Coupons vs. Rebates

A printed coupon is freely distributed in advance of a purchase with the hope that it will motivate a potential buyer to but a specific product or service. The coupon can offer a doscount at the time of purchase, a free gift or some other type of bonus. It can also be given after a sale to be used on a subsequent purchase within a given time period. Coupons also remind people of your business and can be used as a form of advertising, direct mail piece or a print out from your website. This type of marketing is widely used and popular with consumers and some business buyers.

A rebate is an after-the-sale refund of money that has already been paid. It's generally given by the products manufactruer or home office of the seller's business. Rebates are usually offered on larger purchases of products where continuing service fees are charged, such as a cell phone or home appliance. They may also ask questions on the rebate form which will be used in the future for targeted marketing promotions. Rebates can sometimes be the deciding factor that makes a purchaser choose one product over another.