MAGNOLIA

CLIPPING SERVICE

(60 1) 856· 0911 J (205) 758·8610

MESSENGER
OKOLONA, MS

Circulat ion = 1165

WEEKL Y

03/24/2010
1""1111/11111 111111 lilli/I i11111/11

BB~ ,0Jfers tipe to receive rebates fast

. J~ .
BBB Offers Tips to Re­ mediately after purchase is .Keep track of all follow-
ceiving Rebates Promptly made. up efforts.
Ridgeland, MS, March 'Keep copies. Report any problems to
10,2010 - Rebates offered 'Use certified mail. This the Federal Trade Commis­
by manufacturers ' are will verify that your request sion (www.ftc.govor 877- '
steadily increasing. They was received prior, to the 438-4338) or the Attorney
are, in fact, an excellent deadline. General's office
way to lure shoppers into 'Mark the estimated ar­ (www.agjimhood.com or
buying proi:!ucts. Con­ rival date on your calendar. 800-281-4418).
sumers generally fail to re­ 'Check the redemption
ceive rebate payments ­ status.
either because they do not 'Watch incoming mail for
apply for them or due to disguised rebate .checks.
stonewalling from third They may look like junk
party rebate-fulfillment mail.
firms. This makes rebate of­
fers attractive marketing
tools for manufacturers.
The Better Business Bu­
reau (BBB) Serving Missis­
sippi offers. the following
tips to consumers that may
help improve their chances
of receiving rebates:
Do the math. Is it worth
the hassle to fill out the pa­
perwork if the item could I
be purchased elsewhere I
without a rebate for nearly
the same amount?
' Check the expiration
date. Are the deadlines rea­
sonable?
'Read the rules carefully.
Can you easily meet filing
requirements/
·Follow ALL instructions.
Fill out paperwork com­
pletely.
·Apply for only one rebate
at a time. Original receipts
are usually required, so pur­
chase multiple-rebate items
separately. I

·Start the paperwork im- I