Taking the "Bait" Out of Rebates
Rebate offers can
be irresistible to consumers, slashing the
price of consumer goods at the time of purchase
or promising partial or full reimbursements
after the purchase.
Some manufacturers and
retailers entice shoppers with instant cash
rebates that can be redeemed immediately
at the checkout counter.
But most rebates are of
the mail-in variety. They require consumers
to pay the full cost of an item at the time
purchase, then to send documentation to
the manufacturer or retailer to receive
a rebate by mail.
The documentation required
generally includes the original sales receipt,
UPC code, rebate slip, and the customer's
name, address and telephone number. In most
cases, this paperwork must be sent to the
manufacturer or retailer within 30 days
of the purchase. Consumers generally receive
their rebates up to 12 weeks later.
But the Federal Trade
Commission cautions consumers against being
"baited" by rebates that never
arrive or arrive far later than promised.
By law, companies are required to send rebates
within the time frame promised, or if no
time is specified, within a "reasonable"
time. "Reasonable" in this case
often is interpreted as within 30 days.
When purchasing a product
that offers a rebate, the FTC encourages
consumers to:
- Follow the instructions on the rebate
form and enclose all required documentation
in the envelope when filing for a rebate.
- Make a copy of all paperwork to be mailed
when applying for a rebate. It's the only
record a consumer will have of the transaction
if anything goes wrong.
- Contact the company if the rebate doesn't
arrive within the time promised.
- If the rebate never arrives or arrives
late, file a complaint with the Federal
Trade Commission, the state Attorney General
or the local Better Business Bureau.
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