eBates model - how do they make money

[djkoz]

I've been researching the various affiliate programs and visting some virtual shopping sites. eBates' user agreement states:

"The first key way in which we provide value is to forward the commissions we receive from our merchants to you. Instead of keeping these funds for ourselves, we make our money primarily from marketing partnerships with our merchants, and advertising.”

How does eBates make any money? To what other types of marketing partnerships might they be referring?

Thanks for your reply.

Dan

[Craig C]

Don't let the wording fool you, ebates does keep a percentage of the referral revenue. They are giving you a portion of it. (Example: Apple Store pays 5% commission for affiliate sales, ebates refunds only 1%.)

Additionally, some sites will pay extra to be featured or to distribute coupons or ads. Plenty of money to be made using the ebates model.

[ADAM Web Design]

Scumware. That's all I have to say about eBates.