I'm a real Scotsman when it comes to shopping.
I particularly pay attention to rebates.
Often, the seller won't mention a rebate if you're already buying the product. The rebate is a tool to get you over the line to purchase something you're considering. So if I even suspect there might be a rebate, I ask.
Next, you have to DO SOMETHING with the rebate. I have no idea what the numbers are, but the seller (or manufacturer) is playing somewhat of a gamble here... a certain percentage of rebate customers will never actually apply for the rebate. Some will fill out the form incorrectly, or miss the deadline. The seller/manufacturer counts on that.
So, I go online and do a search, and often find legitimate rebates (careful - there are a lot of scams out there) and apply online immediately, before I have an opportunity to lose the receipt.
The last couple times I bought paint at Lowes, a rebate form was printed when the cash register receipt was printed, and I applied for the rebate (3 cans at $15 each) online.
Special note - many store receipts are printed on thermal image paper which fades and becomes unreadable - and if these receipts experience the hot sun for a bit, they turn blue and are useless.
How much money have you LOST in not timely claiming your rebate?
(Rebates don't cause me to buy something I wouldn't otherwise buy unless the rebate is SUBSTANTIAL and I can actually use the product)
Recently, I received TWO $70 gift cards from Michelin because I bought tires for my vehicle and my wife's. This was after I had already negotiated a lower price AND an allowance for remaining tread on the tires I was replacing.
I particularly pay attention to rebates.
Often, the seller won't mention a rebate if you're already buying the product. The rebate is a tool to get you over the line to purchase something you're considering. So if I even suspect there might be a rebate, I ask.
Next, you have to DO SOMETHING with the rebate. I have no idea what the numbers are, but the seller (or manufacturer) is playing somewhat of a gamble here... a certain percentage of rebate customers will never actually apply for the rebate. Some will fill out the form incorrectly, or miss the deadline. The seller/manufacturer counts on that.
So, I go online and do a search, and often find legitimate rebates (careful - there are a lot of scams out there) and apply online immediately, before I have an opportunity to lose the receipt.
The last couple times I bought paint at Lowes, a rebate form was printed when the cash register receipt was printed, and I applied for the rebate (3 cans at $15 each) online.
Special note - many store receipts are printed on thermal image paper which fades and becomes unreadable - and if these receipts experience the hot sun for a bit, they turn blue and are useless.
How much money have you LOST in not timely claiming your rebate?
(Rebates don't cause me to buy something I wouldn't otherwise buy unless the rebate is SUBSTANTIAL and I can actually use the product)
Recently, I received TWO $70 gift cards from Michelin because I bought tires for my vehicle and my wife's. This was after I had already negotiated a lower price AND an allowance for remaining tread on the tires I was replacing.
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