MAGNOLIA

CLIPPING SERVICE

(601) 856·0911 I (205) 158·H61O

NORTHEAST LEDGER
N.E. JACKSON, MS
Circulation;;: 2450
WEEKLY
03/31/2010
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{lifestyle}
Tips to get
that rebate
back ont time '1
Speciatfo WOnheast Ledger

Rebates offered by manufac­

turers are steadily increasing.
They are, in fact, an excellent
way to lure shoppers into buy­
ing products.
Consumers generally fail to
receive rebate payments,
either because they do not
apply for them or due to
stonewalling from third-party
rebate-fulfillment firms. This
makes rebate offers attractive
marketing tools for manufac­
turers.
'The BetterBusinessBureau
serving lIi'IlS8i8sippll5ffeffi 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 paper­
work if the item could be pur­
chased elsewhere without a
rebate for nearly the same
amount? .., k ,c.
.... Peck riM,: ...IrJi.;:!
date.
• Read the rules carefully.
• Followall instructions.
• Apply for ouly one rebate
at a time. Original receipts are
usuallY required. so purchase
multiple-rebate items sepa­
rately.
• Start the paperwork
immediately after purchase is
made.
• Keepcopies.
• Use certified mail..
• Mark the estimated
arrival date on your calendar.
• Check the redemption
status.
• Watch incoming mail for
disguised rebate checks. They
may look likejunk mail.
• Keep track of all follow-up
efforts.
Report any problems to the
Federal Trade Commission
(www.ftc.gov or 1-877-438­
4338) or the Attorney Gener­
al's office (www.agjimhood
.comor 1-800-2814418).

NORTHEASnEDGER,CQM