Down With Rebates!

Down With Rebates!

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Story Published: Jul 17, 2006 at 5:38 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 8:31 AM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

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SEATTLE - Rebates - you either love them or hate them.

Manufacturers love them, because they can advertise a lower price without really lowering the price. And they know lots of people won't follow through and collect that money.

I happen to hate mail-in rebates. It's a pain to fill out the paperwork. And even if you follow all the rules, you may not get a rebate check. My feeling is, if you want me to buy your product - lower the price, put it on sale or give me an instant rebate at the register.

Dell just announced that starting next month it will reduce the number of rebates it uses to move its products. The company says this should make it easier for people to see the prices they are paying. And get this - Dell says rather than rebates, it will lower prices. What a concept!

A number of retailers, including Staples, Costco and CompUSA have now replaced mail-in rebates with a Web-based system. Thank you!

For those who comparison shop online, check out a site called Antirebate.com. The site features coupons codes, instate rebates, price breaks, free stuff, and other money saving ideas.

For More Information:

Rebates Everywhere, But Where's the Money?

Dell cuts rebates to boost flagging growth

Rattled about Rebates?

Rebate Report Card

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