Rebates....

There are several ways to get rebates, through manufacturers, stores, or third parties.

Manufacturer Rebates

Manufacturer rebates are usually found on packaging of their products. Rebate forms are printed on product packaging, and usually require the submission of receipts and UPCs (you want to check and make sure that you know whether the company wants the original receipt or just a photocopy). Sometimes rebate forms are found in the ad sections of the Sunday paper (usually in the same sections that contain coupons and store ads).

Even if you aren't sure that you'll use them, it can't hurt to cut them out, and save them. I have had it happen several times that I didn't think I would use a certain rebate (wasn't planning on buying the products), only to find a great deal and realize that I would meet the criteria.

You can also find rebate forms on the websites of certain manufacturers. They usually follow the same requirements (receipts, UPC's and form), but may be easier to find, and if you have favorite manufacturers, you can easily check their sites to see what is available.

Store Rebates

Store rebates can be a great way to save money on products. Many stores offer them now, either on their own products, certain brands, or on many brands. Several stores like Rite Aid and Weis Markets, offer monthly rebate programs. These programs are tied to receipt information or information from the store's Shopper Loyalty Cards. Some of them require more active participation on your part (like Rite Aid), and others simply handle themselves (weis).

Keep in mind that many of these programs offer you the rebate, regardless of what you paid for the item. So if you combine it with store sales and coupons, you can get items cheaply (or if you are really good..FREE), and then get the rebate, which makes them FREE or sometimes even BETTER THAN FREE!!

Sometimes these store programs are not widely advertised, but you can check on the company website for information, or sometimes, there will be signs posted in stores. If all else fails, you can inquire at your favorite store's customer service. These are some of the ones that I have used in the past.

Rite Aid

On Rite Aid's website you sign up for an account and then enter information from each of your receipts during the qualifying rebate period. The site then processes the information on your qualifying purchases, and keeps a tally of how much of a rebate you have earned. You then request your check at the end of the month, if you don't request it, then you lose the money.

Weis Markets

You sign up for an account on Weis's website, using your Shopper Loyalty Card information. The site then tracks your qualifying purchases through your shopper's card. You can request your rebate check at any time, or they will automatically mail it to you at the end of the rebate period. Remember though, if you request you check before the end of the period, you cannot receive another one. This means that if you buy more items which qualify for the rebate program, you will not receive the rebate for them.

Other Rebates.....

Occasionally, you will see that stores and manufacturer's team up for rebates. Many stores now have the "coupon" printers at the checkout, so that store coupons and manufacturer's coupons will automatically print out at the end of your purchase (usually based on the items you have just bought). These printers can also print out rebate forms.

These forms are usually a collaboration, and are often based on special programs (such as Superbowl promotions, Christmas, etc). Sometimes the rebate forms are printed, triggered by the items you are buying. Make sure you check out everything that is printed from these machines to ensure that you haven't thrown away or disregarded valuable rebate forms.

Stores can offer rebates in other ways. One chain in our last duty station (SuperFresh), offered $20 off a purchase, when you made $200 dollars in qualifying baby related purchases. Other stores have similar "baby club" promotions. I know it sounds steep, but when you consider the cost of baby diapers, food, formula, and other products, that $200 is easily surpassed. The program is tied to a Shopper Loyalty Card. The nice thing about the program at SuperFresh, is that the qualifying dollar amounts for items, was before coupons (and sometimes sale discounts) were taken into account. So if you time the sales and coupons right, you can get the items for little or nothing, and yet still bulk up your qualifying dollar amount.

Make sure to check with all the stores you shop at to insure that you aren't missing out on great and easy rebates.