Americans Feel Effects of Rising Food Prices

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89832826

The effects of the food crisis are being felt throughout the world. Even American shoppers are seeing a bump in prices at the grocery store. Money coach Alvin Hall and consumer advocate Donna Maria Coles Johnson talk about what's causing the crisis and share tips on how to shop smart.

Donna Maria's Top 10 Tips for Using Coupons

1. Commit to a budget. I withdraw a certain amount of money from the ATM on Sundays, to last all week. This helps me actually see money going through my hands, not a pretty sight. It encourages me to save anywhere and everywhere I can. It's amazing how much more I save when I actually feel the green slipping through my fingers!

2. Accept that couponing takes time. It's worth it. This is the biggest reason people tell me they don't coupon - no time. But if you are struggling to make ends meet, you should have a lot of time so use it wisely. Your kids can help you clip coupons. If you can shave 30 percent to 50 percent off your grocery budget each week, isn't it worth the time?

3. Start small. Don't feel like you have to take couponing on all at once. Start with bottled beverages or dairy products and work your way from there. Soon, you'll be able to set up a system that works for you.

4. Carry your coupons with you. This is the second biggest reason people tell me they don't use coupons - "I left my coupons at home." Keep them in the car. That way, you are never without the chance to save some money.

5. Forget brand loyalty. If, for example, only one brand of deodorant works for you, stick with that brand. Other than that, use coupons.

6. Shop around. Don't just shop at one store. Compare prices using circulars from the paper. Many are also available online so there's no excuse not to know what's on sale where in your area.

7. Use the Internet. I needed a $30 prescription filled last month that was not covered by insurance. I searched a few local pharmacies online and found a coupon to receive a $25 gift card if I filled my prescription at that pharmacy. I paid $5 for a $30 scrip, and got $25 back!

8. Stack coupons. Example: tissue has a regular price of $2. Store has it on sale for $1.50. You have a coupon for 50 cents off. Store doubles coupon. You get $2 tissue for 50 cents after the store discount and doubled coupon.

9. Use rebates. Many manufacturers offer mail in rebates. We're used to them with electronics equipment, but grocery rebates are out there too. Often if you send in for the rebate, not only will you get a rebate check, but more coupons for the product too. Also, save your receipts for at least a month so you can take advantage of rebates on purchases of types of products as opposed to specific brands.

10. Communicate with your favorite brands online. If you like a product, e-mail them and tell them. They'll usually respond with coupons as a "thank you." Likewise, if you don't like something you purchased, take it back to the store and get your money back. Then e-mail the manufacturer about the issue. Again, they'll often respond with coupons for other products you might like.

Consumers Not Collecting Notebook Rebates

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Home_Office/Notebooks_And_Tablets/E6R7J4U4

By David Richards | Wednesday | 09/04/2008

A bitter battle has broken out in the consumer notebook market with vendors slashing notebooks to sub $500. Some have resorted to offering $400 rebates knowing that less than 30% of consumers actually collect them.

Mark Whittard the General Manager of Toshiba Australia has said that consumers are gravitating to mainstream stores like OfficeWorks, JB Hi Fi, Harvey Norman to buy their cheap notebooks as opposed to supermarkets or BIG W stores. "Supermarkets and big discount stores want to sell the notebooks but are not structured to handle consumer service if anything goes wrong. We are now seeing really stripped down notebooks running Linux and Celeron chips going on sale. These are now starting to compete with a new generation of ultra mobile PC." He said.

He added "Several brands are now using rebates in an effort to win over consumers as they know that less than 30% of people who buy a rebated notebook actually collect their rebate cash. The discount battle is not however affecting the premium end of the market. It is growing the volume for notebooks and those consumers who are buying for a business and writing their purchase off on their tax are moving into premium products" he said.

Mail-in Rebates: How-to Guide

http://www.capitalistmaven.com/?p=51

A while back I posted about how I managed to get my TaxCut software free this year by using coupons and playing the rebate game. I’m happy to report that I successfully received checks for all 5 rebates I submitted. I addition I sold off all the software I wasn’t going to use on Ebay so I actually made a small profit on the deal.

It wasn’t entirely without problems, one of the rebates was initially denied saying “Missing proof of previous ownership” on the status tracking website www.rebateshq.com. This was for an upgrade rebate that requires a photocopy of the previous CD or first page of user manual. I had included my photocopy as I am very methodical about doing rebates. Fortunately the tracking site had a contact form that I filled out with the problem. About 48 hours later I received an email that the problem had been fixed. I suspect they automatically deny a certain percentage of rebates, assuming that people won’t notice or care enough to follow-up. It pays to stay on top of things.

So here’s my how-to guide for rebates:

1. Read the rebate form immediately to find the postmark due date and be sure to complete it before then.

2. Verify that the product you purchased has no defects, missing parts, etc, as you can’t return it once you cut up the box.

3. Check if the rebate has a website for electronic submission, as this is usually faster and less error prone even though in most cases you still have to print out the completed submission and mail it. Otherwise just fill out the paper form you received.

4. Cut out the necessary proof of purchase from the product package. I recommend using a small piece of tape to loosely attach it to the rebate form as you don’t want the human that is opening the envelopes to drop it on the floor and lose it…

5. Make photocopies or computer scans of everything you are submitting.

6. Address the envelope using the address on the rebate form, write it exactly as on the rebate form and double check it.

7. If the rebate is for a significant amount (I usually say greater than $50), strongly considering sending it certified mail. I’ve never missed a rebate because it was “lost in the mail” but I wouldn’t want to have that perfect record ruined on a $100 rebate.

8. If there is a website listed on the rebate for status, check your rebate status starting 2 weeks after you mail it. If you notice that one of your rebates has been denied, call or email immediately. I think they are more likely to fix it without hassle if you’ve proven to be on the ball by reporting the problem immediately.