission will validate your claim. 

Often times the rebate form will have a website, an e-mail address or a telephone number for customers to follow-up on the status of their rebates.  Most rebates take between 4-12 weeks  to receive. The exact time frame will be listed on the rebate from.  If you have not receive your rebate within that time, contact the manufacturer to verify the status of your request. 

Rebate rejections are normally done in writing and contain some sort of contact information if you to dispute the rejection. If your request is rejected ask for an explanation for the rejection. If you are missing anything, ask if you still have the opportunity to resubmit the missing items.  Some companies will give you an oppotunity to (re)submit any missing documentation  

If you are certain that you submitted everything correctly, ask for your next line of recourse. If all else fails ask for a supervisor and be prepared to send (via mail or fax) copies of what you originally submitted. I have only had one rebate rejected (by Kraft), but I was eventually paid because I was able to prove that I had met all of the requirements.

I hope this series encourages you to start submitting rebates.  It is a good way to obtain products inexpensively or even for free.