Organizing Your Rebates (before sending them in)

[XUfan]

A few people have asked me how I keep track of the forms. Apparently, keeping track BEFORE they're sent in is a big issue for a lot of us. I developed a system that works for me, and I thought I'd share it here (since I've gotten so many good ideas from other members!). Tweak it however you like...it won't hurt my feelings!

Here it is:


My system for keeping track of rebate forms, receipts and proofs of purchase is fairly simple. You’ll need a few items to get you started:

1. A 3-ring binder. It should be at least the 1” size, and make sure it has pockets inside the front and back covers.
2. A package of clear page protector sleeves…the kind that open at the top like a big pocket. These are used for large rebate forms (printed from your computer, etc.)
3. A package of clear photo sheets…the same size as the page protectors, but with 4 pockets on each one. These are harder to find. I’ve only found them at Walmart, but they run out often! These are used for tear-pad or WT size rebate forms.
4. A package of plain white labels, around 1” x 2”.
5. A small notebook with a pocket inside the front cover. If you can’t find one, you can glue or tape an envelope into the front cover instead.
6. Another notebook or journal.

OK…now that you have all of your stuff together, it’s time to explain what to do.


To set up the system:
-Open the ring binder, and load it with the page protectors and photo pages.
-The front, inside pocket of the binder is used for monthly rebate fliers (Rite-aid, Walgreen, etc). I also keep a blank notepad and some 3x5 cards in it.
-The back, inside pocket of the binder is where I keep my stamps, address labels, and blank envelopes.
-Load your rebate forms into the page protectors, and photo pages…using one for each rebate form.
-Put a white sticker on each page or pocket, and write the expiration date of the rebate on it. I use brightly colored markers for this.
-Now, grab that small notebook. Write down any item (including size, flavor, number of items, etc) that you need for each rebate.
-Go through your coupons, and fill that envelope with coupons that you can use on the items you just wrote in your notebook. Carry this notebook with you any time you shop!!

After a shopping trip:
-Slip any receipt or proof of purchase that you’ve gotten, into the corresponding page protector or photo sheet. If a rebate requires multiple proofs of purchase, this is a good way to keep them all together until you have enough to send for your money!
-Fill out any forms that you have all the requirements for.
-Write down any info about the rebate in the second notebook (you've been wondering what it was for, weren't you?). Keep track of the date you sent for it, as well as any contact info.
-Sit back and wait for your money!!



If I wasn't clear about something, please ask!!

Carol

[crossstreet]

Thanks for sharing. It sounds simple and organized. Repped Ya!

[XUfan]

I just re-read my original post. The only thing I have changed is this: I bought a package of index-tab dividers, and put the 12 months on them. That way, each month's rebates are in a section by themselves. When that month is over, I move it to the back of the binder.

[Mikki 316]

I keep track of the rebates I've sent in using a free Rebate Tracking Form that I got from ThriftyFun. com. It has places for Product Description, Company Contact Info, Date Rebate Mailed and a check box for when the check is received. I just keep it in my binder. HTH someone!

[ArmyOfFive]

THIS is how I do mine. I fold my copies in half & write the company, amount, date sent & ETA on the outside. All UPC's go into a magnetic pouch on the side of my fridge, as do my BTFE's.

[ank220]

thank you so much for all the info! i thought my head was going to explode trying to figure out how to organize myself to take advantage of rebates when i can hardly keep up with the couponing! I can't wait to get organized now!

[coupondink]

thanks for the advice. I'm gonna have to think about the binder method- not a bad idea at all.

Currently this is what I do:
-- i print out rebate forms and gather rebate forms from inserts, hangtags, etc. and put them in a manila folder.
-- after I buy the item, I fill out the form and envelope, etc immediately so I don't forget to do it
-- I photocopy everything. A MUST! Anyone who has been rejected for a rebate or never received a rebate understands the absolute need for this. I put the photocopies in another manila folder.
-- I mail it in the same day as I photocopy
-- on an excel spreadsheet, I keep track of what I mailed in, the company, the date mailed, how much, and when to expect it by.
-- when the money arrives, I remove the photocopies from the folder and start using the product. I do not use the product until the money arrives, in case I have to return it.

That is my method. Works for me. The excel spreadsheet is the lifesaver.

Whatever the method, it is crucial that you get organized. Especially with rebates. I guarantee you will need the photocopies and a list of what you expect more than a few times a year.

And don't forget to postmark it by the right date!!

[XUfan]

I'm glad that so many people have been reading this, and adoping it or considering it. I'm also glad that you're all tweaking it to suit your needs.

I mentioned that my method makes it easier to collect the UPCs for rebates that require multiple items. It's also good, if you buy the product, but don't use it for a couple of days. You can keep your form and receipt in a pocket, waiting for the UPC...and you don't lose them in the meantime.

[JenB]

I skimmed over this really quick.... Do you keep a copy of the rebate stuff, when you ami lit in.

I am worried about seeing a good deal (after rebate) just to find out I am not eligible for the rebate because I did one earlier in the year... Does that happen.

I never really bought into the rebate thing, but since tracking them I have received 50 bucks and prolly have 20 bucks more to receive.

TIA

I repped ya for your system.

[Mikki 316]

Originally Posted by JenB I skimmed over this really quick.... Do you keep a copy of the rebate stuff, when you ami lit in. I am worried about seeing a good deal (after rebate) just to find out I am not eligible for the rebate because I did one earlier in the year... Does that happen. I never really bought into the rebate thing, but since tracking them I have received 50 bucks and prolly have 20 bucks more to receive. TIA I repped ya for your system.

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.