Taxation without representation? Perhaps, but more important is the fact that you pay a price for an item, get the rebate form, and then "forget" to fill it out or mail it in. Now I do understand how this happens, and perhaps there is truth in the fact that companies are hoping that we forget to send in the rebate forms.
Recently, I decided to purchase Turbo Tax to do my (last minute) taxes, and there was a rebate on both the federal and state products. I made the purchase through Staples, got the rebte formes at the cash register, and then was told by the cashier that I can also do the rebate thing online at the Staples web site, which I chose as my method. After completion of all data entry and submittal of the form, I first received an email informing me that I will rceive a rebate in 6-8 weeks. I also receive a lterr in the mail which also confirmed receipt of my rebate request and that it is being processed. And I received the rebate check in about five weeks.
The check has been deposited in my checking account, and since the purchase price of the tx software is also tax deductible, I have saved the repecpts and the rebate check stub so that I can deduct the proper amount from my taxes next year. Oh and here in the state of Oregon, there is no sales tax, so the income that was taxed, which was uswed to purchase the software which was not taxed, but was used to pay taxes, will then be used to deduct from my tax bill (minus the rebate(s) of course) next year.
In the past, the burden to make copies of my receipts before sending the originals to the rebate center, not to mention the postage to mail the rebate form(s) and receipt(s) in, while a minor expense, was also a major pain in nether regions. The convenience of handling it all online was really great!
I know that not everyone will want to follow the instructions as stated in the rebate agreement, so to them I say, look for items that are on sale at a price that you feel works for you. To others that get that sale price AND the rebate, because you are so diligent and persistent in finding the bargain and the rebate "bonus" too, kudos!