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From: edg@micropro.UUCP (Ed Greenberg)
Newsgroups: net.consumers,net.flame,net.misc
Subject: Re: Coupons and Rebates-- Flame
Message-ID: <156@micropro.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 11-Sep-85 20:00:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: micropro.156
Posted: Wed Sep 11 20:00:05 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 14-Sep-85 06:01:45 EDT
References: <243@mot.UUCP>
Reply-To: edg@micropr.UUCP (edg)
Organization: MicroPro Int'l Corp., San Rafael, CA
Lines: 32
Xref: watmath net.consumers:2971 net.flame:11922 net.misc:8584

In article <243@mot.UUCP> al@mot.UUCP (Al Filipski) writes:
>
>Can anyone explain to me the marketing purpose behind coupons and
>rebates? ...

Perhaps one reason is that the rebate makes you think you're getting
something for nothing.  'Course, you aren't, but it looks that way.  

Another reason is that the intent is to get you to buy the product over
a lower priced competitor due to the rebate, and then you don't send for
the rebate because it's too much trouble.

Also, the terms of the rebate must be followed exactly.  This is not
always easy.  A recent article in the SF Chronicle (barf gag) on this
subject told of a powdered product sold in a large can (like bulk
chocolate powder or coffee or the like.)  The rebate certificate was
buried on the bottom of the can.  When you finally got down there, you
discovered that you needed the original cash register receipt in order
to claim the rebate.  Too bad, sucker!

Bottom line for me: I buy the store's "house brand."  Here in CA, when
you shop the smaller supermarkets, the brand is "Bonnie Hubbard."
Safeway's is "Scotch Buy" and A&P was always "Ann Page."  Usually, a
house brand is cheaper than the equivelent national brand EVEN WITH
rebates and coupons.  In only one instance have I been less satisfied
with the house brand over the "name" brand.


-- 
				-edg

UUCP: {hplabs,dual,ptsfa}!well!micropro!edg