How do Cash Rebates Work
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Manufacturers, retail stores, online merchants and even government agencies offer cash rebates to consumers. In order to qualify for these rebates, the consumer must purchase the product and submit the required proof of purchase, along with the rebate request form to the company or its rebate processor. The terms and conditions for cash rebates vary. Some are store specific; they require that you purchase the item at a particular retailer, even when the product manufacturer is offering the rebate. You must follow rebate instructions carefully in order to get your bonus cash. Checks are the most common form of rebate payments, but some rebate processors use debit or gift cards.
Rebate Forms
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Consumers often need a special rebate request form in order to get the rebate on a purchased item. Brick and mortar retailers will either give you the form or display it in the store. It is always a good idea to review the form before you make your purchase. Some commonly misunderstood requirements are limited purchase dates for items, request postmark deadlines and proof of purchase requirements.
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Rebate Requirements
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Even when the rebate forms are still available, check them to determine the deadline for purchasing the product and the deadline for requesting the rebate. Proof of purchase for rebates almost always includes an original or a copy of your receipt that shows the date of purchase and identifies the product by name, item number or a product code. Online merchants usually provide a shipping receipt that consumers can use as an alternative to a retail cash register receipt. Depending on the item, you may also be required submit only the receipt or copy, the Universal Product Code (or a copy) label from the item or the entire product packaging. For small rebate amounts, your postage for submitting the request might be more than the rebate.
Fine Print
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Some rebates require that you purchase multiple items. This can be more than one of the same item, such as two or three flash drives. A rebate may require that consumers purchase two or more different items, such as a brand of ice cream and a specific brand of cookies. Read the rebate form and make sure that you purchase the correct items. Pay special attention to brand names, product descriptions and sizes and manufacturer's product numbers.
Rebate Processing
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Understand your rebate processing options. A few retailers issue instant rebates and some allow you to request your rebate online at their website or through a rebate processor service. These are the easiest rebates to process; however, they are not as common as mail in rebates.
Once you have the product, proof of purchase and the rebate request form, complete all required information for your rebate. Make copies of your completed form, receipt and proof of purchase. You can usually only send one rebate request per postal envelope. Some rebates also restrict the number of rebates per household or street address. Keep records of the address that you sent your request to and the date that you submitted it. If the rebate offer has an online or telephone tracking number, you may be able to get updates on the progress of your submission, after a week or two. Allow at least six weeks or longer to receive your cash rebate.
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