A few of my favorite things: Ebates and Vocalpoint

If you’ve been reading my blog for very long, you know that I post a lot about both Ebates and Vocalpoint. If you’re just starting to read my blog, you may be wondering what these two sites are, so I’m here to share.

Ebates is a site where you can earn cash back when you shop through the retailer links on their sites. I joined about a year and a half ago and last February I was so excited when I got my first “big fat check” with the “rebates” I had earned from online shopping during the Christmas season.

Here’s how it works:

1. When you are ready to shop online, visit Ebates and look for the retailer on their site (they have 100s of retailers and pretty much the only one I haven’t found is Amazon). When you click through that store’s link, it will create a “tracking ticket” and then take you to the retailer’s site.

2. Once you get to the retailer’s site, complete your purchase just like you normally would.

3. Within a few days, you should receive an e-mail letting you know that your “cash back” has been credit to your account.

4. Your “big fat check” payment is issued every three months.

For purchases made between 1/1 and 3/31, you will receive your “big fat check” on 5/15.
For purchases made between 4/1 and 6/30, you will receive your “big fat check” on 8/15.
For purchases made between 7/1 and 9/30, you will receive your “big fat check” on 11/15.
For purchases made between 10/1 and 12/31, you will receive your “big fat check” on 2/15

5. You can choose to be paid via the following methods:

*Big Fat Check: Have a check sent directly to you, free of charge.

*PayPal: Your payment is deposited directly into your Paypal account (you do not have to pay any fees). This is a quick option!

*Fast Cash: This option isn’t available to everyone yet, but this is what I used for my most recent “cash out.” The money was deposited onto a virtual Citibank Visa card. I transferred it from there directly into my checking account.

One of the great things about Ebates during the holiday season is the option for DOUBLE CASH BACK! They are currently offering double cash back at the following retailers:

*Disney – 5% cash back
*Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic – 10% cash back
*Kohl’s – 4% cash back
*Macy’s – 5% cash back
*Sears – 4% cash back
*Walmart – 2% cash back
*Victoria’s Secret – 4% cash back

Cyber Monday is just around the corner and some storse have already started their online deals, so it’s a perfect time to sign up! You also get a $5 sign-on bonus with your first purchase when you register here.

Another one of my favorite things is Vocalpoint:

When you register with them, they will send you P&G (Procter & Gamble) products to sample, great coupons, and all they ask is that you review the products or share your experiences with your family and friends! It’s a great way to get the heads up on new products and a lot of the coupons they send match up well with “deals” in the stores.

The latest offer that I received was for a free sample of Secret Clinical Strength. I also recently received a free sample of a Bounce dryer bar and Olay products. Typically when they send out products to try, they also send great coupons! To register for Vocalpoint, click here.