Microsoft today unveiled their newest attempt to woo consumers and advertisers alike from its rivals. Live Search Cash-back allows consumers to save on products from large companies such as Barnes & Noble, Sears, Home Depot, J&R Electronics and Office Depot as well as receiving a 2% to 30% cash-back on their purchases through MSN.
The Live Search is set up to match products with customers either in a standard search or one specifically geared to items eligible for cash-back. A clearly visible icon shows when you are viewing a qualifying product, and the savings and cash-back amount will be listed on the screen.
A big plus for advertisers is Microsoft’s decision to use a Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) model instead of Cost Per Click (CPC) – advertisers only have to pay when a visit to their site when it results in a sale. This is extremely attractive, and will probably encourage many advertisers to try spending their campaign budget at MSN.
The rules are simple for consumers: Sign up for an account, shop and purchase online through Microsoft and watch the cash back be deposited in your account. There are a few restrictions; you have to wait 60 days after the purchase (they have to be sure you won’t return the product) and you must have at least $5 in your account to request pay-out, but then funds are readily available through Paypal, your bank or a check by mail.
The new program is actually modeled after the former Jellyfish shopping site, which Microsoft acquired some time ago. In fact, all Jellyfish accounts will now be absorbed into the new Live Search model.
It will be interesting to see if customers can be won away from the larger competitor, Google. Time will tell.
Tags: Cash-back, Live Search, Microsoft