Microsoft Steps Up Program To Bribe Users To Search
from the pay-up dept
Apparently Microsoft's ongoing program to bribe users to use its search engine wasn't getting enough attention, and the company seems to be upping the ante. At least for a little while, it's now giving 25% cash back on eBay purchases (limited to $200). At some point, you really have to wonder how well this program really works. Sure, some folks may use Microsoft's search to get the cashback (or to game the system), but will they keep it up when Microsoft isn't paying? That's not at all clear, and it seems likely that Microsoft could be paying out a lot more than it gets back in benefits.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Are you sure?
http://blogs.msdn.com/livesearch/archive/2008/11/06/buy-now-on-ebay-for-25-cashback.aspx,
they say it is UP to 25% off. I think this is how it works. You search for PS3 on live.search.com. An area with ebay sponsored links appears with possible cash back savings. Only through these links will you get savings.
If i'm wrong, i'm moving to the states.
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Re: Are you sure? Yup!
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Re: Re: Are you sure? Yup!
I used a web proxy to check out live.com. I'm sooo full of envy right now.
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XBOX?
Hmmm...only problem is I have to put the money up first. Oh well, someone want to loan me $200 for a few days? :)
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RE: XBOX?
Xbox = $200
cashback = $50
Xbox cost after cashback = $150
Cashback payout is delayed 60 days to account for returns, etc.
Cashback has been as high as 35% in recent months, 30% more recently and finally resting at 25% for the last several weeks.
I would not use live search if it were not for the cashback.
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@Ebay 25% off is losing money
Every book was available through multiple Ebay sellers, but even with the additional 25% off I could get brand new items directly from Amazon for less. Some new items were available from some Amazon sellers for significantly less. The 25% applied to camera gear usually brought the price slightly below Amazon's lowest offers but let's see.. would I rather buy from Ebay w/Paypal and their "guarantees" or Amazon with theirs? It's no contest.
Getting 25% off an ebay purchase is like getting 25% off at a Circuit City store closing sale - you're still paying more than you'd pay elsewhere at regular price.
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Ever listened to the radio?
At least with Cashback - anyone who uses the program can take advantage.
It's not like MSFT is the first company to use incentives to get people to use it's product.
Coupons, free shipping, BOGO, 0% financing, the list goes on and on.
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New MS motto
--
www.chl-tx.com
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Cashback Shopping
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