Look for Rebate Offers

Did you know that the value of a refund is usually twice as high as the value of a coupon? But to take advantage of a rebate, you have to do a little more work. Most of the time you are responsible for mailing product packaging and a sales receipt to the manufacturer. When deciding whether a rebate is worth the cash back, factor in the cost of the envelope, postage—and your time.

No two rebates are alike. Some offer a coupon for the product, while others offer a cash refund. You might even find a product sample dropped at your front door. Always read the instructions carefully and expect the process to take anywhere from four to eight weeks.