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I’ve been an avid Ebates user for a couple years now and done really well with it (more than $800 earned as of writing this). To be honest, I didn’t buy into the idea at first. I’m sure you’re a little hesitant too. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be on my blog right now looking for an Ebates review.
I’m going to tell you why the system works, how it works, and why you should be using it…every day.
What is Ebates?
Ebates is a company that gives cash back if you click through the links of stores listed.
The company is an affiliate to many online stores. What’s an affiliate? An affiliate is a person (or company, in this case) that makes a small commission for referring people.
How can you start?
The first thing you need to do is sign up here:
When you’re ready, search for a store and click on the store link. This establishes a ‘tracking code’. Once you visit the online store from Ebates, you have 30 days to purchase what you want.
Example: Wal-Mart gives Ebates 2% of every referred sale. If Ebates sends a customer to Wal-Mart, and the customer buys a $500 computer, Ebates makes $10 on the sale.
Wal-Mart is paying Ebates to advertise. Ebates takes that $10 (the money Wal-Mart paid them) and gives you half ($5). This results in a 1% cash back rate.
It’s a sweet deal! Online stores (e.g. Wal-Mart, Target, BestBuy, etc.) win because they get the sale. Ebates wins because they get a commission. You win (as an Ebates user) because you get extra cash for doing next to nothing.
Why is it legal?
Ebates is an affiliate of over 1,600 online stores. Almost any person with a website can be an affiliate. Here’s an article from Wikipedia with a thorough breakdown of affiliate marketing.
If you’re confused, think of it this way: online stores pay Ebates to advertise on Ebates.com and Ebates splits it with you.
How do I use Ebates?
I’ve done well in the last five years. Most of my accrued cash back came from buying web hosting accounts ($30 cash back from each) and other large purchases for my house (i.e. Apple stuff, desk, etc).
My Earnings:
How long does it take to get the cash?
Once you click on the link to the store and check out, it’ll take 1-5 days to appear inside your Ebates account. From there, the cash back will need to go through a holding period (to make sure you don’t return the item you purchased).
After your cash back is 60 days old, you will be paid on the following dates: February 15th, May 15th, August 15th, and November 15th.
You can have them send you a check in the mail or have the money directly deposited into your PayPal account. I always get the money sent to my PayPal and then transfer that into my checking account.
My Final Take
It doesn’t cost a dime to sign up, and all you need to do is go to Ebates.com before each purchase, search for the store you want, make the purchase, and you’re done! Why not take the free cash?!
If you sign up through one of my links on this page and make purchases through Ebates, I will earn $5. This in no way affects you, but I want to be transparent. If you don’t think I deserve the commission, and you still want to use Ebates, no problem. I wrote this review because I’m a big fan and don’t think enough people are using it whether they’re scared or just unaware.
In my mind, it doesn’t make sense to pass on this opportunity. Shop for the things you would normally buy and get paid for doing it. Sounds like a sweet deal to me!
Ready to start earning some extra cash from Ebates?