Rebates - Rebate Policies to Avoid

The problems with companies failing to redeem coupons, or making the process too difficult to where consumers give up trying to get their money back, is on the rise. The following list helps consumers sort out which companies have poor rebate redemption practices.

• Companies which fail to provide consumers at least 30 days to redeem their rebates and who do not fulfill the terms of the rebate within the same amount of time required of consumers, not exceeding 60 days.

• Companies that do not send rebate checks in a manner which identifies the piece of mail as the expected rebate check.

• Companies that do not accept copies of receipts.

• Companies that require consumers to write identifying information on the rebate form (unless the receipt does not identify the purchased product).

• Companies offering rebates that require information that is not necessary to process the rebate, including information other than name, address and phone number.

• Companies that fail to provide telephone numbers or contact information for rebate inquiries so consumers are able check on the status of their rebates.

Knowing what to watch out for and following the proper rebate instructions should help make the redemption process a more positive experience. If unresolved problems still arise, don't give up and do take action.

More: How to Avoid the Rebate Rip-Off