Organizing Your Rebates (before sending them in)

[XUfan]

Originally Posted by Mikki 316 I keep a copy of everything (UPCs, CRT, etc) until the rebate check comes in. I just put it in the binder under "pending" and dispose of it when I get the check. HTH.

I also keep a copy of everything until I receive the check (I didn't used to...but I do now!). I also keep a notebook, where each rebate is written down. I write the company name and a brief description (including PO box) for each one. So, I rarely send the same thing twice.

[billig]

I scan EVERYTHING when I mail in a rebate...even the envelope addressed to them with the stamp on it!
Scanning is great because you don't have more papers to keep track of, and filing on the computer is great! If you need proof you can just print out the scan. I have 3 houses I file rebates for.

Filing in the Computer:
File called "Rebates" has these files:

"Walgreens" has 3 files but is not used as much since I file online:
House 1
House 2
House 3

"Menards" I go by month, but then still have the house number on each inside that month:

June:
rainx pntbrushz tarps - house 1
rainx pntbrushz tarps - house 2
etc

All other rebates are filed by name and then house number.
Smuckers DVD - house 1

Last file is for "paid" where I just click on a rebate after I've recieved paymnt and move it to the paid file.

[billig]

And then I also have a paper file that has a form that I made up that has 7 columns and about 15 rows for:
Date mailed
Company and description of item
Scanned on computer? (check mark)
$ Amt on CRT
$ Amt of rebate
$ actually Paid
Rec. payment date

So the row for Menards might look like:
"4/15/08, Menards - rainx $4.99 paint brushes $8.00 Tarps $2, checked (for scanning), $26.61, $14.99, $11.62, 5/23/08"

I keep one sheet for each house...I just write the actual house number on the top "2521" or "114" - (I don't actually use "house 1")
Behind these tracking sheets is anything that comes in the mail pertaining to the rebate...I don't organize that tho', I just throw it in there.

I think I'll start what Xufan does with the 1" binder to keep track of the 'stuff' before it's mailed, and have a detailed list with coupons in an envie in my "purse coupons".
Thanks Xufan!!!

[2ggmsmolly]

I enter all of my rebate information in an Access Database then make a copy of all rebates and file them alphabetically by products. I have one file cabinet for coupons and refunds/rebates. Glad to see that others use a spreadsheet format. It makes it so much more simple.

[shevot]

I have a quick question about rebates. When using your rebates do you use several rebates and purchase the items on a separate tab? I often have several rebates but in the past I have just used them at separate times because they always require you send in the receipt.
Thank you for the tips. Often when the rebate require you purchase several items I forget about it and it ends up expiring...I think this is what they're counting on.

[billig]

Originally Posted by shevot I have a quick question about rebates. When using your rebates do you use several rebates and purchase the items on a separate tab? I often have several rebates but in the past I have just used them at separate times because they always require you send in the receipt. Thank you for the tips. Often when the rebate require you purchase several items I forget about it and it ends up expiring...I think this is what they're counting on.

Yes, I follow all instructions on a rebate, crossing all T's and dotting all I's. So if a rebate needs a separate crt, I buy each one separately...unless it says "copy of" the crt...then I get to buy 2 rebate-able things on one crt!

I am slowly changing my rebate process over to the one Xufan uses...seems nice and simple but covers all the bases. As I've found with my coupons, the more organization I manage to get in the beginning, the smoother everything goes later. I'm good at mailing in rebates immediately when I get home, but not good at figuring them out in the first place.

My brother always says "MAIL YOUR REBATES AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME FROM THE STORE!"

[lgwriter]

If I know I am going to do a rebate, I fill out the form and address the envelope and include the coupon I need to purchase the item, and then I just put it in my coupon binder under my rebates section. When I go shopping, I just put the receipt in the envelope so when I get home, I just need to add any upcs, etc and send off.

[scr621]

I do mine this way:

www.allmyrebates.com the site is linked to clearing houses so u can find out the status of your rebates also ;)

[scentednights2002]

I just found a free rebate tracking software called Rebate Rebate that seems really easy to use. I have never kept track of them before but now that I am doing more of them I think I should.