1. Are mail-in Rebates a scam?
No, they can actually be a great way to save a lot of money or get a great reward
for making a specified purchase. We are actually in the "rebate giving" business,
not the 'rebate denying' business, as under our business model, we represent our
clients and their terms and conditions for a specific promotion. It is more financially
advantageous for our company when a reward is paid out, versus denying a claim.
Some consumers seem to thing that we "keep their money" if a claim is denied, which
is simply untrue. With many promotions, we do not receive the money until your claim
is approved. In the case of a gift with purchase, we generate revenue when we ship
your reward. So, to deny a claim is not actually in our financial best interest.
That being said, we do, however, have to make sure that what you purchased was the
correct item and that you submitted everything that was requested by our client
so we can ensure the best possible level of fraud prevention.
2. What's the best way that I can ensure that I get my
Rebate?
Always ensure that you read the terms and conditions of the offer very carefully
and follow each step. Sometimes, mail simply does not reach us; therefore we strongly
recommend that you keep a copy of everything that you submitted, in case you have
to send it in again. Finally, keep a copy of the actual mail-in submission form,
especially the section that indicates the toll free number and self look-up website,
so you can check on your status.
3. Where is my Rebate?
The fastest way is to check your status on this site.
If you are new to our site, please click the "Register" button. You will be asked
to review and agree to our Privacy Policy, then create your profile, so we can match
you to what's in our database. Then, follow the prompts to register for the promotion
you are inquiring about. You will then be given the status of the Rebate you are
looking for.
NOTE: It is essential that you enter your name, address and phone
number exactly as you did on your mail-in submission so we are able to find you
in our database.
If you've already registered on our site, simply enter your Username and Password
and click on "Login" and we'll search for your results.
NOTE: All results are displayed in real-time, so if we have not
yet received or processed your submission, you will not find your status on our
site. If we cannot find your status, we suggest that you make sure your contact
info you entered on our site and the coupon are the same, or check back in a week
to see if your claim has been entered.
The stages of approval are:
I Status reads "Rebate request received" OR "No record"
If your status says "Compliant", that means your submission has been approved for
the indicated reward. "Date shipped" indicated when your reward left our facility.
"Estimated Ship Date" (more on that in Answer #19) is the latest we expect to ship
your reward to you. "In Production" means that we are currently processing your
reward to be shipped out shortly.
If your status says "No record", it means we have not received your submission
yet, or the contact information you entered on the mail-in form and when you registered
on our site do not match. We suggest you go back and check the information that
you entered on our site to ensure that it is correct. It usually takes approximately
2 to 3 weeks from the time you mailed it until we post the status. If it has been
significantly longer than that, please call the toll free number listed on the mail-in
form and speak to a Promotions Care specialist and they will give you instructions
on how to resubmit your claim.
II Status: Reward, check/cheque date sent OR Non-Compliance Letter sent
This means we have processed your submission and have sent something to you, which
can take up to 2 weeks to get to you.
NOTE: If the status is "Pending", "Non-Compliance Letter Sent", this means something
was incomplete and you may need to provide more information. Please wait 2 weeks
for delivery of the Non Compliant letter, which will tell you what prevented us
from processing your Rebate. If it states that more information or proof of purchase
is requested, then please be sure to resubmit prior to the deadline. Of course,
the faster way is to review your status right here on this site, as comments in
the NOTES area will tell you what is required right away.
The other way to check the status of your rebate is to call the toll free number
that was printed on the promotion's mail-in claim form.
4. Why is my reward taking so long?
There a many things that can cause a delay. Your submission may be incomplete or
you may have purchased unknown or non-approved items. This will be communicated
immediately on this site, or by a "Non-Compliant" letter that we will send to you
(depending on program). If the reward is other than money, the program sponsor may
be experiencing difficulties in obtaining inventory for us or, if the reward is
cash based, they may not have forwarded the funds to us yet. We will post a note
on your account on this site if we are aware of an unexpected delay and continue
to work with our clients to obtain the reward and forward it to you as soon as possible.
We never intentionally "hold back" a reward, as frankly, our fees to our
clients are transactions based - and there is no "transaction" until we
can ship out your reward.
5. What is a UPC code?
UPC stands for "Universal Bar Code" that is printed on packaging and is a unique
identifying code of virtually every item that is sold.
6. Why are UPC codes so important?
UPCs are not required for all promotions, but when they are, they provide two important
elements:
1. When we scan the code here, it instantly confirms that you have purchased the
correct item.
2. Most retailers will not accept a product back for return if the code has been
cut out of the packaging, so it also offers protection against fraud.
7. Where exactly can I find the UPC code?
A UPC code is either printed right on the box of the product you purchased, or it
is on a sticker that is on the box. It is NEVER found printed at the bottom of your
sales receipt, which is a common error.
8. Can I file the Rebate request form on-line?
No, however, if you have registered on this site for a promotion, and your record
has been found, you can download and print a copy of the Rebate form if you have
lost the original. All Forms must be mailed with a copy of original Proof of Purchase
and whatever information is required for the individual promotions. Please read
the "information required" on each form carefully, to make sure you have submitted
everything needed to allow us to process your Rebate.
9. The agent at the call center told me I don't have
a customer record. What should I do?
If you mailed the claim form in less than four weeks ago, wait until the forth week
before re-checking the status as we may not have received it or it may not have
been entered into our database yet. If it was longer than 4 weeks, re-submit your
information, as it is likely misdirected in the mail. Your request likely was not
received due to incorrect address, improper postage or other reasons.
10. I mailed my request some weeks ago, why is it taking
so long?
We process your Rebate claim as quickly as possible; however, sometimes things can
take longer than expected. As a rough guide, here's the 'worst case' you can expect:
Typically, up to 14 days are allowed for mail receipt. Once received, the Rebate
can be processed between 1 to 10 days. Then, if the reward is cash, it can take
up to 4 weeks for us to request the funds from the sponsoring client, receive it,
than issue the payment. Then, up to an additional 14 days are allowed for return
mail. Please note: If a request is deemed "non-compliant", it can take an additional
4 to 6 weeks, as we send you a letter informing you of the issue (depending on program)
- and your response has to get back to us. Of course, it is much quicker if you
review your status from time to time on this site.
11. I received a Non-Compliant letter? What does this
mean?
This means there was something wrong or missing in your submission and we process
your claim without further information from you. Typically, a proof of purchase
was not included, or an unknown model was purchased - or the UPC code was not cut
out from the box and send with your submission. The letter will specify what you
need to re-submit to allow us to process your Rebate, or ask you to call the 1.800
number or look up your status on this website. Your account will remain 'Pending'
until we are able to correct the problem. Once you re-submit the requested information,
please wait 2 to 3 weeks after mailing before checking the status again. It is important
that you return the requested information to us before the expiration date that
is noted on the letter, or the promotion may close and we would not be able to process
your claim.
12. Do promotions expire?
Yes. Virtually all promotions are time limited and always have an expiration date.
Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions on the mail-in submission form so you know
how much time you have to submit for each promotion. If you submit a request after
the deadline, your submission will be deemed Non-Compliant, as the promotion will
have closed.
13. What information do I need to give to get my Rebate?
The information required to receive a Rebate is specific to each promotion and every
manufacturer that we represent, so it is important that you read the Terms and Conditions
on the specific mail-in submission form. If you have registered on this site and
your record has been found for a promotion, you can download or print a new copy
from this site.
14. The dealer told me he would mail in the information.
What should I do if I haven't received my Rebate?
If we indicate that we have not received your submission, we recommend that you
send another one to us yourself and provide all details and submission as required
by the mail-in submission form. To obtain a copy of the form, you can download or
print a copy from this website or request a copy from the store.
15. If I lost my purchase receipt, can I still get the
Rebate?
As each promotion is different, you must check the Request Form. If the Terns specify
that you need to have a copy of a proof of purchase (and most forms do require this
information) then you should contact the store where you purchased the item, to
see if they can provide you with a copy. We will most likely not be able to process
your claim without this.
16. The website says the promotion is closed. Is it too
late to get the Rebate?
If you have not already mailed in your Request Form, you have missed the allowed
time and yes, you are too late. If you mailed in your information it may have been
received in time. The best thing to do is wait 14 days from the promotion expiration
date and check the website or call the toll free number to see if your request was
received on time.
17. What is a UPC code/serial number/ID number/brand
name/model number?
UPC Code: The black and white label bar code usually placed on the exterior of the
box the item was presented in (see #5 above).
Serial Number: The manufacturer's serial number usually found on the item.
ID Number: A number found on the item provided by the manufacturer.
Brand Name: The name of the manufacturer.
Model Number: A number found on the item provided by the manufacturer. Their website
may be a good resource to confirm your model number.
18. Will the personal information I put down on the request
form be given to other companies?
No. As stated in our Privacy Policy, TheRebateCompany only shares the information
provided on your form with the company that offers the Promotion, as we are acting
on their behalf. If you are unsure, you should contact the Customer Care personnel
at the company that provided the promotional item and specify that you do no wish
your personal information to be shared with other organizations.
19. Why is the Estimated Ship Date so far away? Can't
you ship faster than that?
Generally we can and do ship much sooner than the Estimated Ship Date, however,
as stated in question #3, sometimes things can take longer than expected. The ESD
is automatically generated from the date your Complaint submission was received
by us. If your initial submission was Non-Compliant, then it is generated from the
time your submission was approved as Compliant. Either way, it estimates the worst-case
scenario for us to get your reward out to you and is almost always exceeded.
20. I used Registered Mail and have a signature proving
that it was received. How can you say you don't have my submission?
All of our mailing addresses are for PO Boxes at the main postal facility, so whenever
something is sent via Registered Mail, someone at the post office has to sign on
our behalf, and then place the submission into our box. Although we do receive the
majority of such submissions, we have observed that from time to time, they do not
always make it to our box. We strongly suggest that you use only First Class mail
for your submissions, as then they go directly to our box.
21. My check/cheque says "For Deposit Only". What does
that mean?
As most banks will not immediately offer cash to your for this type of check, it
is strongly recommend that you ask them to deposit the money into your account,
either via the teller or the automated bank machine, then withdraw the funds per
your bank's operating policies. Usually, you are able to withdraw the funds from
your account within 5 - 7 business days.
22. My reward is damaged or incomplete, or simply not
what I expected. What do I do now?
Please all the toll free number that is associated with your promotion and a Customer
Care agent will help you.
23. I've heard that Gift Cards do not have expiry dates
in many States and Provinces. Why does the card you sent me have one?
A pre-denominated reward card (American Express, VISA, etc.) does not fall under
such regulations as they are deemed a "reward", not a "purchase" from a specific
retailer. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions of your card for the exact expiration
date. We do, however, always negotiate the longest term possible for the card products
that we use.
24. I just received my Gift Cards in the mail and the
packing slip says there should be more. What do I do now?
The packing slip that came with your card will confirm the total value that was
on the cards that were sent to you, however, the actual number of cards indicated
may differ, as the cards themselves may have different amounts on them to reach
the combined total. For example: your packing slip may say 3 $50 cards for a total
of $150, however, you may actually receive 1 $50 card and 1 $100 card.
25. I just received my Gift Card. Do I need to activate
it?
Whether it is activated or not depends of the type of card you received. If the
card is not activated, instructions on what you have to do is often printed on a
sticker which is across the face of the card, or the information may be contained
on a card or booklet that could be in the envelope. If in doubt, the back of the
card should include 1.800 number to call or you can go to the website that may listed
there.
26. How do I purchase something with my pre-loaded reward
card that is worth more than the amount of money that is on the card?
This is called a 'Split Tender' and you need to let the cashier know exactly how
much is available on your card so they do not enter any more than that amount, then
you can pay the difference however you wish (cash, credit card, etc.). It's the
same as trying to use a credit card that is about to go over the limit or a debit
card that has only a few dollars left and you have no overdraft coverage. Therefore,
it's very important to always know what your balance is, which can easily be determined
by calling the 1.800 number that is printed on the back of the card. (NOTE: it may
be better to check you balance on the website, as sometimes there are charges for
calling the toll free line and speaking to an agent).
If you are trying to purchase a $50 item and you have $37.50 on the card, it is
important to let the clerk know that you will pay $37.50 on the reward card, and
the balance some other way. Naturally, if they try to process ever $37.51, the card
will be declined as it would be over the limit of available funds.
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