Ebates, now called Rakuten, is a website with commissions for how much time you spend shopping and looking at ads, sounds great, right? It received an A+ rating from the BBB and has paid over $1B for Cashbacks. It is currently one of the best loyalty schemes in the US. This article gives a review of Ebates.
It was formerly Ebates until the Rakuten company bought it in 2014. Unlike other coupon websites, Ebates pays you quarterly, depending on how frequently you use online shops. It includes links to online stores on its website and gives you returns after you have bought your goods through them. Ranging from clothing and food to entertainment, there’s almost nothing that you can’t buy using ebates. This is called the Affiliate revenue sharing program. Another website that makes use of this business model is swagbucks.com.
However, ebates is better and preferable because of the commissions it pays its customers. This is called Cashback. As an affiliate revenue website, ebates is paid a commission for every ad a user clicks on and shares those earnings (so lovely!) with its users. The Cashbacks received may vary but might be up to 25 percent of your purchase.
How do you Register on Ebates?
To sign up for the website, there are no fees or forms. It is easy, simple, accessible, and fast. You become eligible for a $10 welcome bonus when you have successfully signed up. Complete these processes, and you’re ready;
Step 1: Open an account on www.ebates.com (now Rakuten.com). You can do this by entering your email address and a password in the provided space.
Step 2: Click the Sign-up tab. If this is not done, you cannot access your shipping and coupon codes. We will send a confirmation email to your email address.
Step 3: A list of the online stores affiliated with ebates will come up, and you will pick the stores that will give you a $10 Gift Card on your initial $25 shopping.
Step 4: you can go back to the home page and log in to your account. Again, the stores are listed according to their categories. You can then pick the ones you want to use.
How does Ebates get its Profits?
Ebates became famous for the easy and smooth service that it offers to its customers. Using promotional and coupon codes, rebates let users connect with online stores they want to shop.
It’s a straightforward affiliate marketing program
They get a commission from the stores, and they give you a share which keeps you coming back for more and bringing more people with you, thereby increasing their revenue.
How can you make money from Ebates?
Ebates has created channels through which you can make more than the standard commission and new membership bonuses they give.
These channels are ;
Referrals
When you tell someone about rebates, send them your referral link, and they eventually sign up. Then, you receive your referral bonuses.
These payments may vary, and they’re usually obtained within 60 days.
To ensure your friend signed up with your link, check your referral activity on the Refer-A-Friend Page.
Offline Purchases and Linked Offers
If your credit card is linked to your ebates account, then this bonus is for you ( you can link it now by opening the ‘add a New Card’ option after you have clicked the ‘my wallet’ option).
Find an ongoing debate offer and connect it to your credit card. Then, make your purchase immediately with a credit card to avoid invalidating your offer.
How do you receive your commissions from Ebates?
They are only two ways Ebates can pay you and you. Through the Big fat Check and Paypal.
They make payments every 90 days, i.e., quarterly.
For the ‘Your Big Fat Check ‘ option, you will receive a check granted to the name and address in your account, while Paypal will send the payment to your chosen PayPal account.
Benefits
The most popular perk of ebates is the Cashback amount you get back after your purchase. It’s almost like getting paid for just your data and time.
You have a large number of stores to choose from. You’re never short of favorites.
Also, the simplicity and easy running of the program make it very convenient for all the users.
Cons
The big brands do not have affiliate relationships with websites, e.g., Apple, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Gucci, etc. You can still use ebates to buy from them, but you can’t expect Cashbacks.
You would also need to remove ad blockers from your device(s) to maximize the rebates website. However, this might cause your unwanted ads to keep appearing.
Final note
This is a proper review of the Ebates (Rakuten) company. This article has answered and solved most of the common questions and issues.
You can also communicate your disservice to the Rakuten customer care. It is pretty active.
FAQ
- Is Ebates a Ponzi scheme?
No. Ebates is a safe and protected website that uses the affiliate marketing business model. It is very legal.
- Which stores can you access with Ebates?
They have always been placed in their categories on the website. But here’s a general list;
Walmart,
Hotwire,
Expedia,
iRobot,
East Bay,
Kobo,
Rosetta Stone,
MAC cosmetics,
Nordstrom,
Ralph Lauren,
Ulta,
And so many others.
