Rebates: What are they and how do they work?

[jblhopper]

I have no clue what rebates are, both online rebates and mail in rebates. Could anyone tell me what they do and how they work? I'm very new to couponing so it is really confusing when there are alot of abbreviations I not familar with yet. I guess I need it as simple as you can get it.

[cpnmaniac44]

I have no clue what rebates are, both online rebates and mail in rebates. Could anyone tell me what they do and how they work? I'm very new to couponing so it is really confusing when there are alot of abbreviations I not familar with yet. I guess I need it as simple as you can get it.

a rebate normally involves a mail in form and proof of purchase.
Some of the pharmacies like Walgreen and CVS have rebate catalogs every month. Some of their rebates require upc code and some do not. All require your cash register receipt.
Some rebates are limited to one per address. Some will not accept a post office box as an address. Most say allow 8-12 weeks for delivery of your rebate check.
The item must be purchased between two dates.
I've found a few rebates where the amount of the rebate was less than the cost of the item, but generally, the rebate will be up to a certain amount and most times the item cost you less than that.
I've used coupons on items and still got the full rebate. Rebates are very strict on rules. Follow the directions carefully on the mail in form.
I've never kept a copy but most people will tell you to keep a copy of what you send in.
I've never used internet rebates.

[tmsmalley]

In simple terms, you buy something then mail in the receipt, some sort of form and maybe the bar code off the box (or whatever they ask for) and they mail you back a check. You have to read the rebate very carefully to be sure you're getting exactly the right thing or right combination of things. You have to be sure you're sending in exactly what they're asking for. Then you wait as long as it takes and see if a rebate shows up. I got one just a couple weeks ago for a $3 on some Cook's Champagne we bought at Christmas/New Years!

Because you're fronting the money and it may take forever to get anything back, I'd be careful to only buy things you would otherwise want anyway. If you mess up any of the details, you won't get anything back at all.

Tess

[Cin42382]

Check out this thread for information - http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/getting-started-couponing-basics-new-members/89883-couponing-101-couponing-basics-newbie.html#post683981

[jblhopper]

Great!!!!!!!!! That's just the info I was looking for! Thank you so much

[shetang]

When you are doing a rebate linke the beer rebates that are get $20 back on deli..... Do you consider this to be only items found at the counter that have to be sliced as well as item found in the "deli department" OR do you include prepackaged items of deli meet like oscar myer or kraft?

I've always purchased from the "deli dept". But was wondering if anyone has ever submitted a beer rebate with prepackaged meats and cheese.

Thoughts?? Thanks!!

[snafu4me]

you are lucky (like me) to live in MO, where there are many great NBPN rebates available