1. Don't wait to do your rebate! 

All mail-in rebates have an expiration date for you to postmark your submission. The reason manufacutures and stores offer rebates is because many people forget or are to lazy to fill out the rebate form and mail it off. Some of the best bargains on the internet are items that have rebates so once you get your product and rebate form, fill out the paperwork right away!

Each rebate offer is differnet and may require different proof-of-purchase requirements. Some rebates require the serial number of the item, while others may require photocopies of a portion of the box. If you want to get your rebate check back, follow the directions on the rebate form very carefully. Read the form twice if needed. You can even get a friend or family member to look over your completed rebate form to make sure it was done properly and completely. Some products offer more than one rebate and have have more than one rebate form to fill out. Simply read carefully each form and you shouldn't have a problem..

Nearly all rebates require you to send in the UPC barcode or a serial number barcode from the product packaging. It is always a good idea to keep the box and packaging not only for rebate reasons, but also if you need to return or exchange and item. 

Make sure you fill out the rebate form completely. Circle anything they ask you to circle. If your handwriting is poor and someone to fill out the rebate form for you. Make sure to to print clearly and don't make any mistakes.  Usually P.O. Boxes are usually not acceptable addresses for rebates, so please read the rebate terms and conditions on the form very carefully. 

If you have a phontocopier then make a copy of all your rebate paperwork including a copy of the UPC or barcode that you may have cut out of the product box. Photocopy your receipt, barcodes, rebate form, mailing envelope, and any other items that are needed for your rebate. If your rebate is lost in the mail or the company says they did not recieve your rebate form, you will need these copies to have your rebate re-processed. If your don't have a photocopy machine, then go to a local store and photo copy everything before you mail off your rebate.