Quote of the Week:
"The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."
Kin Hubbard
(1868 - 1930), author
REBATE HORRORS:
In October, I wrote a short piece about bogus store sales. My list included difficult rebate procedures. Sometimes it seems as if you have to hire a personal assistant to keep track of the paperwork from various rebate offers.
Reader David Wolf agrees. Here's his recent email:
"A few weeks ago, my computer broke and I had to buy a new one. However, the $500 advertised cost [for a new computer package], is after you get back the $300 in rebates.
It is not an easy job to get them. You have to carefully cut out the barcodes from 3 boxes, make copies, and make sure you attach the right ones to the 4 rebate forms. Then you have to hope you get the 4 checks in the mail. I really believe this is done to discourage people from collecting the rebate. Otherwise the companies would just lower the price you pay in the store. "
That's just one example. I've heard worse tales of difficult-to-collect rebates. Bottom line: If you can't track the paperwork, avoid rebate offers or just keep your money.
2 comments:
I agree that rebates are a real pain. However, for $300, I would do the work. Companies aren't stupid. They know that a lot of people will NOT get around to sending off the rebate forms, which will save the company money. If companies were to simply lower their prices, then they would be assured of receiving a lower price. It's all about strategy.
Hey:
Thanks for the comment. I totally agree. Rebates are worth it IF (big if) you are a really organized person.
And for $300 savings maybe some of us should convert to the gospel of organization.
but ya know, some of us just can't get it together and are better off looking for that savings at the cash register.
But you are sooo right, organization saves mucho money.
Thanks so much for the comment.
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