File this under rumors and speculation, people… got that? Okay, now we can move on.
Our source at Sprint has informed us that there are some minor rumblings going around that the company might do away with the mail-in rebate for the Pre in favor of an instant rebate. As you might have guessed, this is in part due to retail pressure from outlets like Best Buy Mobile and RadioShack which offer the instant rebate on phones. Sprint is hoping that by matching the others’ price and having (potentially) higher stock of the Pre than the competition, customers will choose to purchase at Sprint stores instead. What difference does it make? Plenty, because apparently Sprint makes a nice profit on the sale of accessories… and with all those customers there grabbing a Pre… their accessories sales are bound to skyrocket too.
Like I said, as of yet, nothing is set in stone but here’s to hoping…
Update: If you visit Palm.com it now says under the Palm Pre “after rebate and service agreement” and where it used to say “after mail in rebate and service agreement.” Hmmmmmmmmmm
PreCentral are refuting this report, even though we clearly stated it was a rumor. We’ll see on the day how it pans out. Our source is reliable, but like we said it’s a rumor.
14 Comments, Comment or Ping
worldbfree4me
Its about damn time Sprint. No one wants to wait 6-8 weeks for a rebate.Now if only Sprint could offer a carrot to those of us still under contract by way of a temporary breach of contract. Call it Pre me as in free me of this BS HTC Mogul!!!
May 28th, 2009
JoshH347
I will second worldbfree4me’s suggestion for the temporary breach of contract! I’m mid contract with a Centro and want the Pre at the fully discounted $199 price.
May 28th, 2009
Carioca_FL
I agree with the post, if Sprint were to offer the Pre at $199 out the door, I would be that much more inclined to get the Touchstone.
Make it happen Sprint!
May 28th, 2009
NMR
This would make me happy. Very.
May 28th, 2009
Pre Loaded
This will benefit me greatly in that I will have a $150 credit on June 1! I could get my Pre for $50 & have room for accessories! That will be what’s up?
May 28th, 2009
NMR
@pre loaded
No, it won’t work that way.
The $150 upgrade eligibility discount along with the $100 mail-in (hopefully universally instant) rebate will bring the price to $199.99.
You WISH you could get this phone for $50 bucks. LOL
May 28th, 2009
step
i cant wait. that would be great and yes, i would get the touchstone also. do it sprint do it
May 28th, 2009
Shan
I’m hoping Sprint does offer the instant rebate. It would really make things much easier for me!
May 28th, 2009
Matt351
Sprint, PLEASE DO THIS! I absolutely prefer buying at a Sprint store over Best Buy or Radio Shack, but if the pricing situation stays as is I will be forced to buy at Best Buy or Radio Shack.
May 28th, 2009
jmangotti
kindaskimpy your doing a great job! u posted this and now its all over the web.. gizmodo, engadget, boygenius.. ur the man!
May 28th, 2009
Pat Mc
If Sprint doesn’t offer the $100 instant rebate, they will be losing at least $100 from me. Think about it: if Sprint gives me $100 off at the time of purchase, I would buy the Touchstone and a car charger right then and there. If they make me do a mail-in rebate, I will wait until I get the $100 check back, before I purchase the accessories. At that point, there is no guarantee that I will be buying the accessories at the Sprint store, as there is a Best Buy and a Radio Shack, both closer to my home than the Sprint store is. Sprint will definitely lose out on at least $100 in accessories from me in that case. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one doing the same math here… Wise up Sprint… it’s in your best interest…
May 29th, 2009
joshie
Goes the “instant rebate” come off before tax? If so, that would be excellent. With our ridiculously high sales tax in Chicago, that would save me $10+.
May 29th, 2009
PreGuy
“Update: If you visit Palm.com it now says under the Palm Pre “after rebate and service agreement” and where it used to say “after mail in rebate and service agreement.” Hmmmmmmmmmm”
If you scroll down on details, it says this…
“$199.99 price is after $100 mail in rebate and qualifying 2 year service activation. Use of this device requires providing a valid email address, mobile phone number, and related information for account set-up and activation. Use of select unlimited data bundle plans will be required.”
May 30th, 2009
Столешницы Caesarstone
Cool
Oct 1st, 2009
Reply to “Sprint Might Be Doing Away With The Mail-In Rebate for Palm Pre”