Hello. My name is Erik Martin; I’m a freelance writer (check my credentials at www.martinspiration.blogspot.com) and I'm working on a new story for AARP The Magazine (print edition) on the following topic:
Cash-back tactics online: the advantages of using cash-back websites. Several worthy websites exist that allow you to recoup a portion of the money you spend on qualifying transactions, including Ebates.com, BeFrugal.com, CouponCactus.com, and MrRebates.com. This story will explore why using these sites is worthwhile, how to sign up/benefit from them, the terms/fine print/waiting involved and what to expect, and how to maximize your cashback potential as a consumer. For this story, I’m looking to interview: a consumer aged 50 and up who has successfully used one of these cashback sites; a spokesperson from one or more of the major cashback sites; and knowledgeable industry experts/analysts who can provide tips and guidance on this topic. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, you can type up responses to my questions below and email them to me). My deadline to complete all interviews is Wednesday, Feb. 17 by noon central time.
QUESTIONS:1. (FOR A CONSUMER AGE 50+):a. Which cashback site(s) have you used, when, and for what purchase(s) from which particular online retailer(s)?b. How much cashback funds did you receive from these cashback sites? Over what time period? How long did it take to get your money? Was it in the form of a PayPal payment/deposit, check, or otherwise?c. How satisfied are you with that experience(s) and with the cashback site(s) you have used? Would you recommend these sites to others, and why?d. What tips can you provide to readers as to how to best utilize these cashback sites and maximize your cashback savings?e. What is your full name, age, city/state? 2. (FOR INDUSTRY EXPERTS): Who are the major cashback site players that consumers should consider using and why?3. What is typically required/involved in order to be eligible for a cashback reward? Explain the process as it applies to one or more of these major cashback sites, and explain how consumers are rewarded (e.g., via a PayPal payment, snail mail check, credit toward a future purchase, gift card, etc.?)4. Why is using these sites worth the time and effort involved? How much potential money can consumers save in the form of cashback rewards?5. What’s the catch? Are there any stipulations/restrictive fine print/long waits involved? Do consumers have to provide any sensitive financial information/bank accounts or surrender their privacy when they sign up (do they have to be sure to opt out of marketing lists/newsletters, etc.)?6. What tips can you provide for consumers to maximize their cashback rewards/savings? What are the best strategies they can pursue (e.g., use a cashback site plus a credit card with cashback rewards plus stackable online coupons, etc.)?7. What would you recommend consumers watch out for/avoid? What are the red flags?8. What are some realistic cashback expectations here that you would caution consumers about?9. Do you have any statistics/research findings/data that can help illustrate this topic?10. Any other thoughts, comments, or tips you wanted to offer on this topic? 11. What is your full name, title/company, and city/state location?
Keywords
INDUSTRY EXPERTS, cash-back
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