Stormi D.

I have been using Ebates for a little over three years and have actually received a substantial amount of cash back (which is awesome). Unfortunately, it's taken a lot of time and effort to GET some of that cash back - and almost always in cases where it is a large rebate (Hotels.com in particular or computer software/hardware) or Amazon/ebay (when Ebates claims that the category wasn't applicable - after the fact - even with screens shots). It's very frustrating and persistence is key, as a big chunk of the first couple inquiries on a purchase are met with an (incorrect) reason as to why the purchase didn't qualify.

I've purchased certificates from Restaurant.com for several years. First in San Francisco and now on Central Oregon Coast. I've never been ripped off and I don't think it's a scam.

In my experience, the pros are: Often REALLY great savings (particularly if coupled with a special incentive through a site like RetailMeNot, Ebates, etc.), opportunity tor try places I might not know about/otherwise wouldn't try (and some of them have made me converts to full-price dining) and if I didn't redeem the certificate in the time period, I can apply it to something else so don't lose money (most recent example is a certificate I purchased at the Pork Store in SF several years ago, never used, but was able to apply the price I paid a couple weeks ago to some places in Oregon).

The cons, again in my experience, are: Really need to read the fine print to make sure it will work for you (i. E., minimum spend, food only vs. food/alcohol, lunch vs. dinner vs any time, time period in which multiple certificates can be applied...), limited choices of restaurants in your living/touring area and - like many "discounts" - the waitstaff may treat you like second-class citizens when you pull out the certificate (even before you order) so you feel like an idiot.

Overall, though, I continue to buy on occasion.