Does Using a Coupon or Rebate Make Sense?

Coupons and Rebates can save you a significant amount of money. However you can also lose money if you use a coupon or rebate depending on the purchase. You should also consider the fact, you will not be reimbursed for any taxes you paid when you submit for a rebate. Here are some questions to help you figure out if using a coupon or rebate makes sense.

Do you usually purchase the item? If you purchase the product on a regular basis then using a coupon or rebate will save you money. However if you don’t normally purchase the product or you don’t need it, or like the item (if you are using the coupon to try a new product) you might want to reconsider purchasing the product. In order to figure this out you can ask your self:

If I didn’t have the rebate would I purchase this product? (since you might not get the rebate for a variety of reasons)
If I don’t like the product can I return it?
Does the product expire?

If answer no to the first two questions and yes to the last then you should probably pass on purchasing the item since you will spend money for something you might not use.

Will you complete the required information for the rebate? There are many different types of rebates. Some rebates require you to mail in the UPC code with a receipt while other rebates you can complete on-line. Any rebate you request does require you do some “work” to earn it. If you know you will follow through with the paper work then a rebate can save you money.

Will you follow up if you don’t get the rebate? Rebate checks can sometimes take 12 weeks to arrive. If the check doesn’t arrive you should contact the company to find out why you haven’t received your check. Often if you follow up, you can still get your rebate. If you don’t think you will keep track of the rebate there is a chance you will miss out on it.

Does the coupon require multiple purchases? Some coupons are a $1 off but you have to purchase 4 items. In this case the $1 value has decreased to 25 cents off per item. If the items are expensive and you don’t need 4 then it is probably not worth it to use a coupon.

Does the coupon require a minimum purchase? If you need to spend a minimum amount of money to use a coupon, but you don’t need the items you will end up losing money instead of saving it. However this type of coupon can save money at a supermarket or restaurants, etc if you normally spend the minimum purchase amount.

Does the coupon require a large size? If you have a coupon which requires you purchase a large item you can ask yourself some follow questions

Will I use the entire item?
Does the item expire?

Again if the item expires or you will not use it you will lose money by purchasing more then you need.

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