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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!mcnc!rti-sel!scirtp!todd
From: todd@scirtp.UUCP (Todd Jones)
Newsgroups: net.consumers,net.flame,net.misc
Subject: Re: Coupons and Rebates-- Flame
Message-ID: <436@scirtp.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 11-Sep-85 19:02:21 EDT
Article-I.D.: scirtp.436
Posted: Wed Sep 11 19:02:21 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 13-Sep-85 04:06:08 EDT
References: <243@mot.UUCP>
Organization: SCI Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC
Lines: 31
Xref: watmath net.consumers:2963 net.flame:11909 net.misc:8580

> Can anyone explain to me the marketing purpose behind coupons and
> rebates? Why do manufacturers want people to do the idiot-level
> work of cutting out and organizing coupons, or, worse yet, filling
> out rebate applications and sending them in in return for little
> checks in the mail?  WHY DON'T THEY JUST LOWER THE %&##@! PRICES?
> How stupid and idle do they think people are?  How much time is spent
> in this country in the utterly non-productive non-creative activities 
> of clipping, handling, processing, mailing, etc. these stupid pieces of paper?

My Theory:

Most people throw coupons away, therefore prices couldn't be
lowered anywhere near the level of the coupon discount.
The companies are trying to get you to try something because
it is cheap, realize what a great product it is and buy it
from now until you die. This coupon discount is a small
sacrifice for a comany who stands to gain a lifetime of
loyalty from your average gullible American consumer.
Sure, companies get dismayed at people who are experts in
couponology, since these types defeat the purpose of coupons,
but it's still worth the hassle.

a note: unless you clip pretty fast, coupon clipping must
	not pay very well.

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   [ O-O ]       Todd Jones
    \ ^ /        {decvax,akgua}!mcnc!rti-sel!scirtp!todd      
    | ~ |
    |___|        SCI Systems Inc. doesn't necessarily agree with Todd.