Taking
the "Bait" Out of Rebates
Rebate
offers can be irresistible to consumers, slashing the price of consumer goods at the time
of purchase or promising partial or full reimbursements after the purchase.
Some manufacturers and retailers entice shoppers with instant cash rebates that can be
redeemed immediately at the checkout counter.
But most rebates are of the mail-in variety. They require consumers to pay the full
cost of an item at the time purchase, then to send documentation to the manufacturer or
retailer to receive a rebate by mail.
The documentation required generally includes the original sales receipt, UPC code,
rebate slip, and the customer's name, address and telephone number. In most cases, this
paperwork must be sent to the manufacturer or retailer within 30 days of the purchase.
Consumers generally receive their rebates up to 12 weeks later.
But the Federal Trade Commission cautions consumers against being "baited" by
rebates that never arrive or arrive far later than promised. By law, companies are
required to send rebates within the time frame promised, or if no time is specified,
within 30 days.
When purchasing a product that offers a rebate, the FTC encourages consumers to:
- Follow the instructions on the rebate form and enclose all required documentation in the
envelope when filing for a rebate.
- Make a copy of all paperwork to be mailed when applying for a rebate. It's the only
record a consumer will have of the transaction if anything goes wrong.
- Contact the company if the rebate doesn't arrive within the time promised.
- If the rebate never arrives or arrives late, file a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission, the state Attorney General or the local Better Business Bureau.
The FTC works for the consumer to
prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the
marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and
avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get free information
on consumer issues, visit
www.ftc.gov or
call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related
complaints into
Consumer Sentinel, a
secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law
enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
|
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION |
FOR THE CONSUMER |
1-877-FTC-HELP |
www.ftc.gov |
|
January 2000 |