Living Online
Improving Rebate Success Online

by Martha Miller

When Kaci Goodman applied for a $49.99 rebate on a modem for her high-speed Internet hook-up she didn’t have great expectations. She says, “I hate these [rebates], but I sent it in anyway.” The AT&T rebate offer advised waiting 10 to 12 weeks for the check to arrive. Five months later, Kaci had almost forgotten about it, but followed up with a phone call. AT&T’s customer service representative responded, “We did receive your rebate but it didn’t get authorized.” The representative then said she “would send it off to see if you still qualify.” Frustrated, Kaci said, “If I ever see that money it will be a miracle.”

ConsumerReports.org estimates that, “Four of 10 people who are eligible for rebates never collect.” The most common reason may be that they never applied for the rebate in the first place, but if they did, forgetting to enclose any of the required documentation (usually the original receipt, the UPC cut from the box and the rebate form) can give a company reason to reject their submission. Also each rebate is time sensitive. If you file late, that too can give a company a reason not to send you a check.

Submit Online

Surprisingly, some companies are making redeeming rebates easier for consumers. Sears and Best Buy offer online rebate submissions and tracking. Applying for a rebate online reduces many of the hassles of snail mail: clipping out the UPC from the box, making copies, addressing an envelope, finding a stamp and remembering to mail it; however, you still will need your receipt. A Best Buy customer service representative explained that a pin number on the receipt allows them to “bring up a copy of the sales receipt.” Check the rebate form or the retailer’s website where you bought the item and look for “Rebate Center,” “Track a Rebate” or similar wording to see if you can submit online.

Submitting online may grease the wheels for getting your rebate processed faster. BestBuy.com suggests waiting two days to track rebates submitted online verses two weeks for mailed submissions. Checks for online submissions arrive in 2 to 4 weeks, while mailed submissions take 8 weeks. Manufacturer rebates take 4 to 8 weeks. Manufacturer rebates can be tracked on Best Buy’s website as well, but often cannot be submitted online. To know which type of rebate you have, check the top of the rebate form or the address provided on the rebate.

Track Rebates

If you buy a lot of rebated items, there are websites devoted to keeping track of them for you. AllMyRebates.com features a free, customized spreadsheet that clearly lists your purchases, tracking identification numbers, status, due dates, amounts, and conveniently keeps a running tab. Members can delete rebate info after they receive a check. Click here to view a sample spreadsheet. 

At AllMyRebates.com, consumers are able to rate companies and comment on their rebate experiences. It might be a good idea to check here before purchasing an item that promises a rebate.

Another free website, MyRebates.com

MyRebates.com tracks rebates but does not provide status updates. They notify members by e-mail when a check should have been received. They will also alert you to new rebates in product categories you flag when you register.

Lost Receipt or Rebate Form

Losing your receipt or the rebate form doesn’t have to be the end of the rebate road. Some retailers, Radio Shack for example, will reprint your receipt for you if you paid with a credit card and know the exact date of purchase. Wal-Mart can reprint receipts but you must also know at which register you made the purchase and the approximate time. For purchases made online, a packing slip can serve as an original receipt. Rebate forms can usually be reprinted from the retailer or manufacturer’s website.

Regarding Kaci Goodman’s rebate, an AT&T representative contacted for this story responded that Kaci’s requested rebate “did not match the information already associated with her personal account. However, we were able to properly address the misinformation and, because of the delay, we went ahead and waived an additional shipping fee traditionally associated with her rebated item.” Kaci received a call from AT&T saying a check in the amount of $49.99 had been mailed to her and that the $12.00 shipping fee for the modem was being waived. Kaci assumed this would appear as a credit on her account. [This message was left on 11/2/07. I will update when check has been received.]

If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau is always an option. The BBB’s website suggests you initially try to resolve the situation yourself, but if that hasn’t worked they will contact the company on your behalf. The BBB says that 70% of the claims they receive are resolved—usually within 30 days.

Tips for Faster Rebates:

• Submit online if possible.
• Keep a copy of all documentation and the original packaging until you receive your rebate.
• Follow the instructions on the rebate form exactly.
• Apply for the rebate within the time frame designated on the rebate form.
• Cash the check as soon as you receive it. Expiration dates are usually within 90 days, but some may be only 30 days from date of issue.

Martha Miller specializes in online topics. Check back here when a new issue of Coulee Parenting Connection is available to find her latest column.

Miller’s work has appeared in numerous national publications, including “Parents” magazine. You can view her other credits at MarthaMillerWrites.com.