Everyone is looking to save some money these days. Taking advantage of rebate offers is one way that consumers can save a little money when making a new purchase. With the proliferation of rebate offers out there, it can be challenging to know when a rebate offer is actually a good deal.
Consumers are often disappointed when they make a purchase assuming a rebate offer will reduce the cost of a product, only to find that the deal isn't really all they that they thought it was going to be.
As a business owner helping your consumer understand how rebate programs in general work (especially if you sell products or services that include rebate offers) can help you to ensure your customer is satisfied rather than disheartened with your company and the products they have purchased from you.
To help provide consumers with education and information about rebate programs the Competition Bureau has produced a pamphlet entitled
Rebates: The Real Deal, which contains information to help consumers make more informed decisions about rebates. This pamphlet is an excellent informational resource for your staff and customers and is available online free of charge.
What to Know Before making promoting a rebate offer or making a purchase yourself you should always read the terms and conditions that accompany a rebate offer, in order to determine whether:
• There is a deadline to apply or an expiry date for the rebate;
• You must buy another product to qualify;
• You need to provide more than just a receipt to receive the rebate;
• There is a limit on the number of rebates per household; and/or
• There are any restrictions on geographic location and/or mailing address, such as a rural address, which may affect your eligibility.
True rebates involve a partial refund or discount on the purchase of a product, which is normally paid in the form of cash or a cheque. By contrast, some promotions offer gift cards or credits to be used on future purchases. While these may be a good deal, they are not rebates.
To download an electronic copy of the pamphlet
Rebates: The Real Deal,
click here.
For more information, about rebates visit the Competition Bureau's Web site at
www.bureaudelaconcurrence.gc.ca.