Personal Development

Five free sites that pay

These five sites are not only free to sign up, but offer savings, products, and in some cases, cold hard cash. Of course, in exchange, you provide your email address and other information, depending on the site. You make the call on whether or not these sites are worth it to you!

1. BzzAgent

How it works: After signing up, you become a BzzAgent. You take surveys on everything from your income level to your cleaning habits, and then you’re invited to join “campaigns.” These campaigns revolve around a specific product, such as a bathroom cleaner or a coffee maker. As a BzzAgent, you receive the product and usually some coupons or giveaways. After trying the product yourself, you use word of mouth marketing to share your thoughts on the product with your circle of influence.

I’ve been a part of two campaigns. One was for Max Factor makeup, which I would have never tried otherwise, but actually liked (especially the mascara). The other was for an amazing Logitech HarmonyOne universal remote that I (and my husband) absolutely adore.

While my experience has been great, apparently, they’ve received some bad bzz lately.

Is it worth it? I’m not going to complain about my $250 remote!

2. Swagbucks

How it works: You earn Swagbucks, kind of like points, for using their online search tool, shopping online, and inviting friends, among other things. You then redeem the Swagbucks for products, like a $10 Barnes and Noble card (110 Swagbucks) and an Apple iPhone (3100 Swagbucks).

The main way to earn Swagbucks is by using their search tool, which is powered by Google and Ask.com. The site says that “periodically” you’re awarded with Swagbucks, but it’s not clear how much searching you have to do to earn something. I have heard that it doesn’t take long, though. Personally, I’m not as impressed with the search results using the Swagbucks tool as I am with regular Google searches.

Is it worth it? It’s worth a try, especially if you can handle the search results.

3. Shop It To Me

How it Works: Okay, I heart Shop It To Me. This site is all about sales. As you sign up you pick your favorite brands and desginers, your favorite types of clothing and accessories, and your sizes. You’re then sent an email with all the items, including pictures and prices, that match your criteria. You even set up how often you receive your emails.

Is it worth it? Totally! Shopaholics (and shopaholic wannabes) will love it.

4. Swaptree

How it Works: You get rid of your old stuff, such as books and DVDs, and in return, you get someone else’s old junk! You know, someone else’s trash is your treasure. You put in the goods you have and the goods you want, and it matches you up. It’s as simple as that!

I’ve never actually made a swap, but my Friends Season 5 DVD Set can apparently be traded for 19,428 items.

Is it worth it? Why not?

5. Ebates

How it works: Before doing online shopping, sign into your Ebates account and use their link. You then earn money (that’s right, real money) based on what you purchase through that link. Each company has different offerings. If you shop at Target, you earn 4% cash back, and if you shop at UncommonGoods, you earn 10% cash back – just as two examples. The site also has coupon codes and shipping deals. I’ve earned $6.48 without even trying.

Is it worth it? If you’re already buying something online, you don’t have anything to lose!

What other sites do you use?

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