Rebates are commonly offered by manufacturers and retailers that can range from $20
to $100 or more for different kind of products being computers and other electronics more often. Rebates are used as a promotion or marketing as an incentive in sales of products mostly in the US. Common rebates have limited or specified time where the buyer must mail a special receipt, coupon or bar code to claim the rebate offered.
Depending on the retailer and manufacturer offering the rebate, you can get some good deals and save some money on rebates. There are several reasons as to why rebates are being offered. The consumer can get the item for a lower price which is always attractive and the manufacturer gets to collect information from the consumer for future use.
Rebates from trusted and established companies are generally good. The status of the company can make the rebate authentic and redeemable. Companies that don't have a famous name can be the source of doubt if the rebate can be claimed or not. If you really like or needed the product and doesn't necessarily need the refund then you can pay the listed price and not expect any rebate. Checking the date the rebate should be claimed must be checked if you plan on claiming the rebate. There are items left on the shelf of stores that has rebates with dates to claim the rebate already expired.
You should fill out all the forms need to claim the rebate before you leave the retail store. It is also important to note the most rebates needs the forms, receipts, and bar codes to get the rebate. You can make copies of all the forms you send to claim the rebate and save them. Sometimes your mail could get lost and you wouldn't have any way to recover them.