Do you like rebates?
Sure, when I can get them, I like rebates, but they have to be substantial and on items I really need to entice me to take the chance.
Mail-in rebates are not a sure thing. It is not unusual to have your rebate request denied because of some minor silly proceedural detail that you failed to meet.
The best deal is one where you are paying a fair price for the item in question.
Rebates are merely a manufactureres admission that his product is over priced. You are always quoted the price with rebate allowance included but you are expected to pay the higher amount. The amount without rebate.
My take on this practice puts it in a catagory of fraudulent practices without penalty. When you are offered a mail-in rebate, offer to pay the lower price, the price with the rebate allowance included, then tell the seller, he can send in the mail-in rebate.