Short Change

The barganist highlighted Procter and Gamble’s website where you can sign up for coupons on diapers (link) and compared the expense to college tuition. Although Huggies are often cheaper and more heavily promoted, we are committed to Pampers since our daughter has consistently leaked through Huggies. So far we have found that

1) The best prices for Pampers are at Wal-mart, Target and even Babies R’ US. Pampers so go on sale in Target’s circulars and Babies R’ US has sent us 15% off diaper coupons in the mail.

2) Costco only carries Huggies and their private label Kirkland brand is made by Huggies. BJ’s stocks Pampers.

3) Local drug stores (CVS and Walgreens) and food stores (Stop & Shop and Shaw’s) have extremely poor prices for diapers (around 10$ for a pack of 80 or so diapers) and their promotions do not compete with the superior prices at Target/Babies R’ US.

Two other alternatives we have yet to consider are buying Luvs (P&G’s cheaper alternative to Pampers) and using Amazon.com. Although we normally buy everything in bulk and stock up, our daughter grows so fast that we find ourselves giving the smaller diapers away.

Labels: Baby, Retail

Firstly, I am pledge to write more often (even daily) now that my newborn daughter has turned three months.

Today’s WSJ highlighted the challenges with mail-in-rebates with a reported success rate of one in five rebates. I make extensive use of mail-in-rebates and have my share of horror stories, but generally do collect. Here is the fool-proof method:

1. Make sure that you have a copy of the rebate before you make a purchase.

2. Ensure that you have a phone number to call if there is a problem. Often these numbers are in fine print on the rebate form. Retailers are unlikely to be responsive if you have difficulties with the rebate.

3. Make photocopies of the UPC code, rebate form, bill and any other relevant information. Write the date on your copy.

4. Mail the rebate in ASAP after you have tested the product and ensure that you do not want to return or exchange it.

Lately, I have been purchasing electronic gear and accessories at buy.com, which promotes mail in rebates heavily. On occasion, I have had difficulty, but a phone call (which can take twenty-thirty minutes on hold) can resolve any misunderstanding.

Staples deserves a special mention as they have chosen to differentiate themselves by offering Easy Rebate, a program that makes the rebate process smoother. However, they seem to have less jaw-dropping deals as a result.

For a good blog with rebates, check out http://www.freeafterrebate.info/

Labels: rebates