Rebate Tracker Spreadsheet
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If you are a deal shopper you have undoubtedly noticed that some of the best online bargains include cash-back rebates. Buying this way can save you money, but only if you actually get the rebate. You have to remember to submit the correct forms on time and sometimes even have to troubleshoot if your refund doesn't arrive as expected. It's easy to loose track of all the necessary details.
We created a Rebate Tracker Spreadsheet for our personal use at Dealhack HQ and it has proven to be a useful tool for managing rebate purchases. After a few revisions and updates, we thought it was finally time to share it with our readers.
DOWNLOAD REBATE TRACKER SPREADSHEET for PC & Mac
Tips for using the Rebate Tracker Spreadsheet:
 Any time you make a rebate purchase, enter the information as indicated by the column headings. When your purchase arrives, refer back to this form for details on how to follow-up. Also, use it to track when you expect your refund to arrive so you know whether to take any further action.
When a product is offered online with a rebate, there is usually a link to the submission form right on the product page. We recommend cutting and pasting this link right into your spreadsheet. (To do this, right click on the link and select "copy link location." Then go to the Rebate Tracker Spreadsheet, left click on the cell where you will place your link, then right click and select "paste.")
Make copies of paperwork you send in with rebate requests. You might occasionally need copies of the materials later if a merchant or manufacturer indicates they never received your request. We suggest keeping all your rebate paperwork in one place. That way, whenever you need to take any action, you'll always know where to find the forms or receipts.
Check in on your tracking sheet about once a month to see if there are any outstanding items that you've forgotten about.
Other tips regarding the use of rebates:
 Generally speaking, there are two sources for rebate offers: the product manufacturer and the merchant. Sometimes, you can find products that are offered with rebates from both sources. When this is the case, look closely at the fine print to make sure the offers are not mutually exclusive. For example, if both parties require you to send the original UPC code from the product box, you obviously cannot submit it to both.
When deciding whether or not to take advantage of a rebate offer, the quality of the source matters. A $50 cash-back rebate offered at Stan's House of Crazy Cell Phones is not equivalent to the same one offered through Amazon or Buy.com. Some companies go out of business, while others (even well-known national companies) have a reputation for flaky rebate practices. A great place to find buyer-beware rebate information is The Consumerist.
While reading fine print is always a drag, at least scan rebate requirements before making a purchase. Most merchants include links to rebate forms so you can review them before buying. This is important because you will often see qualifications that must be met in order to receive the promised refund. For example, software competitive upgrade rebates usually require you to prove that you own one of a specific list of titles. If you can't submit verifying information, you won't receive the rebate.
If you have any doubts about the quality of the rebate or your ability to qualify for it, only buy the product if it is a good enough deal to stand on its own without the rebate.
Bottom line:
One of the keys to success with rebate shopping is organization and follow-up. The Rebate Tracking Spreadsheet is one way to manage your rebate shopping to obtain the discounts that attracted your attention in the first place.
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