The cashback application Ibotta launched a promotional program called "Back to School Free for All" for the 2021-2022 school year, offering users the ability to receive 100% rebates on essential school supplies and food items. This initiative was designed to assist families with the financial burden of returning to school by providing items valued at up to $20. The promotion involved partnerships with major brands including Five Star, Kleenex, Skippy, and Nature’s Own.
The program functioned as a rebate offer rather than an immediate discount. Users were required to purchase the eligible items first and subsequently receive the cash back in their Ibotta accounts. The offer was available for a limited time and while supplies lasted, with a restriction of one redemption per user. The promotion was valid at various retailers, including Walmart (in-store, pickup, and delivery), Target (online and in-store), Instacart, H-E-B, and Shipt.
Eligible Items and Retailers
According to the promotional details, the "Back to School Free for All" bundle consisted of eight specific items. Ibotta calculated the rebate based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), which could vary slightly by location or retailer. The specific items and their stated values included:
- Five Star three-subject notebook ($4.30 value)
- 12-pack Ticonderoga pencils ($2.39 value)
- 110-count box of Kleenex ($1.89 value)
- Loaf of Nature’s Own Bread ($2.84 value)
- Jar of Skippy Peanut Butter ($2.53 value)
- Smucker's Fruit Spread Squeeze Bottle ($2.54 value)
- Three-pack Paper Mate Erasers ($1.39 value)
- Del Monte Fruit Cups ($2.50 value)
While the offer was marketed as "free," some sources noted that depending on the specific retailer and the purchase price, users might still pay a few cents out of pocket before the rebate is applied. The rebate covers the cost up to the MSRP value listed.
How to Redeem the Rebate
To participate in the promotion, consumers needed to follow a specific process to ensure they received the 100% cash back. The steps generally involved:
- Download the App or Extension: Users must download the free Ibotta app or browser extension.
- Select Retailer and Add Offers: Before shopping, users select their preferred retailer (e.g., Walmart, Target) within the Ibotta platform and add the specific back-to-school offers to their list.
- Link Retailer Accounts (Optional but Recommended): For online shopping or to streamline the process, users may link their retailer accounts (such as Walmart Pay) to their Ibotta account.
- Purchase Items: Users purchase the items at the selected retailer. For Walmart in-store purchases, users can pay using Walmart Pay if linked, or scan the receipt barcode afterward.
- Receive Cash Back: Once the purchase is verified, the cash back is deposited into the user's Ibotta account. For online or delivery orders, the cash back typically appears within 72 hours.
Offer Limitations and Timing
The promotion was time-sensitive. Sources indicate that the offer was available until at least August 31, though specific expiration dates can vary. Because the offers are based on manufacturer rebates, they are subject to availability ("while supplies last"). There is a strict limit of one redemption per user for the bundle.
This specific promotion followed a previous successful initiative by Ibotta in November, where the app partnered with brands to provide free Thanksgiving dinners to millions of users. The company stated that its goal is to ease the financial burden on families during significant seasonal expenses.
General Tips for Using Ibotta at Target
While the specific "Back to School Free for All" promotion is the focus, general usage of Ibotta and similar cashback apps at retailers like Target can yield savings on school supplies. Users can scan receipts after checkout to receive rebates on items like Five Star folders, Elmer’s glue, and Up & Up hand sanitizer.
For Target specifically, users are advised to: * Link Email Accounts: Ensure the email used for Target shopping is linked to the cashback app to capture online rebates. * Use the Target App: Scan items in-store to check for Target Circle offers and compare in-store prices with Target.com. * Price Match: Target price matches its own website. If an item is cheaper online, customers can ask for a price match at the register and still stack Circle offers. * Shop Online for Pickup: To avoid crowds, users can shop online for same-day pickup or delivery. Cashback can still be earned on these orders if accounts are linked.
Conclusion
The Ibotta "Back to School Free for All" program provided a structured method for U.S. consumers to obtain essential school supplies and food items at no net cost. By leveraging 100% rebates on specific brand-name products, the offer targeted the high costs associated with the back-to-school season. While the process requires an initial out-of-pocket purchase and the use of the Ibotta platform, the rebate system effectively reimburses the full value of the items up to the manufacturer's suggested retail price. The promotion was available across major retailers including Walmart and Target, making it accessible to a wide audience.