Rebate pricing is, hopefully, a fad embraced by overpriced ad writers, propagated by sellers who have learned that you almost never actually have to pay more than a small percentage of the rebates, and supported by consumers who are basically idiots.

Essentially it amounts to "overpricing" merchandise, and then offering to give back part of the price, maybe, if the purchaser can satisfy arbitrary, capricious, and often demeaning "conditions" that usually are unknown until you've paid the inflated "full price" and get the thing home so you can look inside the box. Recent industry reports indicate that less than 10 percent of rebates "offered" are ever paid, although there is some variation between specific markets.

Except for it being so widespread that it is virtually impossible to buy some things (specifically software and automobiles) at retail without dealing with "rebate offers," I would, and where possible have, informed retailers that I refuse to patronize anyone offering them. I wish more people would do the same.

Now if you want my honest opinion on this ....

John