The Art of Beer Rebates

Last month I shared my 2011 savings totals.  I saved $5,579.79 with coupons by purchasing over $11,000 in merchandise.  But, my favorite way to earn extra cash is through beer rebates!  Beer rebates are issued by alcohol companies and last year I earned over $1,700 by submitting them. 

Beer rebates encompass a variety of items you commonly purchase, water, meat, seafood, produce, pizza, salty snacks, gift cards, gas etc.  They are issued by Anheuser Busch, Miller/Coors, Heineken, and other beer companies.

If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these states: AL, AR, CT, HI, KY, ME, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OK, UT and WV, you are not required to purchase beer to submit the rebate.  In NYS, the Alcohol Beverage Control law specifically prohibits a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler to give a "gift" that may tend to influence the purchase of the manufacturer/wholesaler's product (beer).  Therefore, you only need to purchase the item stated on the rebate.

Example:

This rebate requires a fresh or frozen seafood or chicken purchase of over $4.  You can see at the bottom of the form it states "NO BEER PURCHASE REQUIRED for residents of CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, RI".  You simply need to make a purchase of fresh or frozen chicken or seafood exceeding $4 within the period requested (i.e., 1/01/12 - 1/31/12).

Then, complete the backside of the rebate (name, address, date, signature, DOB if requested), circle the qualifying item(s) on your cash register receipt(s) and send the original rebate certificate with dated cash register receipt to the MAIL To address.  You must postmark by the date stated on the form.  The postmark date is usually 2 weeks from the ending date of the rebate.

Rebates usually take from 4 - 6 weeks to process.  I would recommend you create a way to keep track of them, whether on paper, a calendar or spreadsheet.  It's also a good idea to make a copy of what you submit in case it gets rejected.  You can check the status of many beer rebates using CmsPromoCheck (not Anheuser-Busch or Miller/Coors rebates).

How To Get Started:

Keep all of your register receipts (at least 4-6 weeks).  I keep them in a monthly envelope, but you can use a Ziploc bag, drawer or whatever.  The point is keep them.  A beer rebate may pop up for something you already purchased, so you can just complete the form, attach the receipt and mail it.

Where To Find Beer Rebates:

You may locate beer rebates on beer displays in most grocery stores, Walmart and even Rite Aid.  The rebates may be located on a cardboard display via a tearpad or the beer representative may tape individual rebates or peelies on the beer itself.  Please be kind and leave rebates for others.  It is not acceptable to take an entire tearpad.

If you cannot find beer rebates in your area, you can buy them on Ebay or trade for them on Hot Coupon World or Slickdeals.  I prefer to trade for them as some Ebay sellers ask exorbitant prices for something that should be free.

I have on occasion asked a beer representative for beer rebates while shopping and have been given them.  It never hurts to ask!   Saratoga Eagle is the Anheuser Busch distributor in Upstate  N.Y.  Look for the emblem ;)

Current Beer Rebates:

I keep a running list of the current beer rebates available on the lower right corner of my blog.  It will give you an idea of what to look for and what beer rebates are currently available.  I also love to do rebate giveaways!  I know many of my readers cannot locate beer rebates in their stores, but most importantly I want you to save money too!

One Big Tip:

Always read the fine print.  Each beer rebate is different.  Some require one receipt while others allow receipts.  Heineken rebates typically require that all purchases be made on the same date.

All beer rebates are a maximum of (1) rebate per individual, household, family or street address.  However, some rebates may have multiple offer numbers for the same rebate.  You may do (1) rebate per offer number.

The Reward:
Your next trip to the grocery store could cost you nothing, thanks to beer rebates.  It is very rewarding to receive checks in the mail from beer companies and frankly, it's actually easier than couponing!  There is no cutting or clipping required.  You don't have to worry about buying the right size or brand.  Give it a try, you'll be hooked too ;)