"But consumers did not redeem any more than they did two years ago."

Consumers benefit from the lower price, while companies benefit because not every consumer will redeem the offer.

When these credits reach a high level, typically 20,000 miles, consumers can redeem them for free domestic-travel tickets.

In 1932, the popular coupon program was improved so that consumers could redeem coupons for an entire set of flatware - the pattern was called "Friendship".

With paper certificates, a consumer can redeem a small part of the certificate, then get a cash refund for the remaining amount.

Manufacturers pay SmartSource an undisclosed fee each time a consumer redeems a coupon.

The company created a Web site offering coupons that consumers could print out and redeem at their favorite supermarkets.

In the unlikely event that consumers redeem all 46 million coupons, Helene Curtis would have to pay out more than $82 million.

Whether the new, larger rebates on computers will encourage consumers to redeem more rebates remains to be seen.

Toys are also used as premiums, where consumers redeem proofs of purchase from a product and pay shipping and handling fees to get the toy.