TC> Why is it that almost all national computer retailers offer mail in
 TC> rebates rather then reduced prices?...
 TC> Only thing I can think
 TC> of is that the manufactures/retail stores get to use your money for
 TC> 30-60 days. Any other reasons?
The generic answer would be, they believe they make more money that way.
Apparently, a surprisingly large percentage of people never get around to 
sending in for the rebate, or don't qualify (1 per address, etc.).
Not that I understand the economics completely.  I have no idea why someone 
who makes floppies would give me 10 boxes free, but I took them up on it, on 
several different rebates.  Maybe they think it will buy brand loyalty, but 
there's not much difference between various name-brand floppies.
 TC> On that note, I have a problem with some of the "addresses" given to
 TC> mail these rebates to. "$20 Rebate Offer", "$50 Hard Drive Rebate
I keep copies of everything, and haven't noticed any problems.  I probably 
did 15 or 20 rebate offers in 1997.  Sometimes they're a little late.  FWIW, 
with CompUSA you can call their corporate office (800-COMPUSA) if you don't 
receive it. 
Best wishes for 1998,
-Dave
--- Maximus 3.01
---------------