Microsoft Introduces Cashback Live Search
Posted on 21 May 2008, at 5:11 am, by Wayne Schulz
Microsoft’s Live Search announces a new program that offers cash back for purchases made through participating retailers. The catch is that you have to locate the deal by using Live Search (participating deals are indicated by a gold colored icon). And cashback isn’t instant – they only provide the rebate by deposit into your Paypal account or via check (Boo – another rebate to track). Qualifying for the cash back is simple. Create a Live account, log in, search. Here’s a quick look at how it works and why I probably won’t use it.
The following icon is displayed next to any retailer offering a cash back premium. To access the Microsoft Live Cashback site – use this URL: http://search.msn.com/cashback. The regular Live searches will also produce results that contain cashback offers. Look for the cashback icon within regular searches and navigate directly to the deals.
Here’s a simple search for the Garmin NUVI via the Cashback site:
If you happen to use the regular http://www.live.com search enging, spotlighted at the top of the regular Live search is an icon that will take you to the Live Search Cashback.
Live Search then compiles the different models onto one page.
Not every retailer participates in the cashback program. Cashback rebates on the Nuvi range from 2 to 10% – however a quick search of Costco or Sams Club reveals that this exact or similar model is commonly available to members for $299. Microsoft’s search is $20 to $70 more expensive (Note: I did not exhaustively search every deal – so your mileage may vary on the deals that may be better on Microsoft Live Cashback – aka YMMV).
Microsoft Cashback is an interesting program for the casual shopper.
Here are some observations:
- It works via rebates – and I HATE to track/follow up on rebates
- A quick browsing of the site uncovered mediocre deals – not the highest price but certainly not the lowest (even when you consider the cashback).
- Sites like http://www.fatwallet.com and http://www.slickdeals.net are better for saving money (sometimes substantial amounts)
- Did I mention I hate rebates (even those that promise to deposit directly into my Paypal)
- This may develop into a way to obtain better deals when you combine sale items with cashback
Link: Microsoft Live Search Cashback
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May 21st, 2008 at 10:27 am
It’s interesting to me that within the last 24 hours or so I’ve also seen references to Microsoft improving advertiser access to Windows Live (more screen real estate, I believe) and to Microsoft talking about allowing advertiser services to reach the Zune player.
It really makes me appreciate how MS seems to be spending a lot of time trolling for the corporate advertiser dollar, but at the expense/annoyance of the consumer. I know if I paid for a Zune and paid for content (directly or via a subscription) I’m going to be mighty angry if advertisements start getting pushed to my player. I also can’t say I’m thrilled at having less screen real esate available for real, useful content on WIndows Live either.
So what’s with MS and these kinds of pushes lately?