By Isabel Eva Bohrer on November 2, 2012 in
Rewards, discounts and deals are great to have all year round. But they're all the more useful during the busy holiday shopping season. Last year, we covered three useful shopping apps, and this year, we found apps and web services that offer more than just a shopping cart. Whether you're at the mall, shopping for a holiday dinner or checking off your list of gifts, these apps and services can help you save money on the items you purchase.
CheckPoints
Free for iPhone, Android
CheckPoints allows you to collect points in numerous ways, including watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, playing games and searching the web. Your points can then be redeemed for gift cards, air miles, gadgets, and more – you can also donate them to charity if you wish. iTunes and Amazon.com are just a few of the brands that have partnered with CheckPoints in the past.
Crowdtap
Free online service; must connect with Facebook
Crowdtap involves a four-step process, but it's quick. In less than 30 seconds, you can become what they call a "Crowdtapper." First you have to connect with Facebook. After that, you’ll need to answer some polls to help Crowdtap and its partnering brands learn more about you and your interests. You’ll then be able to view opportunities, including deals and discounts, of the brands that interest you. The more you participate, the more rewards, such as gift cards, you earn. And you’ll be doing good while you’re at it; all of your activities will help make donations to a charity of your choice. Recent partner brands include Adidas, Old Navy, MSN, Pinkberry, and more.
Ebates
Free online service; sign-up with email address
Ebates partners with a variety of online stores to offer cash back when you shop. To sign up, you just need to create a login with your email address. Different stores have different rates, either a percentage of the total sale or a flat fee. So called "Big Fat Checks" go out quarterly; you can also get paid via Paypal, or forward your payment to a charity or a family member. If you've earned less than $5.01, your payment will get carried over to the next pay date. Ebates also provides discount coupon codes for some stores.
Elephanti
Free for iPhone, Android
Elephanti specializes in turning shopping into a social experience. After signing up and filling out your profile, you can start following your favorite stores, brands and venues. This way, you can keep up-to-date on what they are offering, and they, in turn, can contact you with their latest deals. By browsing the app ahead of time, you’ll be able to see deals before you go, and by checking in to a store, you can receive even further discounts.
Shopkick
Free for iPhone, Android
Shopkick is based on a three-step process: first, you visit a store and collect “kicks” (points) for your purchases. Your “kicks” can then be redeemed for rewards, such as gift cards, a free coffee, music downloads, Facebook credits, restaurant vouchers or movie tickets. Partner stores that offer discounts include Macy’s, Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, Crate & Barrel, and American Eagle.
WeReward
Free for iPhone, Android
WeReward allows you to earn cash rewards when checking in to locations or performing certain tasks, such as taking photos of a certain product. Every point is equivalent to a penny, and you can cash your points in via PayPal. The app integrates with all major social media networks, including Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare.
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