Whose Rebate Check Is It?

As you know, if you file your taxes by tomorrow you may be eligible for a rebate check from the government (they call it a stimulus). But to let it stimulate your business, think about how you can make others’ rebate checks your check, legally.

Think of it this way. The average family of four will receive a rebate check for approximately $1800. Not a bad amount for a small electrical renovation project!

Recently a local electrician sent a direct mailer to specific neighborhoods (presumably by zip code) in our area. He focused on his residential and commercial renovation and service business. Consider if he/you took this one step further and did a joint effort (co-op?) and possibly focused on selected products?

Next, ProSales magazine highlighted a building materials dealer who took the concept another step, specifically advertising what projects could be done for the standard rebate check.

From an electrical viewpoint, could you (possibly in conjunction with a contractor(s) develop a residential lighting upgrade package? A home energy efficiency package? Improved outdoor lighting?

Or, focus on your contractors and encourage them to spend their rebates with you to improve their facilities or their homes. How about a residential upgrade package for them? Or promote manufacturer training? Or Lutron’s Contractor Upgrade Program? Or sell them CFLs for their home? Or tools?

If rebate checks are a stimulus, might as well let yourself be a beneficiary of the stimulant!