What exactly is a rebate you might ask? Rebate offers can be irresistible, and promise to either slash the price of item at the time of purchase or give a partial to full reimbursements after you make the purchase. Is it a trick or treat? Some would say it's a trick and others a real treat. You be the judge. Here are the facts.
The Way Rebates Work:
Shoppers are enticed to make immediate purchases with an instant cash rebate that can be redeemed immediately at the time of checkout or a mail-in rebate. The more common rebates are the one's that must be mailed in to receive your cash-back. They require you to pay the full cost of an item at the time
purchase, then to send documentation to the manufacturer or retailer to receive a rebate by mail.
Take care to keep the original sales receipt, UPC code, and the rebate slip, you will need them in order to receive your rebate. Additionally the rebate slip must be completely filled out with the customer's name, address and telephone number. This paperwork must be sent to the manufacturer or retailer within 30 days of the purchase. Be sure to make copies of everything you send as this will be your only record should something go wrong. Here comes the good part - it may take up to 12 weeks to receive your cash.
Be on the watch for rebates that never come or may come later than promised. Don't be shy about calling to check on your rebate if it doesn't come within the time promise. By law, companies are required to send rebates within the time frame promised, or if no time is specified, within a "reasonable" time.
"Reasonable" is usually or in most cases interpreted as within 30 days.
On a personal note, I have had some good success with rebates and some not so good experiences, however, my sister swears by them - a real treat for her. If you are willing to wait, rebates can be fantastic treats when they arrive.
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