The other day my wife checked on a $100 rebate check she’s been waiting for on a cell phone she bought. The answer she got went something like this (with a little embellishment): “Sorry honey (snickering), but you weren’t paying attention. You cut out and mailed us the wrong UPC code (full laughter).”
You’ve seen it… a company offers a deep discount on a big-ticket item, like a TV, or computer, or expensive smart phone… in the form of a big mail-in rebate. But there’s a catch. You have to do the legwork if you want the money. And more than 20% of the time, customers either don’t get their rebate, or they’re turned down on a technicality. Don’t be one of those customers. So here’s what you can do:
- Read the instructions. Some of those rebates require a number of extensive steps. Miss one and you could lose your rebate altogether.
- Pay attention to the amount of time you have to act on that rebate offer, and don’t delay.
- Make copies. You want to have a record of the rebate around in case anything goes wrong.
- And keep all the packaging from the product until after you get your rebate. You may need something, like that UPC code, to get your money.
My wife didn’t keep the packaging, but if you know her, she didn’t take “Sorry honey” for an answer. She called back, insisted on talking with a supervisor, who told her there was another way to get that thrown away UPC code. Her $100 check is now in the mail. Look who’s laughing now?
I have no doubt whatsoever of the power of Michelle!!!!! Amazing gal!