Rebate Programs for Retailers

The retail challenge

Big box stores and online retailers compete on price. You can't always match them. But you can offer something they often don't: personalized vendor relationships that create promotions just for your store.

When a product on your shelf has a "$5 back" sticker and the same product at a big competitor doesn't, suddenly you're the better deal.

How retailers use rebate stickers

Vendor-funded promotions

Ask your vendors to fund rebate programs on their products sold in your store. Many have co-op marketing budgets looking for ways to spend. A rebate program is a concrete, measurable use of those funds.

Local exclusives

Work with a local manufacturer to run a rebate program only available at your store. "Buy local, get $3 back" - only valid when purchased here.

Move slow inventory

Have products sitting too long? A temporary rebate can move them without a permanent price cut that signals "clearance" to customers.

Customer loyalty

Customers who redeem rebates give you their email. Now you can stay in touch. They also remember the store where they got money back.

How the funding works

There are several ways to structure who pays:

Vendor-funded (most common): You approach a vendor or manufacturer. They fund the rebate escrow. Their products get promoted in your store. This is essentially free marketing for you.
Co-funded: You split the rebate cost with the vendor. Both sides have skin in the game.
Retailer-funded: You fund it yourself for strategic products. Makes sense when you need to compete on a specific item.

Types of retail that use this

Hardware stores

Tool manufacturers often have rebate programs. Apply stickers in-store to compete with Home Depot and Lowe's.

Liquor stores

Craft breweries and spirits brands want shelf presence. Rebate stickers help them stand out and help you move product.

Grocery stores

Food manufacturers launching new products often have promotional budgets. Rebates drive trial in your store specifically.

Specialty retail

Beauty stores, pet stores, outdoor retailers - any specialty where vendors want to stand out from the category.

The store experience

From your perspective, running a rebate program is simple:

1. You receive stickers (from us, or from your vendor/distributor)
2. Your staff applies them to products on the shelf
3. Customers buy the products, scan the QR code later, get paid
4. You don't handle any rebate processing - we do

No special POS integration. No customer service burden. The sticker handles everything.

Working with vendors

Not sure how to approach vendors about rebate programs? We can help with that conversation. Many vendors are looking for measurable ways to support retail partners - a rebate program with real data is exactly that.

Promotions that don't cost you margin