3. Taste Guarantee Refunds: A new twist on the TMF, “taste guarantees” have been in vogue over the last year. Resembling a TMF rebate form, these promotions simply restate guarantees already present on the package. The difference is that the refund form limits the consumer to receiving only a refund of the purchase price. Consumers typically receive better compensation for genuine dissatisfaction and legitimate complaints using standard procedures. Call the toll free number on the package, or visit the company website, to report the problem or disappointment. Manufacturers typically respond to direct contacts by offering to replace the product through one (and generally more) coupons for free products, as well as cents off savings, and/or a full refund of the standard market price.
Direct contact generally does not require the consumer to submit UPCs and receipts (although providing UPC and packaging codes online or over the phone may support a claim). When reporting a problem with a large purchase (e.g. replacement of more than a single item, or multiple purchases, or a high value item), manufacturers may request the actual items be sent to them for quality testing (and proof of purchase). In these cases, manufacturers will send prepaid mailing packaging materials for you to return the items at their cost.
4. Rebate by Coupons & Other Incentives: Many consumers submitting TMF or guarantee rebates are smart savers looking for the best deals. Product loyalty is often not high (as confirmed by the purchase of a new product), and a competing brand promotion may easily sway potential purchases. Customer loyalty is not developed, and future sales are not guaranteed. None of this is to the manufacturer’s long term advantage.
The majority of consumers requesting rebates also use coupons and they generally want more coupons. If they have tried and enjoyed a new product, they want more coupons for it, so they can purchase more of it. That is exactly what the manufacturers want to promote.
Responding to these realities of the marketplace, many manufacturers now offer a choice of refund alternatives. Options are typically to receive either a small refund of the purchase price, or a larger dollar value in manufacturer coupons to be used on future purchases. For example, in the recent Hunts Thicker Than Ever Guarantee, consumers purchasing any size single container of Hunt’s Ketchup were invited to receive either a cash rebate of the purchase price ($1 – $2), or receive up to $20.00 in coupons across the ConAgra family of brands. Healthy Choice, Land ‘o’ Lakes, Heinz, Crest, to name but a few, also offer coupons as an alternative form of rebate, securing future sales and providing savvy savers future opportunities to stretch their grocery budgets.
Important opportunities to save money using rebates are becoming increasingly common. Before you shop, think through your rebate offers to maximize your savings in the store and for future purchases. Plan wisely and you will be rewarded for the extra effort.
