Monday, October 29, 2012

Weekly Recommendation - Liz

My recommendation may not be for the most exciting thing, but it can save you money, and who doesn't want to save money these days?

I prefer to shop online when I can. This stems from several factors: the ease of finding online deals, the fact that I grew up in areas where my retailers of choice were often unavailable except on the internet, and my slightly misanthropic hatred of real shopping. So when I learned about Ebates, I knew I had to take advantage of it.



Some of you may have heard of this site before, but for those of you that haven't, I highly recommend Ebates, a site that will pay you cash back for purchases made online. This is how it works: You go to the site and choose from a very extensive list of online stores. Click the link for the store you want, and you're immediately taken to that site (an Ebates message will appear telling you a "ticket" has been opened, which means Ebates will be informed of how much you spend). Shop as normal. Once you've completed your purchase, Ebates will send you an email informing you that your cash back is being processed. Depending on the store, you will receive up to 20% (but usually more like 2%-8%) of your purchase total, sent to you in a nice little check, or deposited right to your PayPal account, according to your preference. Super easy! Ebates also has coupon codes for these stores, some of them exclusive to that site.  And these aren't obscure stores, either. Places like JCPenney, Sephora, Target, Snapfish, Toys R Us, even Amazon occasionally has cash back categories.

I started using Ebates last November, and to date I have received $69.21 in cash back. I know that $69.21 in one year isn't a lot compared to what some of you super couponers can save, but every little bit counts - that's $69.21 that can be used for a new dress, or a nice date with Mike, or put towards a down payment on a house. And, if you use the link below to create an account at Ebates, I get a referral bonus credited to my account!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=BhEO%2FSmP4gNTb93w57GA1w%3D%3D

So, as the holiday season approaches, I urge you to use Ebates as you make your online gift purchases..

6 comments:

  1. I've always wondered about e-bates, but it just seemed like one more step in "shopping". I will have to try it though, especially since the holidays are coming up. And as a side note, how do you spell especially... for some reason it just doesn't look right. Hmmmm.
    Thanks Liz!

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  2. I've seen/heard people using this too... I just am not a huge online shopper... but maybe I need to try it out too. That is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing Liz!!!

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  3. First off, I think it's funny that Cailey works for an online retailer but doesn't shop online!

    Second off, I think shopping online is great. You don't have to deal with malls and stores and crowds. Obviously groceries and stuff you have to get in a grocery store, but everything else you can find from the comfort of your own home. Everyone should try shopping online. If you need help starting, Liz and I can tell you where to go!

    Third, when you start an realize how amazing it is, then Ebates truly is great. I mean, who doesn't like getting cash back for purchases and getting a check in the mail, right? I also like that when the send you a check the cover letter says "Here's your big fat check!", and they're usually for around ten oor fifteen dollars. But still, every little bit counts!

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  4. I've never even heard of e-bates before. Sounds like a great concept. Our family is full of cheap people (except maybe Jeff and Cailey) so this is an excellent review.

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  5. Phew. I finally made it to eBates! I am signed up and excited to explore!

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  6. We just earned our first $1.69 on eBates! Woot woot!

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