Many of the items listed on this site take advantage of rebates. Our experience has shown that most established vendors will honor their rebates, as long as you carefully follow their guidelines.
Before sending off your rebate, double check to ensure that you have followed all instructions exactly, and make sure you make a copy of all items that you will be mailing.
If you don't actually mail your rebate form and associated documentation, you won't receive your rebate. Some vendors count on this. If you aren't sure you will follow up, factor this into how good a "deal" your purchase really will be.
One of the most important keys to getting great deals is patience. For many items, if you are willing to wait a few weeks, most often a good coupon or rebate offer will become available.
Strike while the iron is hot. Sometimes the best way to get a great deal is to make your purchase before you need the item. This is especially true if the item is free or almost free after rebate.
Utilize items that are free after rebate to increase the amount of your total order to either surpass the free shipping minimum or to allow you to utilize $off of orders over $X coupons. If all you need is just a little to "get you over the top" add paper-clips or rubber bands or batteries to your order.
Use good judgement in your purchasing. There is always the possibility that you will not receive a rebate, or that getting the rebate will take work and hassle. Spend only what you can afford.
Usually, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
