M. Adam Davis wrote:

> Another reason that I've wondered about, but never had verified is
> that some rebates are essentially a 4-6 week 0% interest loan for the
> retailer or manufacturer.  

That's not how I see it. I never bought stuff that I didn't need or that
was overpriced without rebate -- basically only buying stuff that if I
didn't get the rebate I wouldn't have the feeling that I got scammed; just
not that good a deal then. 

So I bought a normal product for a normal price. After some time, with a
certain probability, I get a part of that price back. I don't really see
that as a loan to anybody, not more (and much less) than a normal purchase.

This is a bit different when the product is only worth to you what you pay
after rebate. Then you'd have to factor in all kinds of things: interest
rates, cash flow situation, probability of reimbursement, effort to get
reimbursed, ...

Gerhard

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