How to File Home Depot Rebates
"A company offers a mail-in rebate precisely because it knows that some people will respond to the post-rebate price but fail to get the rebate," said Michael Salinger, director at the Bureau of Economics, in a 2006 speech.
Indeed, mail-in rebates on consumer items have acquired a bad reputation. Some consumers find the filing process too confusing and complicated, and simply give up. The trick to getting your rebate is to be meticulous with your paperwork and follow up immediately if you haven't received the rebate within the specified time. Although Home Depot does not directly process rebates, it has promotions with appliance manufacturers; for this reason, you'll need to acquire the appropriate forms directly from Home Depot.
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Instructions
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Visit the Home Depot Online Rebate Center. Search for your product by manufacturer (for example, GE, Maytag) and print the appropriate rebate form. Each manufacturer uses a different rebate form; make sure you print the correct form.
If printing the rebate form is inconvenient, visit your nearest Home Depot retail store to obtain the form.
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Gather the necessary information to file your rebate. You'll need your appliance model number, serial number (look on the rear of the appliance or on your registration card) and your sales receipt. Make a legible copy of the receipt, showing the model number and date of purchase. Do not fold the receipt or cut off any sections when making a copy; it must be complete.
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Read the rebate form carefully, particularly the fine print. Make sure you follow specific directions; one small error could cause your rebate to be rejected.
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Fill out the form entirely; do not leave anything blank. Double-check the form for accuracy. Sign and date the form in the appropriate location. Make a copy of the form for your records.
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Mail the rebate form and the necessary documents to the address listed. Do not staple, tape or paperclip your documents together. Make sure you mail the form before the postmark deadline (listed on the rebate form).
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Wait eight to 12 weeks (depending on the manufacturer) for a response. If you haven't received your rebate, reference your copy of the rebate form. Call the telephone number listed (or visit the website, if offered) to check on the status of your rebate.
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Tips & Warnings
Never send the original sales receipt unless specifically requested by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer requests the original, you may want to consider sending the receipt and rebate form by certified mail, to confirm its delivery. This paper trail could protect you in case your form is "lost" or "never received."
