Have you ever been tempted by a product that offers a “Mail-In Rebate”? I must admit, I’ve fallen for it multiple times, intending to mail in the rebate but often forgetting to do so – maybe that’s what the manufacturer wanted all along. I bet I’m not the only one who’s had these rebate mishaps.
So, is the time spent on mail-in rebates really worth it?
To answer that, consider the value of your time. If earning $20-30 per hour sounds reasonable to you, then spending less than 30 minutes on a $10+ mail-in rebate should be worth it. But you also need to think about the effort needed to qualify for the rebate. If there’s a long checklist of items to send, there’s a higher chance you might forget something or decide it’s not worth the hassle.
I have to say, I do enjoy the back-to-school rebates at Staples. They make it easy – you just enter rebate details online, and your payment goes straight to your PayPal account.
It’s also important to consider whether you’re buying the product just for the rebate or because you actually need it. There’s no sense in struggling with a rebate for something you don’t need, even if it ends up being free.
When used wisely, mail-in rebates can be great!
Here are some tips to increase your success with mail-in rebates:
1. Ask for an extra copy of the receipt when you buy the item – usually, this isn’t a problem.
2. Make sure you’re buying the exact product, size, and brand that the rebate specifies.
3. Keep all parts of the packaging, as some rebates require the barcode or a part of the package.
4. Apply for the rebate as soon as you make the purchase. I keep envelopes and stamps handy to make this easier – procrastination can lead to forgetting.
5. Keep track of your submitted rebate and know how to check its status.
With the right approach, mail-in rebates can be worth it, especially if you’re purchasing something you need and you follow the rebate process carefully.
Do you make the most out of mail-in rebates, or do you tend to avoid them?