Rebates are great for the manufactures but a headache for the consumer. My latest strategy is to fill out the forms making sure everything is correct. One little mistake and you just as well forget it. Then I copy everything before mailing it in. You must keep good records and a master list so you know which ones you haven't got back. If they reject your claim for any reason or you do not receive the rebate in a timely manner return the merchandise at once. If you receive any flak from the company tell them you are returning the merchandise because of fraud. As an example let's say the price was $100 and you got a $20 rebate so you expected to pay $80 for it and now it's $100 so you don't want it for that price. If they say anything at all just remind them of all the stress and bad advertising you are going to create for them. About two months ago I bought a printer at Staples ("IT'S EASY") and was sent a postcard saying I had to resubmit as I had sent them the wrong number (the number was right) so back to Staples went the printer for a full refund. Three weeks later in rolled a check for $30. I even sent the check back along with a letter telling them why ("IT WASN'T EASY"). I just went through about the same thing with Intuit (TurboTax) and their slew of rebates. Hit them hard and quick if things don't come out like you expect.
What do you think about rebates?
Never, it's not worth the hassle
Only if the rebate is big enough
A pain in the butt, but I still fill them out
Love them, I fill out every rebate form
I think most rebates are scams; companies never pay up
Other (tell us what you think)

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