Cashback companies and dishonesty

Keef on 05/09/2018 - 09:49

Hi All,

I have become untrusting of these cashback companies.

I have made two sizeable purchases using two popular cashback companies. Both seemed to have worked fine for smaller purchases but I have had issues with purchases over $100 (one was also $1000+)

Both companies claim that the purchase was either untrackable or the merchant has denied the claim.

All the purchases line up with promotion dates and obviously I have provided receipt/order confirmation but they are still being declined.
Yes, I am taking the necessary precautions to ensure tracking.

I am making these purchases usually at the retailer at a certain time in order to get the cashback which I am no longer confident in receiving.

These companies obviously have no obligation to honour any cashback claims, so what's stopping them keeping the money for themselves?
Appreciate any similar stories or people with inside information.

Cheers

General Discussion

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 05/09/2018 - 09:58
    +1

    Both companies claim that the purchase was either untrackable or the merchant has denied the claim.

    Don't quote me on this, but iirc a lot of cashback companies don't play well (and it's in their T&Cs, so not dodgy) if you pay with Amex or other cards, because those cards have their own rewards systems.

    Could it be that you're paying for bigger purchases in a way, or using different cards, in a way to how you pay for smaller purchases?

    • Keef on 05/09/2018 - 10:05
      +1

      No, all with paypal except the largest payment was made direct with CC

      • HighAndDry on 05/09/2018 - 10:08

        Okay, I'm not aware of any conflicts between cashback programs and Paypal so hmm…

        Did you mind specifying which cashback companies? I know we have reps for some of them here, and they've either gotten issues sorted, or could specify why a particular cashback claim wasn't approved. I think you just have to send them the purchase details.

        Edit: Also, while there are obvious issues with naming specific cashback companies, I think not naming the specific one also risks tarring other, good and reputable, cashback companies with the same overly broad brush, at least as long as your post title is concerned.

  • Unorthodox on 05/09/2018 - 10:01
    +1

    Have you reached out to the representatives?
    I found that having the CR team active (TA, Andrew) definitely helps as the support replies are often generic and not very helpful.

  • xaykogeki on 05/09/2018 - 10:03

    Had similar issues for >$1k purchases with cashrewards, but usually I send an email and gets solved eventually after 2 months. "My Click History" makes it easier to claim as the time matches closely with the invoice and always using incognito mode.

    That said, they wrote on their email to me that eBay doesn't have a record or something about the cashback so they won't get paid. Probably a canned response for things like this, but it does make sense.

    I missed the good ol' days where eBay cashback is 3% normal.

    • Keef on 05/09/2018 - 10:06

      Both of the disputed claims for me were direct through company websites, not ebay.

  • doweyy on 05/09/2018 - 10:08
    +1

    These companies obviously have no obligation to honour any cashback claims, so what's stopping them keeping the money for themselves?

    Your business. If they are found to do this, they'll 100% lose all their customers because there's always another competitor to go to. Especially considering one of the reps is massive here, that would definitely not occur.

    I have had no issues getting cashback, low or high amounts. I also noticed this the other day, there are reps on here to help out always, so I'd highly recommend contacting them to help with any issues you may have!

    From my perspective, I think many different things can affect the cashback, and I have definitely had issues before with tracking. But every time, the reps have come to help me and it's worked out perfectly.

  • cwongtech on 05/09/2018 - 10:08
    +4

    These companies obviously have no obligation to honour any cashback claims, so what's stopping them keeping the money for themselves?

    Their reputation is on the line

    Appreciate any similar stories or people with inside information.

    I have had high value transactions, one just under $8000 tracked successfully and paid out

    I have made two sizeable purchases using two popular cashback companies. Both seemed to have worked fine for smaller purchases but I have had issues with purchases over $100 (one was also $1000+)

    As you can see in my screenshot above, I've had 6 x transactions well above $1000 tracking normally.
    This is with CashRewards, I haven't used the other one available to us (ShopBack) so I can't really say for them.
    All I know is CR works for me 95% of the time, and if there's any issues, just reach out to TightArse

  • aspirepranesh on 05/09/2018 - 10:23
    +1

    I use CR & Shopback extensively for almost every single purchase I make or have made in the past. In fact, they are usually the ones that take me over the line if I am having second thoughts about making a purchase. 9/10 times I have had my cashback tracked successfully, with the occasional hiccups where they were not tracked, but I lodge a claim and supply them with all the documents and they have always been added back on to my account. If anything, the store reps here are more accommodating and happy to help!

    Despite all of their posts stating the guidelines for using their sites (for ex, last clicks, adding items in the cart prior to cashback redirection, etc.), if you are not getting it right, I would encourage you to check your browser settings rather than blame the cashback sites.

    For reference, here are my cashback transactions:

    Cashrewards - My biggest cashback was for $764 from Sony for a tv purchase from couple of months ago, with no hassles!

    Shopback

  • railspider on 05/09/2018 - 10:30
    +2

    I've had big cashbacks not track with these companies, so I'm not defending them. However I think you're wrong to assume they would deliberately 'steal' your cashback.

    These companies make a margin on everything you buy through them, so they have an incentive to keep you loyal by honouring every cashback. Whenever a transaction (big or small) is not tracked, I'd blame the seller for not reporting the sale, not the cashback site. Wouldn't surprise me if they don't like paying the affiliate fee on the big ticket items.

  • aspirepranesh on 05/09/2018 - 10:45

    Are you able to provide screenshots of your click history section along with your cashback tracking page for reference?

  • picklewizard on 05/09/2018 - 11:04
    +1

    I'll bet one was Shopback!

  • Clear on 05/09/2018 - 11:10
    +1

    You weren't looking at price comparison or review websites were you? Because they're often loaded with affiliate links which could result in a sale being attributed to them instead of CR. For example if I was shopping for a laptop and Googled "Top 10 laptops" then most of those results would take me to pages with affiliate links. Each one of those 10 laptops linking to Amazon. Even OzBargain will serve affiliate links to guests (and logged out users).

    The other possibility is you used a coupon not listed on the cashback website that the merchant declined. Like using a Shopback exclusive coupon on Cashrewards and vice versa.

    Some stores also use session-based tracking so if you were to click on another tab, close the browser or open up another application it has the potential to kill the session resulting in no tracking.

    Also good to ensure that you didn't have adblock, ghostery, noscript etc. enabled or AV/Software like AdGuard or AVG that actively block tracking cookies. Cookie tracking (most common) and Pixel tracking (rare) would be directly affected by these.

  • ESEMCE on 05/09/2018 - 11:15
    +2

    Of the 2 sizeable purchases made with the newcomer, neither have successfully tracked, despite me jumping through all the hoops they required.
    And my claim was rejected on grounds that do not apply. I haven't bothered to waste my time trying a claim on the other sizeable purchase.
    I have had 2 minor sales tracked by them, but the cashback is literally cents worth.
    Including the signup bonuses they were offering, I'm down around $50.
    If I could delete my account I would, I have absolutely no faith.

    I have not had any such issues with the other major Cashback company. The sole time I have noticed that a cashback did not track, their claim system was able to recover it without any issues. I have had 2 sizeable offers ($20 Sony and $40 Virginmobile respectively) successfully track along with a bunch of $10-20 deals and hundreds of smaller offers.

  • Ryanek on 05/09/2018 - 11:37
    -4

    Am I the only who feels the sense of entitlement?

    I mean the process of getting a cashback takes close to zero effort and risk to attain. If it doesn't work then you try your best to resolve it… preferably without the moaning and groaning.

    • Almost Banned on 05/09/2018 - 11:47
      +2

      When I buy something I factor in all costs - that includes any cashback I may get.
      I may choose to buy something based on getting a 2% cashback - when I would not have bought it at all at the original price.
      I don't see this as the OP acting 'entitled'. I see this as honesty in pricing, and dealings.
      That said, I also think that there are lots of ways cashback claims can go wrong - and wouldn't have immediately jumped to theft as the reason.

    • ESEMCE on 05/09/2018 - 11:55
      +4

      I feel the sense of victim blaming.

      • Keef on 05/09/2018 - 15:05

        Thank you.

    • Keef on 05/09/2018 - 15:08

      Looks like you are. There's no moaning or groaning. I've performed the necessary steps to try and resolve to no avail.

  • DarthAntz on 05/09/2018 - 11:57

    Im considering using MS edge browser for cashrewards, as my chrome and firefox are too loaded with adblocking and cookie blocking that i cant use a service like cashrewards, which is there to track your usage statistics while making a purchase. Edge gets no attention otherwise

    • Bullwinkle on 06/09/2018 - 08:33
      +1

      This is what I do now. I only use Edge with Cashrewards and in a bog-standard configuration. Never had any issues with Cashrewards tracking purchases when using Edge (or IE previously). Like you I have adblocking and various cookie handling extensions on Firefox, etc.
      Several purchases that did not track when using another browser were satisfactorily resolved by Cashrewards with no fuss simply using their reporting facility but using a separate pristine browser avoids this.

      • Keef on 06/09/2018 - 20:14

        Great idea - thanks!

    • Chickenleg on 08/09/2018 - 09:26

      That’s exactly what I do - use an alternate browser to the one I normally use that I know isn’t crammed with extensions. Works a treat.

      Edge on my desktop pc where I normally use Chrome
      Chrome on my MacBook where I normally use Safari

  • Topdog on 05/09/2018 - 12:54

    yeah i gave up on them all! either just keep pushing out the approval date of the claim, or its months away and you forget about it! Just my two cents. I have read a lot of people get some benefit/cash back out of it. I just don't feel the time and effort is worth it

  • CLoSeR on 05/09/2018 - 13:43

    Ive had no major issues with Cashrewards, sometimes minor things but resolved easily.

    Many large purchases, never a problem tracking or receiving cashback.

  • Geoff897 on 05/09/2018 - 15:38

    Yeah i stopped recommending Cash Back programs to people, Too many un-tracked transactions i don't want to deal with them questioning me. Although CR was good at following up, Shopback is hopless

  • singingwolf on 07/09/2018 - 02:35

    I found my hosts file was messing things up - I remove it before each purchase and now I have no issues.

  • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 10:40
    -5

    I've made 3 transactions with CashRewards.com.au in the past 2-3 weeks that were sizable ($300 - $1,200) and none have been tracked. CashRewards are by far the dodgiest CR provided and without you chasing it up, you most likely would never get the CashBack.

    Whenever I use Cashrewards.com.au for their cash-back I now factory in the time and effort it will take to claim back the CashReward through their lodgement system and ticket process, because they are proper dodgey lately. Tightarse as a representative or not, it should not have to be CONSTANTLY bought to their attention to bloody chase the service their offering.

    You search the word CashRewards here and you will find endless comments of CR not putting through their cashbacks and Tightarse picking up the pieces for the dodgy business ethics.

    • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 11:19
      +7

      And you will find the countless people who know how to do it right and never have a problem. Evidence of that above.

      • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 11:20
        -2

        And many that seem to have issues, evidence in the thread title.

        • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 11:20
          +1

          Which means that those who are having problems are doing it wrong.

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 11:21
          -4

          @Clear: Everyone that has problems are doing it wrong are they? You're laughable.

        • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 11:25
          +1

          @Xiaomi: It's true! How else would it fail unless you don't do it properly.

          That includes…

          • No adblock
          • No Cookie/tracking blocking extensions/software
          • No coupons not listed
          • No clicking on different tabs
          • No clicking out of browser e.g. music player, start menu etc.
          • Actually being signed into the website I'm shopping at
          • Not having my cart prefilled
          • Not buying out of my wish list
          • Not using product comparison websites
          • Not trying to double dip

          It's all really common sense. The internet is run by affiliates so websites like price/product comparisons or even browsing OzBargain as a guest will serve them up which has a chance of your cashback going elsewhere.

          Aaaand while we're at it this post is about cashback websites in general. Not just CR.

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 12:56
          -3

          @Clear: Are you a Cash Rewards associate?

        • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 13:06
          -1

          @Xiaomi: No. I actually know how the affiliate model works due to my association with GeekBuying and how to use cashback websites properly.

        • Moderatorneil on 08/09/2018 - 14:19

          Let's stick to the topic of cashback sites and not bring in race nor make false accusations at other members, OzBargain staff etc.

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 14:35
          -2

          @neil: Neil, there is no false accusations towards OzBargain staff.

          Scotty has Lenovo and Dell as his top deals with discount codes made for OzB.

          It's not a coincidence I'm just not sure why y'all trying to hide the fact his earning a commision off the sale of these products, purchased by the OzB community without disclosing affiliated relations to these companies.

        • Moderatorneil on 08/09/2018 - 14:41

          @Xiaomi:

          If companies send us a good deal we post it, if it is shit we don't and sometime post it in this thread. It's that simple.

          Dell, Lenovo, Groupon whatever deals are served via affiliate links for guests. You can read about it here.

          We are an independent site so please don't make bullshit claims against staff, bring race into the discussion or accuse other members of being shills. Got evidence, use the report button or Talk with a Moderator.

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 14:46

          @neil: To clarify, the deals posted by Scotty for Dell and Lenovo as an example, are here confirming there is no incentive, commission, and or affiliated paid correlation between the amount of deals posted by Scotty (Top posts) and any sales generated by OzBargain as a result of him constantly posting these deals here on OzBargain with unique discount codes.

          Is that what you are saying?

        • Moderatorneil on 08/09/2018 - 15:02

          @Xiaomi:

          ALL Dell & Lenovo deals have an affiliate link that is served to guests and not to logged in users. Affiliate links. Pretty much any company that is on a cashback site will be a part of an affiliate network.

          Do companies get staff to post deals in exchange for remuneration? No.
          Do companies send deals to staff ([email protected] etc)? Yes, many. Most are meh.
          Do staff post deals received by companies? Yes, sometimes. This is a really good one I posted.
          Did I or OzBargain receive anything from posting that deal? No.
          Did that deal make more affiliate sales from that deal? No, it's not on any affiliate network.

          If deals are good they go to the front page. If deals are on the front page, they get more clicks. Deals that get more clicks should result in more affiliate sales. Affiliate sales are a small portion of revenue but helps pay 5+ staff (hiring another this month) and pay for server costs. Keep in mind, every other bargain site in the world serves affiliate links for all members (logged in and not) and you wouldn't see cashback sites promoted, as that funnels all revenue to the cashback site & back to the user. HOTUKDeals sometimes does paid deal posts and are transparent about it but that's not anything OzBargain will ever do.

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 15:02
          -2

          @neil: Sorry, posted after reply receieved.

          It's just strange to see so many deals posted by Scotty, time after time, by Lenovo and Dell that clearly influences impulse purchases, without any affiliation to commissions.

          It makes no sense.

        • Moderatorneil on 08/09/2018 - 15:11

          @Xiaomi:

          We'll get Scotty connected to a lie detector test in the November Sydney meetup and you can grill him. :)

        • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 15:49
          +3

          @neil: I was wondering how long it would be until you guys saw it 🤔

        • Xiaomi on 08/09/2018 - 17:32
          -3

          @Clear: We've cleared up everythign here mate don't need you to continue instigating. Cheers.

        • Clear on 08/09/2018 - 17:42

          @Xiaomi: I made the video he linked. That's all.

        • brad1-8tsi on 11/09/2018 - 10:06

          @Clear:
          I can't agree. I recently lost $49 in Cashback because it didn't register.

          By a strange coincidence it always seems to be the larger purchases that don't "work".

          I have dozens of small cashbacks from the same site and it's all the nickel and dime stuff.

          I made sure the cashback was active before clicking purchase and my logging in from their website was logged and displayed on the cashback website. I still got nothing and no satisfaction after contacting them.

          From now on I won't be factoring in any cashback money as part of the purchase process as it's too unreliable.

        • brad1-8tsi on 18/09/2018 - 13:49

          @brad1-8tsi:
          In the interests of transparency & closure…

          I put in a claim to CashRewards and they paid it under their rewards guarantee policy despite ebay saying it never happened.

          So I take back what I said about CashRewards. Happy Ending

  • mini2 on 11/09/2018 - 08:43
    +1

    I don't completely trust these guys either but I'll still give them the benefit of the doubt that they're at the mercy of Commission Factory and others of its ilk.

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