Rebates can make a sweet deal on a new purchase even sweeter. Sadly, several Consumer Reports studies show that 40 percent of all people who are eligible for rebates do not actually get the money they are due because they do not send away for it or they do so improperly. In tough economic times, learning to play the rebate game is a great way to make your money stretch just a little bit further.

Just what are rebates? Rebates are incentives offered by companies to help entice you to purchase their products. They are ‘cash back’ offers that you have to ask for. For example, many electronics companies will sell a computer with a free printer. The catch is that the printer is not free at the time of purchase. You have to purchase the printer, and then you can send away for rebates that will make the printer free.

Rebates are a great way to get free and cheap merchandise, but you have to be proactive to receive them. Each rebate will have a specific set of instructions that you have to follow in order to get your check. This typically includes filling in a rebate form, sending in your receipt and proof of purchase, and doing so by a specific date. Sometimes rebates require a discount code, but if you can use a keyboard you won’t have any problems. If you do not follow all of the instructions, the company is not obligated to send you your rebate.

If you are going to participate in rebate offers, the best advice is to send away for your rebate as soon as you bring your purchase home. This will ensure that you do not forget to do it by the deadline. However, before you mail your receipts and forms, make a copy of all of the documentation that goes with the rebate. You can use this if you should have a problem with the company offering the rebate.

Watch your mail carefully. Many times the check will look like standard junk mail. Open all of your mail when you are waiting for your check so that you do not miss your money.

Read the fine print on the rebate so you will know when to expect your money. If you do not get your rebate within two weeks of the timeframe indicated on the rebate slip, call the company and inquire about it. You have the copies of the information you sent them, so refer to this if there is a concern that you did not submit the right information. If you have a problem getting your rebate, do not be afraid to complain to your state’s attorney general or the FTC, but make sure you have all of the proper documentation if you do.

There are occasionally companies that make it very difficult to get your rebate, but most companies are more than willing to offer the check if you ask for it properly. So the next time you see something that is “free after rebate,” don’t be afraid to take advantage of it.