Happy Friday: How to Start a Rebate Binder
Sent from reader, Rachael:
I thought your readers might like this because it has helped me so much! I have had a coupon binder for a while now, but my latest couponing organization tip is my new Rebate Binder! I love rebates but could never seem to meet the deadlines, or I would buy the wrong product etc. So I started my Rebate Binder and I love it and have yet to miss a rebate!
Here are my “ingredients”:
#1 pocket sleeve – I temporarily put all my rebate info here as I get it until I have time to file it
#2 pocket sleeve – To keep envelopes/stamps etc for mailing so it’s all in one place (I also printed my mailing info on several 3×5 cards as many rebates require this)
Rebate Log Pages (Excel or Numbers program works great)
15-20 Page Protectors – each with a single full size colored paper inside (I like colored because most forms are black and white so it makes them stand out but any full size paper will work)
1″ 3-Ring Binder – to hold it all together (get these at the Dollar Tree for $1)
I place rebate info in each side of the page protectors, and they hold all the receipts/codes/upc/forms/copies etc (so each page protector holds 2 rebates, but the colored paper keeps them divided: 1 on the front side and 1 on the back. Then I list each rebate in order in my log, noting all the limits/requirements for each rebate.
It’s so easy to put together and super easy to use. Happy Rebating!
HAPPY FRIDAY! 😀
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Great idea. What is a good resource to find out about product rebates?
Hip2Save! 😉
I love your rebate log page shown in the picture. Would you be able to share? I would really appreciate it. Please…
Sure! Email me at rknichols.home@gmail.com
Awesome idea, I can’ believe I haven’t thought of this yet! I would love to know a good resource and see your rebate log as well 🙂
Sure! Email me at rknichols.home@gmail.com. Like most readers, I was under the impression that rebates were mostly a thing of the past, but once I started looking online, I was surprised how many there are. Energizer, for example, seems to run rebates constantly for the last couple years, of course Staples is super easy, but I still use my binder to keep them all straight (as I usually have multiple Staples rebates in process), I just applied for a $30 rebate on a Midas brake, and a $20 rebate on Miracle Grow potting soil for my flowers. I have about 24 rebates in process right now only on products I will use (and I’ve only done one satisfaction guarantee rebate – which I found on one of the links below – when I purchased a Swiffer product that was broken when I bought it). Here’s a couple additional links I use with Collin’s Hip 2 Save listings. (Watch expiration dates, they are not always current, like Collin’s listings.)
https://hip2save.com/category/rebates/
https://www.afullcup.com/forums/mail-offers-forms/
https://justrebates.blogspot.com
I’ve been couponing for about 20 years ( since I was in grade school!) and when I started it seemed like rebates were very popular and I remember doing dozens and dozens every month myself for years on end. It really seems like they have gone by the wayside and are fewer and far between… Or am I just out of the loop now? I feel like apps like ibotta, etc have somewhat replaced these… What do you all think?
Agreed. The only rebates i do regularly are P&G and Starbucks. Occasionally there are try me free deals, but not many.
I agree. I have 4 rebate apps for groceries and such. The only ones I have to fill out and mail in are Staples (for paper and envelopes) and Menards if I happen to buy something during their 11% rebate offers (which are rare).
Staples you can do online. I never mail them in.
Which are the apps
You’re right Jen. I’ve been couponing for almost 35 years. I started keeping records of my rebates in 1986. I took advantage of many rebate offers in the 80’s and 90’s, but I hardly see them anymore. Looking back, the last rebate I mailed via USPS was in 2012. I’m glad Staples still offers rebates, but I do those online now.
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
That’s an awesome idea! Love it! I would be ever so happy if you would share your rebate log as well. I’m recently starting into the whole couponing process. You mention a coupon binder. Where would I look to find out how to set one up or some kind of filing system for all the coupons? Thanks.
Collin has that covered here – https://hip2save.com/couponnewbie/
It’s part 2 under “Getting Started”, like the 3rd paragraph there are 2 video links.
Collin has several posts about making your own coupon binder.
https://hip2save.com/2011/09/11/make-your-own-coupon-binder-on-the-cheap-with-these-amazon-deals/
There are other links in that post as well that provide more information on making your own coupon binder. HTH! 🙂
I do the same thing. I keep track of rebates when I mailed it, How much it was, when I received it. Sometimes the rebates are gift or visa cards so you dont always know what its for, so by keeping track helps to make sure you get them all. If months go by and I have not received my rebate I will contact and find out why not.
I keep track of mine, too. I scan the completed rebate form, proof of purchase, receipt, etc., along with the addressed stamped envelope and save it in my rebate folder on my computer named by date so the files sort chronologically. I also include the brand name and amount expected in the file name so I can tell at a glance if the check is correct. When I receive a rebate, I move the pdf to a received rebates folder, although I guess I could just trash them. I used to have a spreadsheet with specifics but I found the scans serve both as a proof of purchase and contains all the pertinent info I’d need, so I don’t bother anymore.
I also always make a copy of everything I’m mailing in so I can have something to fall back on in case things get lost or it takes a long time for me to receive it
Ditto, keep copies of what’s mailed in. Also, I write on them date mailed. I’ve only had to once use the copies, they couldn’t find it. I have a rebate drawer.
You can also take pictures instead of making copies!
And then chronicle them on instagram or the like. Save paper
Thanks Mel and Jamie about your posts on the coupon binder. I will check those out!
Cool! I didn’t know there were still so many paper rebates available- I’ll have to pay more attention to this!
I just got a rebate for blue rhino $3 for tank of propane for the grill
Where you can find it?
I would also love to know more about rebates that you mail in. I used to do these but have not seen any for a long time.
Purex Powershot try me (active)
Listerine (active) Also their money back guarantee
Advil earlier this year
Finish jet dry try me free (found on bottle) ended but they have a money back guarantee form
Orajel cold soar treatment earlier this year
A lot of brands have a money back guarantee, usually fill out a form, state what you didn’t like, send upc and receipt, get a check.
Wait–what? Are you legitimately having problems with all the products you are requesting money back for or are you scamming the companies? Am I misunderstanding something here?
Shopper didn’t say anything about having issues with products or making use of money-back guarantees, just that products offer them.
No..just posting some rebates that were recent or active.
I don’t do the money back guarantees, only stating companies have them, if truely needed.
I think they are not as easy to find any more because there are so many ways to publish them now. I keep my eyes open in stores for rebate tear pads, and in the weekly newspaper coupons, but most of the ones I use I find online. Here’s a few I’m doing right now: Staples always :), Energizer battery $8 wyb 2, Scotts potting soil $2/bag, Eggo Waffles get a $12 movie ticket, $5 wyb 2 Lysol products, Free Secret Clinical wyb 4, $3 rebate on Blue Rhino propane tank, free bowling w/ Mussleman’s applesauce, free Mucinex allergy medicine, free Pro Plan premium dog food, and tons more. I’m working on 24 right now. 🙂 HTH
Very helpful!
I keep a rebate folder. Mostly to keep pending rebates until the check arrives so I don’t miss a rebate and can follow up if they don’t arrive when they are supposed to.
I don’t make copies of the rebate, I scan them into my email (and into a folder for just rebates). No waste of paper and expensive ink since so many are full page. When the rebate comes in, I delete the scan copy. I also keep a spreadsheet to know when to contact if a rebate isnt received. Easy peazy!
Good idea, I just prefer paper – old fashion I guess 🙂 But I do shrink them down when I print forms or make copies, to reduce my ink usage.
I had a problem with the Orajel cold sore MIR. Four days ago I received a post card from them saying that I did not fulfill their requirements which is not true. Two reasons they denied my request: supposedly I did not send the original UPC code and no items were found on my receipt. First of all, I purchased the requirement items at CVS store (single dose+ moisturizer), circled the item’s price on the original receipt and then cut out that UPC code and included everything together with the form. I do have a copy of everything mailed but now I am a little disappointed. since I do not have the original receipt anymore and the product’s packaging damaged, I won’t be able to return it back to the store. It is $20, not a couple of bucks. I did not really need the product at this time and I am afraid it may expire before I may need it. What do you do if the manufacture flatly denies a legit claim?
Find out from them how to resubmit the copies. The UPC may have fell out when envelope was opened.
Tips for the future: tape the UPC to the form and buy the rebate item on a seperate receipt.