Rebate Tracking
For those of you who watch the rebate meter, you may have noticed that while it's fairly high now, it's nothing compared to what it has been at in the past. However, it's hard to keep track of just what the variation is in the amount.
For that reason, and because it was an interesting problem, I wondered if I could use the data in my rebate tracking database* to calculate the amount of money that I have had tied up in rebates over time. With a lot of manipulation in Excel, I was able to produce:
The peak was on 5/23/03, when I had $1215.99 in outstanding rebates. On 10/11/03 I bottomed out at $103.89. I'm now back up to a healthy $400.22.
*When I first started doing rebates, I quickly learned to keep a copy of everything (rebate form, UPC, receipt), and to keep track of when each rebate was mailed. To contain that pile of paperwork, I designated a "Rebate" folder. Over time, that folder began to fill, so I started a second for completed rebates. As the number of outstanding rebates began to increase, I needed more order to keep track of them all, so I started an Excel spreadsheet, which I converted to Access shortly thereafter, in order to be able to run queries on the data.
While my method works, there are a number of programs on the market for tracking rebates, including Rebate Rebate and a web based program, Rebate-Tracker, but I'm too lazy to try to convert/re-enter all my data.
Now, what general rebate entry would be complete without a list of a few sites for finding rebates in the first place:
-iBuyerNet
-RebateCatcher
-RebatePlace
And of course, the Official FW Rebate Information Thread.