Dell cuts number of mail-in rebates

Via Reuters/Yahoo:

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL - news) on Thursday said it planned to sharply cut the number of mail-in rebates on products and services, moving to simplify its pricing structure.

The broad decrease in promotions to U.S. consumers and small businesses, which will be implemented over the next 12 to 18 months, come as revenue growth from Dell's personal computer business has declined in recent quarters.

Dell said the "net price" that customers pay for PCs will remain the same.

If I read this correctly, that means they're going to lower prices instead of offering rebates.

Good. As far as I'm concerned, rebates are ruining the computer industry. It's never made sense to me to pay $1000 for a PC and have to wait 6 weeks to get the $100 rebate. If it was their intent to sell the damned thing for $900, let me get it at that price to start with.

Let's hope it starts a trend. Makers of networking products, please take note.