While tripping merrily through the mail, Tom White was overheard
 TW> One reason is that the manufaturer can be sure who is getting the
 TW> benefit of the lower price. If the maufacturer lowers the price to the
 TW> retailer, some retailers will continue to sell at the old price and
 TW> keep the discount for themselves. If it is done as a rebate, the
 TW> manufacturer can control who gets the benefit of the money. 
 TW> A second reason is that much of the American buying public has been
 TW> "conditioned" to believe this is a great idea. 
Not to mention that if they put an item on sale, EVERYBODY gets the discount
price.  With rebates, it's amazing how many people don't bother to send
in for them.
Don
... And now . . . "Wake-up & smell the caffine!"
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