Mail-in-rebates - Keeping Organized

by Jody Connolly (Benjaminna) | More from this Blogger

05 Sep 2006 08:39 AM

Following is my method in organizing my rebates and forms.

In my filing cabinet, I have a special file just for my rebate forms. When I get a new rebate form, I make out an envelope for that rebate, as if I am ready to mail it, except do not put a stamp on it. In the place where you place the stamp, write the date when the product needs to be purchased. I draw a line under that date and then write the date the rebate needs to be postmarked. I store all these envelopes in my rebate file.

Once a week, I go through my rebate envelopes and pick out any that I have done and need to be mailed off. Because I do this weekly, any products I have bought are still fresh in my mind. Therefore, it only takes a few minutes to sort through the envelopes and mail the ones that need to be mailed. In addition, by doing this weekly, chances are the product will still be in your house, to where you can snag the UPC code from it, if I haven't done so already.

Speaking of UPC codes, I don't clip every single one. I only clip the ones for which I know I have a rebate. I have learned that most of the time, if a new rebate comes up, I didn't know about, I have plenty of other products in my stockpile where I can get an UPC code. If I buy a product I know has a rebate, I clip the rebate, and place it in the right envelope in my rebate folder, so I have it when I do my weekly purge.

I only keep my receipts for six months. If a rebate hasn't come out in that period, then chances are that, it won't be coming out at all. It's just not worth it to me to hang on to the entire extra storage and receipts for years. In my filing cabinet, I have a folder for receipts. I paper clip my receipts together by months. If it is the current month, I do not paper clip until after that month has passed. This way, I can easily locate my most recent receipts.

For more information, please check out my other rebate blogs:

What is a mail-in rebate?

Mail-in-rebates - Keeping Organized

Rebate Tips

Rebates - Getting Started

Learn more about Jody Connolly (Benjaminna)

I am a married SAHM of five (and one cat)! My oldest daughter is 12, a diva ready to take over the world.

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