Rebate Tips

[MOTOhooligan]

Lately, I have seen many threads regarding rebates taking a long time or being denied for some reason or another. I thought I'd post a few tips about rebates in the hopes that it might help some of you. It's just a quick post and I'm sure there are those of you out there with more tips, so share 'em!

First, some background about rebates. There is a great article here by Eric Bernatchez, I would suggest reading the entire article but here is some interesting info:

- the very low return rate of rebates (especially small rebates) IS the reason why they are so popular among manufacturers: they simply know not all consumers will claim the rebates.
- using rebates, companies are able to make you believe their product is very low priced or even free, but since so few people claim them, companies still make a lot more money than if they had offered a traditional price reduction.
- Fulfillment companies even suggest that manufacturers make the task of claiming a rebate as complex as possible so that consumers forget a detail (such as including a UCP code from the box, circling or underscoring the price on the invoice, etc).
Of course, if something is forgotten, the rebate "can't be processed" and the company saves even more.
- in fact, "offering" mail-in rebates has proved so profitable to manufacturers that even retailers are using them, which makes no sense at first glance: they would just have to announce a price reduction... But why would they, when they can offer it as a mail-in rebate and count on your laziness?

Most cell phone rebates require the side of the phone's box with IMEI/ESN, the first wireless bill, the receipt or shipping label and a fully completed rebate form. Make a copy of everything you send to the rebate company, that way, if there is a discrepency, you can review exactly what you sent.

If you are getting your rebate from the sales office, make sure to get two or three forms in case you make a mistake. Any mistake can cause your rebate to be denied.

Ensure that you have the rebate sent well ahead of the due date and that the rebate has not expired. I have heard of many people who have gotten the wrong form in their shipping box or at the office, if this is the case, contact customer service to get a valid, current rebate form.

Make sure you read and understand the time frame for rebates. They can take 8-12 weeks, so be prepared to wait a while.

Make sure to note the phone number, address and web address/e-mail address for the rebate center. That way, if it takes longer to arrive than the posted timeframe, you can call/write and inquire about the status of your rebate. Some companies, like Alltel and T-Mobile, have websites where you can check the status of your rebate online.

Alltel Rebate Center

T-Mobile Rebate Information

T-Mobile Rebate Status



***In order to keep this thread informative, please post your rebate tips and tricks but no stories about missing or denied rebates, those can have their own threads. Thanks!***

[Quint101]

I know that with Verizon, make sure that the 15 days period has passed before cutting out the UPC from the box. VZW will not allow you to return the phone if the UPC is not on the box.

Also, I wanted to include the link for VZW's rebate site:
http://www.verizonwirelessrebates.com.