prices, and that is exactly what they are doing with rebates, being competitive with each other in prices.
Ah, but Stone, retailer's do give their own mail-in rebates many times along with factory rebates, and also at the same time in-store rebate (they even advertise them as instore rebates) you get at the check-out register.
Now-a-days, just about anybody can get a credit card, and almost everybody uses one, even when buying stuff with rebates. Usually it is the poorer ones that need the rebate and they use their credit cards on more stuff than just rebate $$.
I've purchased many new auto's from the dealer, usually through a fleet sales manager and special order (like mail order & never in a new car rush) to get exactly what I want without all the extras that I don't want, and yes, get the factory rebates right there at the dealer when we tally up the bill. Course me being the old reprobate, I always have to fight off CAR SALESMEN trying to tack on Dealer extras and service to jimmy up their profit. You should know what I'm talking about having been in auto sales.
And taxes....err...how many times have I made them do the whole print out over again for charging me tax on taxes, like licence plates/registration, and state taxes. What gets me is the auto advertising...showing all those goodie extras like you are getting something special, when it is standard factory equipped with those items. Or, we only have 3 for this price.....and..I'll have to check with the general manager/owner on that price...
I also owned my own business 15 years ago.
Yes, it would be nice if all rebates could be had right at the retail stores, like a discount or sale, but in any event, I'll take any type of rebate, rather than see them discontinued and they smooth talk something about lowering the prices.....for how long....Expect to soon pay an even inflated price not long after rebates are eliminated.