Record Keeping Tips for Refunding Forms and Rebates

Refunding is a methodical, organized approach to saving money and patience is a virtue for aggressive refunders. They know that it could take up to eight weeks before they see the actual refund check in their mailbox. They also know it may take a few phone calls before they see the refund. That is why it is vital from the start to develop good record keeping skills.

Using just our sharp memories won't do the trick. Because of the wide gaps in time between sending and receiving rebates, keeping good records becomes critical very quickly.

Many refunders find a simple notebook is all that is needed to record the rebate information. Others prefer a card system divided by the months of the year. With both methods, it is recommended that the information be recorded on one piece of paper or card for each rebate. This will allow room for follow-up notations.

Items To Record for Each Rebate Form Sent In:

• Date the completed refund offer was mailed.

• If a form was required for the offer.

• The name and address of where the refund Offer was sent.

• The expiration date.

• The cash value of the item - How much it cost you.

• What qualifiers were required for the refund. Example - Two UPC codes & register receipt.

• Follow-up notes.

• Date you received your refund and amount.

If you have access to a copy machine or computer scanner, make a copy of the rebate for your records. You can discard this after you receive your refund check.

If you follow these suggestions, adapting them to fit your particular needs, you will eventually see the benefits of refunding.

Tip - Sometimes people keep their refund money in a separate checking account so that they can track the success of their efforts.

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