Free Money in My Mailbox

This week, my free $10 Home Depot gift card arrived in the mail, as well as my first "Big Fat Check" from Ebates. The best part is that I got both from doing something I was going to do anyway: shop online! My first purchase looked like this:

 $28.14 -- 1 sweatshirt from Department of Goods, plus shipping

-$20.00 -- Free Promotional Credit from the store (more on how I got this later)

   $8.14   --Total Out Of Pocket Cost

+  $2.80 in Ebates checks

+$10.00 Home Depot gift card

Ebates is a company that gives you money back on your purchases by using their site to find places to shop. The percentage back varies by store and promotional period, but usually ranges from 2-10%. Since some stores offer special online promotions, coupons, and sometimes even free shipping (try ship to store if available), shopping online is sometimes cheaper than heading to the store! 

1. Sign up for a free Ebates account when you're ready to make an online purchase. When you sign up, you'll get the option to select what bonus gift card you receive when you make your first purchase. There is a time limit for you to make your first purchase in order for you to receive this gift card, so make sure you don't sign up at Ebates until you're ready to buy.
2. Search for the store you plan on shopping at and click on the link Ebates gives you to go to the store's website.
3. Make your purchase. You don't have to do anything else at this point!
4. In a few days, check your Ebates account for your credit. If it doesn't appear, you can always contact customer service and they will manually adjust your account.
5. Your first check will show up in the mail as well as your gift card!

Happy shopping!