I had heard of this a while back and assumed my purchase would somehow slip through the cracks. After all, rebates, for which I put in significant effort often fall through the cracks… why would a business willingly give me money for doing nothing?

Anyway, my gift card arrived yesterday. I no longer own the HD-DVD player as I foresaw its demise well before the rest of the world, but to summarize:

• Purchased XBOX 360 HD-DVD player for $160 (had a deal when combined with another accesory)
• Used player a number of times over six months
• Sold player for $180 on eBay
• Just received $50 gift card

I profit $70 by owning and using an item for a couple of months. That type of investment return is unheard of. Now I’m off to squander that money away on something I don’t need! I’m thinking Mario Kart DS. Thanks, Best Buy! And here I thought you were evil…