Offering a rebate gives consumers the incentive to spend and makes retailers more money than the usual sale. Why do retailers offer rebates instead of sale prices? Isn't it just more paperwork for them?

It might seem so at first but retailers realize one thing about consumers – they are lazy. Once the average consumer gets an item home and the money has been spent, they no longer worry about the cost. Few people ever send in the rebate forms required to get paid even after purchasing a high dollar item.

For a conscientious shopper, however, rebates can be a blessing and a great way to save money. When buying the item with a promised rebate, be sure to ask the sales associate what documentation will be required. Often there is a specific rebate form that needs to be completed and without it your rebate request will be rejected. Before you buy the item make sure that the store has the forms available and ask for the rebate conditions and instructions. If the store cannot provide the proper forms then don't purchase the items.

When completing the forms and gathering your documentation read all paperwork provided by the retailer. Don't lose your chance at a rebate by making a misstep in your request. Read all the paperwork then follow the instructions closely. Before sending in the form, make a copy for your records.

You won't get your money back without the receipt. Most rebate agreements require a proof of purchase so save the receipts. Make at least one copy for your records. If possible, send a copy to the rebate center instead of the original. Send the original only if required by the rebate conditions.

Send in the rebate on the date of purchase. Most rebates have a limited time frame. Get into the habit of sending in the rebate request on the same day as your purchase. This way you will meet any deadline and you won't be tempted to procrastinate or forget about the available rebate. Keep all the packaging. Until you receive the rebate payment you should hold onto the package your purchase came in. Some rebates will need information from the box. In other instances you might want to return the purchase for a refund if the rebate is denied.

Keep an eye on your mail. Rebate checks are often returned to you in boring, unmarked envelopes. Some rebate companies specialize in making their checks look like junk mail so that you never open them. When you know a rebate should be coming, you should keep a close eye and open every piece of mail as soon as you receive it. Deposit the check before it expires.