Get Those Rebates, Proofs, and Money Back Guarantees?

Answer 1

According to Consumer Reports, more than 58 percent of consumers fail to cash in on rebates, proof of purchase deals, and money back guarantees. The main reason that this happens is because consumers forget about them or assume that they aren't worth the trouble. Depending on how often you pick up items that have these features, you may actually be losing hundreds, perhaps even thousands, every year. If you have any of these, you need to make sure that you get the money that you deserve rather than throwing it away.

Put the Expiration Dates in an App or in an Online Calendar

When you are trying to get money back based off a rebate or a proof of purchase, you generally have a certain amount of time in which you can make that order. If you don't, then you'll wind up losing it. The best way to make sure that you get that money back is to either invest in an app that will organize the information for you or to input the deadline into an online calendar and set a reminder. This is a great way to keep track of everything that you have and let you know when it needs to be submitted.

Organize Topically, Numerically, or Alphabetically

Most of the time, you have to send in a proof of purchase physically. Pictures won't suffice. Because of this, you need to make sure that you have all of these things organized so that you can find them easily when it's time to get them mailed out. The best way to do this is to have a box designated for this purpose. The necessary paperwork can often be quite bulky. But you need to make sure that you can find it again when you need it. Be consistent in the method you choose. Alphabetically by product is the best choice for this. If you decide to use clear labels, you may decide that it's best to order them chronologically, but be careful of this method.

Give Yourself Two Weeks Advance Notice

Ideally, you should send out your proof of purchase information, request for a money back, and rebate information as soon as you realize that you want to take advantage of that deal. If you can't manage that, then make sure that you give yourself at least two weeks to get that done. Set your automatic reminder to give you a heads up. Then make sure that you get out there and get it mailed out. If you don't get the information mailed out, then set that reminder on snooze for 24 hours and get to it the next day.

Follow Through to Get Your Savings

When you get proof of purchase deals, money back offers, and rebates, you need to make sure that you take advantage of those offers. Otherwise, when you let them pass, it's as if you have just let the money disappear out of your house. The way to make sure that you get these is to either handle them right away or to prepare an organizational system that will let you get the information together and mailed out before the expiration date. These particular offers have very set due dates. They are not willing to extend them just because you forgot. So don't let this money escape you. Follow through on it and get your money as soon as possible.