Have you ever been drawn to a product because it promises a “Mail-In Rebate”? I know I have, and more than once, I’ve planned to mail in the rebate but ended up forgetting, which might be just what the manufacturer wants. I bet I’m not alone in this experience.
So, is spending time on mail-in rebates really worth it?
It depends on how you value your time. If making $20-30 per hour sounds good to you, then spending less than half an hour to get a $10+ rebate might be worth it.
Another thing to consider is how much effort it takes to actually get the rebate. If you need to send a bunch of different items, there’s a higher chance you’ll forget something or decide it’s not worth the hassle.
I have to admit, I like the back-to-school rebates at Staples. It’s easy—you just enter the details online, and the money goes straight to your PayPal account.
Also, think about whether you’re buying the product just for the rebate or if you really need it. There’s no point in struggling with a rebate for something you don’t even need, even if it ends up being free.
When done right, mail-in rebates can be very rewarding!
Learning the art of mail-in rebates takes practice. While I’ve missed out on many rebates, I’ve also scored some great ones. For instance, I got a $47 check for buying a bag of dog food, making it essentially free. My husband frequently gets mail-in rebates for the computer parts he needs.
Here are some tips to increase your success with mail-in rebates:
1. Ask for an extra copy of the receipt at the time of purchase.
2. Make sure you buy the exact product, size, and brand specified for the rebate.
3. Keep all the packaging because some rebates require the barcode or part of the package.
4. Submit your rebate application as soon as you make the purchase. I keep envelopes and stamps handy to make this easier—procrastination often leads to forgetting.
5. Track your submitted rebate and know how to check its status.
Under the right circumstances, mail-in rebates can definitely be worth it, especially when you need the items and carefully follow the rebate process.
Do you get the most out of mail-in rebates, or do you usually skip them?