Friday, June 11, 2010

Keeping up with mail-in-rebates?

Allright, so I might be the coupon queen, but I am the WORST when it comes to keeping up with mail in rebates. I buy the items with the intention of sending them in, then I either misplace the receipts, forget to cut out the upc codes, or some combination of the above.

So, does anyone have any good tips for keeping these together? I have tried several different methods and they are really not working. I am going to lose out on two Olay rebates of $20 each and two Swiffer rebates of $10 each because I can't find receipts/ forms/ upc codes. UGH! That's $60!!!

I can't wait to see what you guys have!

9 comments:

  1. Brandy, I keep a pile of envelopes and stamps at the ready and I send them in immediately after I put my groceries away.

    If I'm pressed for time I always make sure I file the receipts when I get home in a section of my coupon bin/organizer so that I know where they are when I need them.

    I also keep an Excel spreadsheet (very simple) with the pertinent information re: the rebate so that I know what I am supposed to be receiving.

    I think someone told me that they searched for UPC codes for the Olay stuff online and found them. :)

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  2. I wish I had some amazing idea to tell you, but...I, like you, am horrible about this also. I am anxiously awaiting your readers input on this!

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  3. If I'm planning on purchasing a rebate item, I put the rebate form in my envelope of coupons I keep in my purse. I have one envelope for each store that I go to. That way, I can double check to make sure I'm getting the right item for the rebate. When I get home from the store with a rebate purchase, I immediately put the receipt, product, and form on my kitchen countertop. The next naptime for my kids, I fill out the form and mail it. I have to do it right away, or I won't get it done at all!

    Also, I've been curious. Do you still "prefer Publix"? I know it's a lot of work, but I miss seeing your incredible Publix shopping trip break-downs. I'd love to see a weekly list of your favorite deals, especially moneymakers. Thanks for all your hard work!

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  4. I keep all my receipts together so that I can deduct them from my checking account each week. I'll either place the MIR in the stack with the receipts or I'll just remember that I need to find the MIR. After I enter my receipts I automatically fill out the MIR as part of doing my budget. This helps me keep on track knowing that I do it once a week. Like LA Girl, I keep an Excel sheet so that I know what I've submitted/received.

    I'm usually able to save 70% on my bill. Any tips on how I can boost that to 90% or on ways that I can find the free+ items. Do you scour the Advantage Flyers? Thanks for any tips.

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  5. Thanks for the ideas! You have given me some directions to try. Of course, first I should clear/clean my desk, and all the flat surfaces around me. *snicker* My husband calls it the "flat surface syndrome". :)

    Jen, I definitely do "prefer Publix". :) I have been so busy lately, I swear I don't know how some of these bloggers do it. I feel like I'm either doing the deals or posting about them, but it's hard to do both! LOL! I will try to occasionally post the deals/trips, but it's very time consuming, so it doesn't happen as often as I'd like. I was trying to keep up the "free this week" post, so I will try to get back to doing that.

    T- At Publix, I find I do the best when I buy/trade for coupons for mm's and am able to get several of each of the different deals that are going on. That builds my overage to buy the things I need- finding a store that accepts register Rewards and doing multiple mm deals at Wags and using the rr's at Publix helps too!
    I also tediously read each and every post on several blogs about Publix to find any hidden deals, along with noting any high-value q's I have and match-ups with Publix q's. Hotcouponworld, iheartpublix both have great deals listed.

    HTH!!!

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  6. I'm with you, girl! I am awful about that. I need to send one in tonight. Surprisingly, I got the bug in me last night to go ahead and complete one for Kraft. That's $10! I truly need to be better about that.There are so many money making oppurtunities!

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  7. I'm with LA Girl--if I don't do it right away, I won't do it at all. So, I fill out the rebates, put the papers and receipts in the envelope, and mail them immediately. Done, done, and done, then all I have to think about is when I get my money back :-)

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  8. I have really fallen down hard over the last year on rebates. The 1st year I started couponing seriously (April 2008) I was on top of all the rebates but it got to be too much to keep up with. Who knows how much money I've lost out on the last year on rebates alone.

    When I was gung Ho, I sent them as soon a I purchased the products...that's the key !

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  9. I try to keep up the the rebates within the first week. My "flat surface" keeps everything for me. It's my husband that throughs things away without asking first.
    On a different note, at Publix the Organix Shampoo is on sale. I purchased two last month that had "try me free rebates" on them. Only bought the shampoo on the receipt mind you. This week I recieved a postcard saying my submission wasn't correct. I called and they are looking into it. My problem is I did not copy my reciepts to show them proof of mailing it in.
    Has anyone else had this problem? And what do you do when you know 100% everything was in the envelope to get the rebate?
    ps...This shampoo is in the green advantage flyer this month but to try it free you need the orginal submission form! Hope this helps.

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