More for Your Rebate

Manufacturer's rebates are a great thing, right? Free products with just a little work (Yes, just a little work. Seriously.). Watch your coupons and sales and you can get even more. Here's how:

1) Combine a buy-this-get-that-free sale with a rebate. Walgreens recently had certain razors on sale and you could get a free shave gel for buying the razor. I had manufacturer's rebates for the razors. So I got two free razors and two free shave gels for the cost of tax.

2) Combine buy-one-get-one-free coupons with a rebate. A couple of months ago I had a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for Glade candles. I also had a Glade candle manufacturer's rebate, so I got two for the cost of tax.

Next time you find a good rebate, wait a little while until you buy the item. Keep an eye on the sale ads and you might get an even better deal. My free stuff stockings idea was a hit at Christmas, so I'm keeping my eyes open and trying to find all the freebies that I can.

Ebates: Shameless Plug Ahead!

I've referred to Ebates numerous times throughout the history of this blog. Here's how you use it:
1) You decide to make a purchase at an online store.
2) You go to Ebates to check if that store is in their program. MANY stores are. If it is, you click on the Ebates link for that store.
3) That link takes you to the store you want to buy from, and you will earn a percentage of your purchase back (usually 1-6%).
4) Wait until you have accumulated $5.01 or more from these purchases. Every three months or so, Ebates will send you a check if you have that amount in your account.

I have been an Ebates member for a few years and have earned $49.88 back in that time by purchasing pet food, books, printer ink, minutes for my phone, and so on. It's easy and it's free. They normally give you a $5 sign up bonus, but from now until February 14th if someone refers you and you make a purchase in that time period, you both earn $10. If you'd like to sign up under me, here's my link.

Sometimes You Have to Strong-Arm Them

Rebate companies. Bah. I've never had problems with Staples rebates until recently. I was supposed to receive a check for three Avery label packages ($32.94), and I only received the amount of one package ($10.98). I don't have time to call companies, although that would get the job done more quickly. Instead, I emailed and got the run-around twice. Finally, I stated firmly that if this was not resolved immediately, I would file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I can't imagine that a company as big as Staples would care, but those were apparently the magic words. My check should be on its way today.

Stand your ground!