How to Get Your Mail in Rebate Faster

I've worked in Customer Service for some time now and one of the things I see constantly are incorrectly filled out rebate submissions. Here is an insider's guide to getting your rebate processed with the minimal amount of fuss. Please note that all companies process their rebates differently and that what may apply here may not apply in all cases....

READ ALL INFORMATION. - Please. Read it carefully. Typically your rebate will ask you for very specific actions to be taken and items to be submitted in order to receive your cash back. Any deviation from these instructions can either result in a greater waiting time or no money back at all.

USE YOUR PRODUCT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THE REBATE - A lot of times rebates require you submit your purchase receipt (the original or a copy) and the UPC bar code cut off the packaging. If you submit your rebate and later find you want to return your product - you have no receipt and you've damaged the box. Both of these things can invalidate any chance of returning the product. Be sure it's something you're going to use and enjoy using before you send off for your rebate.

MAKE THE DEADLINE. - Written on your rebate form/sticker/receipt is often a deadline for filing. Typically this is within 30 days of purchase. This means you have 30 days from when you buy your item to try it out, see if you like it, and fill out the rebate form and submit your info in the mail. Some companies will let you fudge a few days but they're not obligated to do so. After all, they DID tell you how long you had...

FILL OUT ALL REQUIRED FIELDS - Leave it blank ONLY if it says Optional. This is typically just your email and your phone. They DO need to know WHERE you bought it (And by that, I mean NAME of store, not just its' address). They DO need to know WHEN you bought it. They DO need your address with city, state, and zip code. (You may laugh, but you'd be surprised how many rebate submissions leave this vital bit of information off).

CHECK YOUR ADDRESSES - Some rebates are bundled together when you purchase them, but they really end up going to different locations due to the different people authorizing them. Rebate A. may go to the manufacturer of the product, while Rebate B. is going to the distributor's rebate center. Sending Rebate A & B together to one address may result in your loss of one or the other. Again, it's important you read ALL the information. ***** Also, be sure your envelope is clearly addressed with the entire specific address provided. Most Rebates will require you send them to some pretty specific locations or ask for a very specific title. Labeling your envelope 'Rebate Dept'. will impede your results when they wanted 'Rebate #9080978 on Envelope C, Rebate Employment Center'.

INCLUDE ALL REQUESTED MATERIALS - Even if you decide to register on-line, fill in and return the registration form they included with your item. Just write - Registered On-line - in the comments field. Make sure your receipt is clear and easy to read. If it's one of the LONG ones, make sure you include ALL of it and not just the header.

MAKE COPIES - In the event your rebate is lost in the mail or misplaced, if you don't have full copies of everything you submitted you are out of luck. Keep a clear copy of ALL items submitted for the rebate along with the initial date you submitted it.

BE PATIENT - Most rebates list their turn-around date with their information. Don't be surprised if that date comes and goes and you haven't seen your rebate check yet. Should 2-3 weeks past that date without hearing anything, then call. Chances are they're just backlogged. Companies aren't out to fleece people; they're run by humans just like you. They misplace things, the mail loses things or is delayed, or they're just swamped with the latest rebate promotions they're processing.

KEEP CORRESPONDENCES - If you call in to ask about your rebate, keep a record of when you called and to whom you spoke. Remember that these people aren't trying to rip you off; they're just doing their job.

STAY POLITE - Being a jerk to those processing your paperwork or sending threatening notes demanding you get your rebate NOW tend to backfire on you. Being polite and understanding of their workload will encourage them to be nice to you in return.

DON'T CONFUSE A REBATE WITH A REFUND - A lot of people do this and it just confuses the people handling the process. A rebate is a small amount given as a reward for purchasing the item. A refund is when your entire amount is given back, typically when a product is returned.

I hope these simple recommendations will assist you in getting that cash back mail in rebate faster. Being aware of the tricks of the trade will help you breeze through the process and make it easier on the person on the receiving end of it all. Happy shopping!