Should mail in rebate still exist?

Question

Ever see those ads for certain products with price reductions of over nearly 60% off? If you're looking for a catch here it is. You get excited and plan your next purchase only to find out that a large portion of that 60% off is connected to a mail in rebate. P'd off? Of course!

Companies use this 'mail in rebate' to catch consumers who dont pay attention. The price says from $799 to $599 but most people dont see the fine print of the mail in rebate and are already on their way to purchase the computer (exactly what they want). And lets say you notice the mail in rebate before you make a purchase. You still think its a good deal (IF YOU REMEMBER TO MAIL IT IN). After purchasing the computer you go on with your life. Days turn into weeks and weeks into months and next thing you know your mail in rebate is forgotten like an old 70's vinyl.

Companies make money off our laziness but it doesnt have to be this way. Avoid purchasing mail in rebate products and it should cease to exist!

Answer 1

I was JUST thinking about this earlier today! But on a smaller scale. $1.00- 2.00 ones. Why bother when stamps have gone up! :)

Answer 2

When someone has a lot of inventory, it's the same as keeping money in the mattress. It messes up their cash flow. They need that money from sales coming in, so they need a way to get that stuff off the lot, and rebates are a good way. They can make financing easier. You can tell the bank you're making a 10% down payment, but you actually get it for 5% or no down payment because the rebate makes up for it. They also keep the seller from having to raise prices when demand is back up. He just stops giving rebates instead.

Answer 3

Smart people always read the fine print. Mail-in rebates work if you follow the instructions. Yes, the companies depend on a large percentage of consumers to NOT mail them in!

Answer 4

i think they should electronicaly send it to your account, such as a saving,checking etc. makes it easier and less time wasted