One of the easiest and best ways to save money is through manufacturer rebates. In Canada, three conditions must be met in order for consumers to receive these rebates.
If you’re wondering how to claim rebates to help you save more of your hard-earned money, you’re in luck.
Read on for some awesome rebate finding tips and helpful rebate strategies that will put more money in your pocket.
Rebate Finding Tips
Let’s start by looking at ways you can find these money-saving manufacturer rebates. Some companies advertise their rebates online and make it clear how much money they offer with specific products.
Start by going to the manufacturer’s website and looking for any current, available rebates there. Many big-name companies proudly advertise specific rebates directly on their website.
Another way to find rebates is to look for in-store promotions. Certain retailers will advertise manufacturer rebates on signs and product displays. It’s a smart way to get customers in the door and to make a purchase.
There are also special rebate aggregator websites available that will help you find various rebate offers from several manufacturers all in one place. Check Canadian Free Stuff regularly to look for a variety of awesome manufacturer rebates.
Another way to discover rebates is to sign up for different manufacturer’s newsletters. Most of them will notify loyal customers of any new rebates they offer via their email updates and newsletters.
You can also look at product packaging. In many cases, you can find rebate information clearly printed on the outer packaging or included inside, usually on a small slip of paper.
How to Claim Manufacturer Rebates
Once you find a rebate you’re interested in, it’s vital to know how to claim rebates. Start by reading the fine print carefully. Look for details like valid purchase dates, rebate submission deadlines, and any documentation the manufacturer requires. For example, most manufacturers require the customer to submit a receipt or a UPC code along with the rebate form as proof of purchase.
Before you send off your rebate form and documentation, make copies of everything. This ensures that you have backup in case the rebate submission gets lost, or if you need to prove you made the purchase for any reason in the future. Don’t forget to make a copy of the rebate form as well as the receipt or UPC, too.
If you stumble upon a rebate you’re interested in, try to submit the claim as soon as possible. The sooner you submit it, the sooner you’ll get your money. It’s also the best way to avoid missing the manufacturer’s rebate deadline.
Once you submit the rebate, make sure you track the submission. Look closely at the stated processing time, then keep an eye on when you sent it so you can follow up if you don’t receive your rebate in a timely manner.
The Rebate Process
While each manufacturer is different, most have a fairly standard rebate process in place. Start by purchasing the eligible product within the stated, specific rebate timeframe (this should be listed on the website, in-store, or on the product’s packaging).
Gather all of the documentation you need to submit the rebate including the rebate form, the purchase receipt, or the UPC code. Fill out the rebate form manually or online and make sure your information is accurate. Don’t forget to make copies if you’re sending it by mail.
Check the rebate submission deadline and send it before that date. Make a note of when your rebate was submitted, then wait for it to process. Most rebates take between six to eight weeks to fully process.
If you think it’s been too long and your rebate hasn’t arrived, don’t hesitate to follow up with the manufacturer. Make sure you give them the specific rebate you submitted, the date you sent it, and any other information they need.
Rebate Strategies
A manufacturer rebate gives you a portion of your money back on the purchases you make, which saves you cash in the long run. It’s an incentive that benefits both you as a consumer and the manufacturer. There are some ways that you can maximize your rebate benefits to help you save even more.
Start by looking for sales on the items you want that have an active rebate. Buying an item on sale translates to even bigger savings for you since you’ll pay less for the item upfront while also getting a bit of that money back in the process.
Some brands offer volume-based rebates for bulk or multiple purchases. This option is particularly useful if you need to buy a large quantity of items for your business. Not only will you get what you need, but you’ll receive some money back that you can put toward other business expenses.
There are several types of rebates available, and some of them include free products with a purchase. In some cases, this can save you tons of money, especially if the free item was already something you were planning to buy anyway. Other manufacturer incentives allow you to combine the rebate with other current offers, like coupons or sales, to maximize your savings even more.
If you submit a large quantity of these types of rebates for your business, consider using rebate management software or an online rebate management service to help you stay on top of your submissions. This special software makes it easy for you to track all of your rebates in one place and follow up if needed.
Save Cash with Rebates Today
A manufacturer rebate helps you save money on the things you were likely already planning to buy. With the right strategies in place, you can easily save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year just with rebates alone.
Since 1999, Canda Free Stuff has been an all-in-one resource for coupons, contests, freebies, samples, giveaways, shopping deals, and much more. If you’re interested in saving money or want to learn more about our latest offerings, get in touch with us today!
