Rebates - Benefit Or Possibly A Scam?

Rebates have become more and more well-known in the last few years on a lot of items and certainly on electronic appliances and computers. Rebates of $20, $50 or $100 are usually not infrequent.

I've even found items advertised as "free after rebate". Do these rebates appear under the title of "too good to be true"? Some of them do and there are "catches" to look out for but if you are careful, rebates will help you get some decent deals and offers.

The way a rebate works is that you pay out the listed cost for an item then mail in a form and the bar code to the manufacturer and they send you a rebate thus reducing the cost of what you paid for the item except with a time delay of a number of weeks.

Rule #1. Rebates from reputable companies are usually fine.

You can be pretty sure you will get the promised rebate from Best Buy, Amazon or Dell but you should probably not count on receiving one from a company you've pretty much never heard of. If you really want the merchandise and are OK with having to pay the price listed then buy it but don't count on actually getting the rebate.

Rule #2. Check rebate termination dates.

Many times products will stay on the shelves of a retailer after the date for mailing in the rebate offer has ended so check that date carefully.

Rule #3. Be sure that you have all the forms required to file for the rebate before you leave the shop.

Rebates will almost always require a form to be filled out, a receipt for the purchase and a bar code.

Rule #4. Backup your rebate claim.

Make copies of anything you send in to get your rebate as well as the bar code. Items get lost in the mail all the time and if the rebate is for $50 it's well worth the hassle to back up your claim.

In short, the above info is extremely beneficial on instructing you how to correctly invest your dollars while securing your expected financial return. To take your finances to the next level, invest in something more profitable, search listings under "going public", "merger company" or "merger companies" and consult a pro.

Financial Flexibility - A Desirable Goal In Life That's Rarely Accomplished
Here is a serious look at what I believe wealth management, investing and saving is all about. I'll detail the choices that I made and the ones that I wish I made, which hopefully, will open your eyes to the choices that you have.

A Beginner's Guide On Trading Penny Stocks On The Web
Folks have been trading stocks online since the very early days of the net, and nowadays it is a really simple matter for any person that's decided to get involved to start web trading.

Offshore Banking Institutions: Totally New Methods For A New Century
The key objective of any type of offshore banking strategy is really to provide the investor with asset protection in addition to financial privacy.

Financial Security Through Structured Settlements: Try Selling It To Increase Your Cash Flow
Structured settlements have evolved into a very important part of accidental injuries and worker's compensation claims in the United States, according to the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA).

You Can Certainly Bank On It! The Features And Advantages Of Banking Accounts
Most people walk into, get online to, or drive up to their bank several times each week and hand over their hard earned dollars.

Manage Your Financial Situation Correctly To Prevent Going Bankrupt
Out of ignorance or stupidity, more and more people seem to be using bankruptcy as a first option, instead of a last resort. Before you do it, make sure you've considered every alternative.

Tips On Personal Finances - Balance Your Bank Account And Manage Your Taxes
If you have a checking account, of course you balance it periodically to account for any differences between what's in your statement and what you wrote down for checks and deposits.

Associated Articles