Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cash Back Shopping Sites

Savvy online shoppers avoid paying full retail price, and cash back shopping websites are a great way to get the latest discount coupons – plus cash back for completed purchases. You can get the most out of cash back programs by focusing on a few good sites; here are some tips to help you find them:

• Make sure the cash back sites you select offer discounts from a wide selection of merchants. Look for sites with at least 2,000 retail partners, including well-known brands.

• Compare the cash back percentages offered by various sites to get an idea of the typical range and choose sites that offer percentages on the higher end of the scale.

• Look for a company with great customer service – check for testimonials, reviews and same-day communication guarantees or live chat capabilities.

• Make sure you deal with a solid company to avoid the possibility of unfulfilled cash back payments – look for sites that have been around for at least three years.

• Evaluate the Terms of Use Agreement and Privacy Policy to ensure that you won’t run into any issues with unauthorized use of your information.

• Do business only with cash back sites that offer up-to-date coupons, and make sure the navigation and site layout is easy to use.

• Look for sites that provide a control panel or dashboard where you can view your balance and history.

• Make sure the cash back sites allow you to file a claim if you don’t receive a payment, and look for sites that make payments at least once per quarter.

Cash back sites are a great way to save money, but like any other service, it pays to compare your options. By following these tips, you can stop paying full retail price for items you buy online – and start getting cash back for your purchases.

By Scott Fitterman, CouponCactus.com

Andy’s Notes: I would like to add a couple more things to consider when signing up for a cash back shopping site. Many of the sites have a signup bonus. For instance, Mr. Rebates offers a $5 signup bonus and Ebates offers a $5 signup bonus as well.

If you are going to be referring people to the cash back shopping site then you want to research how the cash back shopping site rewards you for referrals.  This is why I love Mr. Rebates – they offer some of the best cash back percentages and they also pay you 20% of your referrals’ rebates without affecting your referrals’ rebates in any way.  I make over $25 a month from these referrals and at Christmas time this went up to almost $100.  Since you make 20% referral rebates for as long as your referral remains a member these rebates have the possibility of adding up to serious residual income.