I currently have quite a few nbpr forms. The dates and requirements for these can quickly become overwhelming, and to ensure I have all my ducks in a row to ring up multiple offers in one shopping excursion, this is what I do:
Sure it is low tech, but you know what? It is a whole lot faster for me to write stuff on a notepad when I am flipping through a stack of rebates than type them into a word doc. I truly believe that low tech can be a great time saver on occasion. I now know what to purchase at the store, and within what dates. These items will be rung up separately, and sent in as soon as I get home. Bwhahahhaa ok, but the CRT will be attached to the form so I can mail out at the end of the week.
Soooo to prevent slippage I sat down to write up my rebates yesterday. I haven’t done the weekly rebates, like I KNOW I should, in a month so there was quite a stack. I am still a copying slacker though – on this do as I say, not as I do. You will be a LOT happier.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
That is so funny you posted this… that’s what I’m doing right now, lol “rebates”!!!
I’m gonna take your suggestion re: low tech writing it on my handy dandy notepad. I’ve been known to buy “just off” the product and have to return it or what have you.. this is a very, very good tip, thank you!!!
Case in point, the Petsmart Hill Science Diet $10MIR. It’s for a 4lb of food or higher, or 12 cans of dogfood. I still had dry food left so I didn’t open any bags from yesterdays’ purchase. I then read the fine print… “yup” I could send the UPC from the case of cans, however, I mixed up the cans. I added 6 beef to the chicken case. So I just finished peeling all the labels from the beef, and cut out the UPC’s. You could say to me it’s over kill, hey, I want to prove to them I have them, I have them… lol
Yeah Didi when I get this many nbpr forms I go through my old CRT to see what I can match first (I could match about 10) and now it is time to buy. Since we don’t get many shrimp or meat coupons, getting 50% – 100% back on a rebate is a great way to save!
Ann
Good tip because I always forget or get mixed up with what I need to buy for the rebate. Your way I would have to make as many trips back to the store. However, I do copy my rebates before sending them in. Well, kind of, I scan into my computer so I have it if I need it for later. That way I don’t waste my ink and paper.
That’s what hubby does Nichele. I have a neat receipt scanner that is super easy. I really should practice what I preach.
Ann
I started taking photo’s with the digital camera instead of scanning or copying. For me it was just so much quicker.
Does anyone else use mailing labels on the forms instead of hand writing everything.
I have all my forms and envelopes ready to go. When I get home, I just snap the photo, slap it in the envelope and off it goes. Just finished four about 30 mins ago.
That is fantastic if the requirement is not for “hand written” forms/envelopes. And the handwritten ones are normally the worst for available space… so what I’ll do with the ones where my handwriting is impossible to read is also attach an address label to the form somewhere other than in the handwritten line area.
Ann
Is “hand written” a requirement with some beer rebates? I know it sounds crazy but I can’t read the fine print on these forms even with a magnifying glass. I have been using the mailing labels for about 4 months now and have not had any problems YET. I have the labels setup to include name, address, birthdate, email, store and then I just sign the ones that need it. Quick and Easy!!!
Ok – not nearly so organized….but it works for me. I do rebates on a monthly (?) basis and I have found that I rarely have to buy anything to complete the requirements. My receipts are in a monthly pile and somewhat organized by store. So I just go through and pull out the ones that have the rebates items on them. Then go back and start adding up to reach the required totals. I guess it doesn’t hurt that I actually buy/use the “normal” rebate requirements on a regular basis…i.e., coke, water, salty snacks, seafood… And I live in a no beer purchased required state…so easy peasy!
LOVE FREE MONEY!! Oh yes, and I always always copy the info that I send.