Half-Japanese Mom: January 2011

Ebates is a very simple rebate program I have been using a lot lately, and I want to shout from the rooftops and rave about them!

I do very little online shopping, but I have already earned $21.31 (check is coming in Feb!)

Here is a snap shot from my actual online account:

My three purchases include Christmas cards from Walgreens, photobooks from Kodak (Christmas gifts), and a few more photo prints at Walgreens.

Reason #1: IT IS SO EASY

Step 1: Sign up - you'll need to provide a valid email address & a physical address where you want your check mailed (no bank account required).

Step 2: Log into Ebates and find the store you want to shop at. You will be automatically redirected to your destination.

Step 3: Shop as you normally do at your preferred website.

Once you complete your purchase, you will get a two emails from Ebates: one confirming the purchase and another stating your rebate amount.

Reason #2: YOU GET REAL MONEY BACK

The rebate you get come in the form of real cash. You can choose a live check or direct deposit. This isn't a store credit or a coupon for your next order. It's real money to spend however you want!

Checks from Ebates are cut quarterly (next one in February) as soon as you reach $5.01. (You will get a $5 new customer bonus, so when you place the first order, you will get a check right away). My referral from 11/29/10 already got her first check around Christmas. She was shocked at how fast it came.

Reason #3: THEY HAVE HUNDREDS OF PARTNERS

If you're going to buy online, just check the store in their convenient Search box at the top of their website. You may be surprised that they have a rebate program for your store!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Boden - 3% cash back
Kodak - 15% cash back
LL Bean - 2% cash back
Magazines.com - 26% cash back
Restaurants.com - 15% cash back
Shutterfly - 8% cash back
Walgreens - 4% cash back

They also give cash back for travel sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Marriott, Orbitz, and many car rental companies. If I has joined sooner, I could have gotten some serious money back!

Reason #4: THEY HAVE GREAT PROMOTIONS

Ebates frequently double their cash back amounts. When I bought my Christmas cards from Walgreens, they had doubled their promotion from 3% to 6%. Now, I see they've up'd the normal rate from 3% to 4%.

They advertise a Daily Double, so you are guaranteed every day to get a promotional offer.

They offer a great referral bonus program of $5 to you, $5 to your referral. Often times, they'll double the referral bonus too! Like right now, they are offering $30 for 3 referrals when it would typically be $15 for 3.

If you're really popular, they give away amazing prizes.

You really won't regret joining. The cash back is fun, and they don't send too many emails to annoy you. I just love Ebates.