What is a mail-in-rebate?

by Jody Connolly (Benjaminna) | More from this Blogger

05 Sep 2006 08:33 AM

Rebates are fun and easy to do! I would bet, everyone loves to get checks in the mail. Sometimes it may only be a few dollars, sometimes more, but everything adds up quickly. During most months of doing rebates, I can count on cashing in $70 - $100. I save them up and once a month I take them to the bank for a big pay out. Now who wouldn't love to have an extra $100 a month?

The standard return rate of rebates are usually 6-8 weeks. Some people feel that is too long to wait to receive a small check for $5 or less. However once you get them going you will have small $5 checks rolling in like clockwork, several times a week and those tend to start adding up fast.

Rebates are a form of advertisement for some companies. Companies offer rebates to try to entice you into buying a specific product. In return for buying the product, they will send you a reward, usually a check or a free product coupon. Rebates are very good at encouraging consumers to buy certain products. However, a very small percentage of consumers follows through and mail in the rebate, to receive their reward. This is a marketing tool companies are aware of and are counting on. It is up to the consumer to read the directions and redeem the rebate correctly.

Like with coupons, being organized is essential to keeping on top of rebates and getting them done. Once you get a system down, you will quickly become addicted to getting cheeks in the mail. You will have fun getting even more things free and even making some money on certain offers.