Once you decide to offer a product rebate, you've got to work out the details for rebate fulfillment. Rebates provide a viable marketing solution for generating more interest in and sales for your product, so you want to accomplish it right the first time.

You could attempt rebate fulfillment services in house with your existing employees, but you'd need software to get the job done efficiently; otherwise, consider a rebate fulfillment center or rebate processing service to accomplish some or all facets of rebates fulfillment. In determining a solution for your rebate fulfillment needs, keep the following in mind:

1. Look for rebate fulfillment companies that can provide the most convenient solutions for customers, like direct deposit of rebates to bank accounts or conversion of rebates into plastic payment cards instead of (or in addition to) paper checks.

2. Work with rebate fulfillment companies that allow customers to check the status of their rebates online, in addition to providing an incoming telephone customer service function.

3. Ask questions about who your point of contact will be during the rebate fulfillment process. Know whether you'll work with the same account manager, customer service representative or some other company representative every time you contact them.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Think carefully about the rebate itself before you talk to fulfillment and rebate companies

For a successful and profitable rebate program, think first about the rebate amount, and then take your idea to a rebate fulfillment service that will provide feedback on your idea and show you how they can make it work and see your rebate vision through to its completion.

I recommend: MTCPerformance can provide you with complete rebate administration and fulfillment services. Contact Datamatrix Promotions to inquire about how they can build your rebate program from the ground up and view the free demonstration of their system.

Outsource your rebate fulfillment program to a rebate fulfillment business

Rebate processing companies manage the time-consuming tasks involved with rebate fulfillment so their customers can focus on running their businesses. Rebate fulfillment companies relieve you of the burdens of developing a rebate program, executing it and managing the program daily.

I recommend: Let one of the rebate fulfillment houses like Promotion Fulfillment Center quote you a price for handling your rebate program. Visit the Cytech Marketing Group website for details on their full-service rebate fulfillment program for customer or B2B rebates; the company also offers a bounce-back rebate check program if you're interested.

Consider a software solution for your rebate fulfillment

If you want to handle your own rebate fulfillment program, you'll need software that can help you manage the program and get the checks out promptly.

I recommend: Consider the Customer Rebate Mamager software available through Seradex. You might also contact Synapse Studios about designing the rebate fulfillment software you need for your company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of the rebate fulfillment solution you choose, ensure you receive access to reports and analysis that provide real-time information about the status and success of your program.