Restrictions on Mail In Rebates in Wisconsin?

by Debbie Clark (DealDebbie) | More from this Blogger

Oh me oh my. Seems that we now need to be protected from rebates. At least that is what one Wisconsin state senator thinks. Wisconsin State Senator John Lehman wants to protect consumers from "slippage". That's what happens when the consumer buys the product, attracted by the rebate, but somehow never turns the rebate in or it is denied on a technicality. He wants everyone who buys the product to get it at the rebate price at the store, if the store is advertising a price after rebate. So he is introducing a resolution to make this a law, forbidding retailers to advertise the rebate price without giving the rebate at the register.

They did this in Maine, and now companies that promote via rebate exclude Maine. Legitimate refunders who are thorough at following through with submitting rebates would be denied the great deals that they get now. In Maine, instead of everyone getting the rebate price, NOBODY gets it. Manufacturers exclude Maine residents from participating in refunds because of a law that says that the productshould be sold at the rebate price.

How would this affect store deals, such as Rite Aid's Single check rebates? How does this affect CVS's Extra Care promotions, or Walgreen's Register Rebates? You don't get the coupons for the money off the current purchase, you get them for a future purchase. A savvy consumer can combine in store promotions, coupons, and the rebate system to get some incredible deals. How does outlawing rebate promotions help the consumer? Truly, it does not. It robs the smart consumer of a means of saving money and taking full advantage of a manufacturer's promotion.

Denying stores the ability to promote products through manufacturer rebate savings does not help consumers, and it does not help the retail economy either. Particularly in these difficult times, this is a terrible idea.

Wisconsin residents in District 21 can contact the Senator with your opinion on Senate Bill 560 here: Senator John Lehman (608) 266-1832 (866) 615-7510 Fax (608) 267-6793

Those of you who live in Wisconsin outside District 21 should contact your own representatives and let them know what a difference rebate promotions make to your budget. This legislation will result in Wisconsin residents losing these offers, rather than everyone getting a great deal.

Learn more about Debbie Clark (DealDebbie)

I'm a veteran deal hunter with two grown sons. I have been clipping coupons and doubling up with rebates and sales and points rewards since they were babies.

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