http://insignificantthoughts.disqus.com/enTue, 05 Sep 2006 12:52:29 -0000http://www.insignificantthoughts.com/2006/09/05/nanny-gets-your-rebates-for-you/#comment-34213033<p>Don't get me wrong, I'm not supporting rebates. I tend to agree, it's much better (for the consumer) to just lower the price up front. I think one of the big draws to rebates, from the mfr's point of view, is that soo few people successfully complete the process. Since it's obvious that even at the rebated price, the mfr makes a profit, it stands to reason that an unpaid rebate is simply additional profit.</p><p>To a certain extent, I can see rebates for big-ticket items like cars (as a "loyalty reward", f'rinstance) but for the little stuff, rebates are a rip-off.</p>mr618Tue, 05 Sep 2006 12:52:29 -0000http://www.insignificantthoughts.com/2006/09/05/nanny-gets-your-rebates-for-you/#comment-34213032<p>So why not just ban them entirely?</p><p>I don't doubt what you're argument represents. You're right. But if rebates are that big a problem, just ban 'em.</p><p>Frankly, the only reason rebates are so prevalent is because people never actually benefit from them (percentage-wise). If there was mass-fulfillment of rebates, you could bet there'd be a huge decrease in the number of them offered.</p>VinnyTue, 05 Sep 2006 11:54:21 -0000http://www.insignificantthoughts.com/2006/09/05/nanny-gets-your-rebates-for-you/#comment-34213031<p>Connecticut has been doing the same thing for years, which is why, for instance, CompUSA ads all say "Not valid in CT" or words to that effect. You are right in believing these laws are a direct response to the incredible problems with rebates (I used to work at CompUSA, and they were the worst for rebate problems).</p><p>Also, at least under CT's law, the retailer is legally entitled to the manufacturer's rebate (which would otherwise have gone to the consumer). All the retailer has to do is prove sales of sufficient quantities to cover the rebates claimed. If the manufacturer screws over the retailer, (a) the state's AG can -- and often does -- get involved, (b) the retailer stops carrying ANY products from that mfr, and (c) the retailer tells other retailers, who also decline to carry the items.</p><p>A pain in the ass, true, but it seems to work.</p>mr618Tue, 05 Sep 2006 11:46:00 -0000