How to Evaluate Computer Product Rebates

Businesses use rebates to borrow your money, move dated products, or buy your business. Sometimes rebates are a good deal - here's how to know.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer Monitors
• Printers
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Software

1. Buy only products you would consider buying without a rebate (unless the rebate makes the product free).

2. Decide if the business offering the rebate is a likely candidate for bankruptcy. If so, you won't be seeing your money.

3. Figure out if the product has already been replaced or will soon be replaced. Take the rebate deal on "old" software unless the new version has features you know you will use.

4. Consider computer manufacturers' rebates only if they don't require you to purchase the same brand of monitor and/or printer.

5. Expect rebaters to mail checks at the latest possible time allowed by the law. Some manufacturers might exceed legal time limits.

6. Understand that sales tax and other charges (for example, service contracts based on a percentage of the hardware price) will be based on before-rebate prices.

7. Read the fine print to see if you are required to purchase other products or services to get the rebate.

8. Understand that you may be required to divulge personal information to qualify for a rebate.

9. Consider Internet service rebates (commonly $400) if you are willing to make a long-term financial commitment to analog Internet service from a national provider.

10. Weigh the risks of Internet service rebates: locked-in monthly rate, cancellation penalties, and the inconveniences of switching ISPs (to take the rebate or when your commitment expires).

Tips & Warnings

• Send a copy of your receipt unless the original is required.
• Expect retailers to be unwilling to accept a product for return once the UPC (Universal Product Code) has been removed.
• Remember that deals that sound too good to be true are usually not deals.
• Manufacturer and retailer bundles are always poor values; they include overpriced but inferior monitors and printers. No manufacturer is highly rated in all three categories, and only a few are respected for both computers and monitors. Savings are small and artificial.
• Make sure you comply with all the requirements of the rebate, and that you mail the request within the required period.
• If you switch ISPs, you will have to notify people and businesses about your new e-mail address and update group e-mail lists. You may also need new business cards, letterhead, or other materials with your new e-mail address.