Getting the Most From Computer Rebates

Computer rebates can be a bureaucratic hassle with many people having their claims rejected or lost. Consumers can take a few steps to make sure they get their rebates.

Sydney, Australia (Bluehost/PRWEB ) November 5, 2007 -- Be careful with computer rebates.

With the Christmas shopping period approaching, a lot of consumers are looking at buying computers. To take advantage of this, some brands are offering rebate schemes for some tech products. These schemes offer a "cash back" for certain purchases.

A cash back scheme is where the manufacturer offers to refund some of the purchase price of their product. To take advantage of it, the customer has to provide proof of purchase, fill in a form with a few other details and send them to the manufacturer.

"These offers can be incredibly bureaucratic," says computer writer Paul Wallbank, "in the US these schemes have a terrible reputation. Often the claims are denied for silly reasons and there have even been cases where stacks of unopened claims have been found in rubbish tips."

While many computer experts dislike these rebate schemes as they require consumers to jump through too many hoops, there are a number of ways to get the most from cash back offers. Paul offers these tips at his PC Rescue website, http://www.pcrescue.com.au.

1. Don't base your purchase decisions on the after rebate price. If price is the main reason for purchase, don't include the rebate in your comparison.

2. Confirm the cashback applies to the model you have bought. Often the scheme applies only to certain models.

3. Make sure you are eligible for the offer. There are often rules that exclude businesses or multiple purchases.

4. Read the instructions and conditions carefully while still in the store. Make sure the shop has given you all the details. Many promotions require the invoice to be machine printed, not handwritten.

5. Deal with the rebate immediately. Don't pin the form to your fridge and leave it there. If possible, fill out the form while you are still in the store. Ask the salesperson to make copies of the documents before you agree to buy.

6. Follow the conditions exactly. If the form requires you to fill it out in black pen, make sure you do.

7. Check all your details are correct and all required fields are filled in.

8. Attach all the required documents. Send copies unless the conditions state you must send originals.

9. Make copies of everything.

10. Consider sending the claim by registered mail with delivery confirmation. For a rebate worth $250, that five dollar investment is money well spent.

11. If you haven't received your rebate after a reasonable amount of time, call them. Note that these cashback schemes often have processing times of up to 90 days. We think 30 is long enough.

12. Do not hesitate to complain to your state department of fair trading or the ACCC if you think your claim is not being properly processed.

While rebates can be part of an attractive offer, they have to be treated with care. Consumers should treat cashbacks as a bonus, not a reason for buying one product over another.

About Paul Wallbank
Paul Wallbank is a writer and broadcaster on consumer and small business IT issues. He appears regularly on ABC Radio advising and commenting on computer and technology topics. Paul is the author of "The Australian Small Business Guide to Computers" and co-writer of the Australian editions of "PCs for Dummies", "Internet for Dummies" and "Laptops for Dummies". His PC Rescue website (http://www.pcrescue.com.au) features useful computer tips and advice for consumers and small business.

Contact: Paul Wallbank
Telephone: 0415 967 017
Email: paul@pcrescue.com.au

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