The wise persons here at DoL have had a "rebates" thread going for some time.

There was the Frasca bit; Ralph may often be wrong, but he's never in doubt. And the "never do rebates" strategy does make sense. If you don't want to go to Chicago, don't get on that train. On average, rebates are a net loser of time and money for the consumer. They HAVE to be. When you base your choices on a "Yes, but I'm different" view, you are asking for trouble.

Ralph's wisdom was echoed here.

TLO pretty much comes down on that side, too.

Of course, there are the older posts (this, or maybe this) that started us thinking about it.

But, I was willing to take a shot, because (ignoring Ralph F's wisdom), I might be different. (This is the same thinking that gets people to pour money into slot macines).

Most recently, my other good colleague here at DoL has a view, and some news: Best Buy will stop offering rebates. Of course, their stock price fell five percent (post hoc, ergo propter hoc?).

As for my part, I can say this: JR and Viewsonic have processed my rebate, and I will receive my $100...in 8 weeks. Of course, the purchase was in February, and that means I get my $$ at the end of May, but still: I got paid.

Maybe I'll go play some slots machines...