Real Deal on Rebates

Download this PDF - View all Publications

Attractive rebates for products such as cell phones, computers, spas, and mattresses often entice consumers into purchases from companies that promise money back, or partial or full reimbursement at a later date. Despite the appearance of a good deal, companies may use the rebates to convince consumers to buy products with the hopes that they will not take the time and effort to fulfill rebates, some of which may contain obstacles. In fact, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, some companies count on customers not bothering to claim their rebates at all.

Although some rebates for small purchases are processed immediately at the checkout counter, most rebates must be completed through the mail. Some can be very confusing. Companies may require a significant amount of documentation from consumers, such as the original sales receipt, the UPC code, a company rebate form (sometimes confusing and only available through the company’s website), and other information, such as a “rebate certificate.” In some cases, consumers have been asked to send numerous letters at different times within a period of many years in order to claim a refund.

Companies sometimes make claims about their rebate programs that are not true. For instance, a company may indicate that their rebate program is insured, so that if they go out of business, the rebate will still be valid. Some consumers have made purchases which included five or ten-year rebates only to discover that a company did not purchase insurance — leaving them with little chance of receiving any money back.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office encourages consumers to consider the following information before purchasing products from companies based upon the promise of a rebate:

Know the Company

Some companies may use other companies to fulfill their rebates. Ask questions about the reliability of the business. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out any information about the company.

Question Rebates with Long Time Periods

The sooner you get the rebate, the better. For example, one company offered a rebate that was redeemable only after ten years. Consumers who contacted the company ten years after buying the product were told that too many people had applied for the rebate and that they would only receive a portion of what was promised.

Read and Understand the Terms and Conditions

Find out what responsibilities are required of the consumer in order to claim the rebate (i.e,. requests for documentation such as original receipt, UPC codes, forms, etc.). In addition, ask how long it will take to receive the rebate. Federal law states that consumers should receive the rebate in the timeline promised, and if that is not indicated, within 30 days after sending documentation to the company. It is also important to know the period of time a consumer has to supply the requested documentation.

Ask about Insurance

Check to see if the company insures its rebates. If they say “yes,” ask for verification. If you decide to purchase a product with a rebate, voucher, or cash-back program, consider the following information to receive the best results:

Follow the instructions on the rebate form and enclose all required documentation in the envelope when applying for a rebate.
Make a copy of all paperwork to be mailed when applying for a rebate. If something goes wrong or the company loses your paperwork, you will have a record of the transaction.
Contact the company if the rebate doesn’t arrive within the time period promised, and to check on the status of a rebate (some companies offer updates by email that send you a note when a rebate is sent).
Because some companies have sent checks out within “flimsy” postcards easily mistaken for regular mail, consumers should closely watch their mail for rebate checks.

If you have concerns about any magazine renewal notice, you may file a consumer complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as follows:

Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)
(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)
(800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay)

If you would like to learn more about a company, contact the Better Business Bureau, which offers a searchable database on its website and can be contacted as follows:

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota
220 South River Ridge Circle
Burnsville, MN 55337
(651) 699-1111 or (800) 646-6222
www.bbb.org/minnesota

You may also contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint against a company that you believe is using deceptive practices as follows:

Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
(877) 382-4357
TTY: (866) 653-4261
www.consumer.ftc.gov

Spotlight on Rebate Offers: Does this Sound Simple?

One company’s “cashable rebate” contained the following rules that a consumer must follow to be eligible for a rebate:

“Within seven days of the issue date shown overleaf you must submit an initial registration by signing where indicated overleaf and then mail a photocopy of the front side of this voucher by certified mail only to the trust at the US administration address.”

“Within fourteen days after each six month anniversary of the issue date you must submit a re-registration by sending on each occasion a further signed photocopy of this voucher by certified mail only to the trust at the US administration address.”

"When re-submitting the first reregistration of the original documents, the consumer must notarize copies of their driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. They must also provide the invoice, receipt or finance agreement, and third party written proof of payment of the items or payment to date for rental/ lease/finance of the items in the form of relevant bank statements or if paid by cash a relevant receipt or other similar documentary proof.”

Free Trial Offers Usually Have Strings Attached

Companies often use free trial offers as gimmicks to dupe consumers into unwittingly paying for ongoing monthly charges for products or services of little value. The bottom line is this: companies are not in the business of giving things away for free, and they only use free trial offers because they want to sell you a paid product or service.

Gift Cards and Gift Certificates

Not all gift cards and gift certificates are the same. Knowing your rights and being mindful of the fine print can help prevent your gift card or certificate from expiring or having its balance consumed by fees.

Gift Card Scams

The truth is, you can rarely get something for free. The gift card scam offers "free" gift cards and gas cards and consumers who respond to the offers are asked to provide personal information. The goal of the scam artist is simple: get personal financial information and sell it to thieves, simply steal the identity of the victim, or charge people money for things they do not need.