Mail-in rebates can score you free stuff! But first, be sure to read the mail-in rebate form carefully before purchasing the qualifying item so that you know what the terms and conditions are. For instance, the rebate may only apply toward the purchase of the item during a certain time period in the near future; so buying it now could disqualify you for the rebate. You’ll also need to know which items to mail in order to take advantage of the rebate and get your money back (e.g., UPC code, receipt).

Here’s an example. Let’s say Brita has a mail-in rebate for a free water filter. Purchase the filter, fill out the rebate form, and mail the form with the filter’s UPC code and receipt to the address on the form. Typically, it takes 6–8 weeks to receive your cheque from Brita for the amount you paid for the water filter.

Here’s how you can not only get an item free, but also MAKE money from a rebate! Let’s use the Brita water filter example again. Say you apply a $2.00 coupon toward the product, which costs $3.99. You end up only paying $1.99 for the filter, but you’ll get a rebate check from Brita for $3.99! You just made $2.00 and you got a free water filter.

Money-back guarantees
Like mail-in rebates, money-back guarantees are a financially safer way to try out products. Let’s imagine you want to try a Scotch pet hair remover tool, but it’s expensive and you don’t have 100% confidence that it will work. This particular item has a money-back guarantee, though (often, these are posted on the product’s web site or listed on the product’s packaging). If you purchase the item but decide you don’t like it for any reason, print the money-back guarantee form on their web site and mail it with your receipt and the UPC code (if required) to the address on the form. Within 6–8 weeks, you should receive a cheque in the mail for the amount you paid. Be sure not to abuse this privilege, though. Only ask for your money back if you truly do not like the product.

Helpful tip:
Since it takes 6–8 weeks to receive rebate and money-back guarantee cheques, keep a record of what you’ve mailed out to be sure to follow-up if you don’t receive it in the next several weeks. Note what you purchased, when you purchased it, its price, how long it’s supposed to take to get your refund, when you sent off for it, and what you included in the envelope that you mailed. Call the manufacturer if you don’t receive your rebate on-time. You may also want to photocopy the receipts and snap a photo of the UPC before mailing it, so that you have proof should any issues about getting your cheque arise.