The other thing to consider is that often the third parties offer their own rebate to advertise the low price. These rebates can be tricky to claim. For example, Let's Talk requires the rebate form, the packing slip, a sticker, your 4th month bill showing payment in full, and must be postmarked between 120 and 180 days after it shipped. Allow 8-10 weeks for the check to be issued.

This means, assuming you track all the paperwork for 5 months, it could be 8 months after getting the phone before you see the rebate.