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Home Homemaking Frugality Refunds or Rebates

• Confessions of a Mail-In Rebate Junkie - Information and advice on retaining and submitting mail-in rebates from manufacturers.
• CostCritter - Features rebates, coupons, promotions and a cash back program for online stores. Registration required; free membership.
• Ebates - E-commerce portal that connects with the most popular retailers and pays cash rebates on purchases.
• Ed Foster's Gripelog: Rebate Bait - Explains how and why the rebate industry, especially on computers or electronic equipment, has (over)grown, and how rebate fulfillment shops make their money.
• FTC: Taking the "Bait" Out of Rebates - Advice from the Federal Trade Commission to help consumers successfully process and submit rebates.
• Rebate Report Card - Rebate rankings submitted by consumers. Rebates are ranked from A to F, depending on length of time to get the money, complexity of instructions, quality of customer service and related details.
• Rebate Roulette - User-submitted rebate reviews and ratings.
• Refunding Online - Devoted to the hobbies of refunding and couponing. Includes newbie tips, glossary and manufacturer directory with 1-800 numbers for most major brands.
• The Straight Dope: Why are rebate checks drawn on obscure banks in the middle of nowhere? - Answer: It's part of a scheme to delay paying rebates for as long as legally possible.

• The Rebate Debate: Why Were They Late? - FTC settles charges against CompUSA for deceptive and unfair product rebate practices. (March, 2005)
• TCS: Shoot the Stupid Consumer - Article is from Tech Central Station discussing how the "mail-in rebate" offered by retailers can turn into a consumer nightmare and can legitimately be described as a "shady" business practice. (February 1, 2005)