Do you have questions on I-Deal Sites?
Have a comment regarding your experience?
Want to read what others have written?
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Jun 23, 2008
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385 comments:
1 – 200 of 385 Newer› Newest»Hi,
I just want to say thank you for your awesome blog. I decided to try the $500 gas card offer. As of September 9 all of my requirements had been approved and I mailed in my printout code and W-9 form. I was just wondering-how long does it take to show up on the site that they received everything and that it is being processed. When I check my gift status, it still says the "Congratualtions, your requirements have been met". Do I just need to wait it out. I sent the form by registered mail so I know that they did receive it.
Thanks,
Jill
ooooh- I second that question. I did the same offer, also sent with delivery confirmation on Aug. 27. Mine hasn't shown up as received yet either. I'm starting to get nervous!
Hi. My name is Heidi, from CarolinaDreamz.com. I just started a new blog at FromTheCheapSeatz.com and in my bloggity-way *smile* I found your site. I've been working on this gas card deal and have been approved. I do have a question, though, if you could help me..
On the acceptance page, it has the address to mail the certificate and the w-9... I just put the address on the envelope?? I mean, with no name?
I'm excited that you got your cards. I've had some rough trouble, recently, with an offer, and as I close this, I'm going to post to the new blog about some of it.. its really not that big of a deal.. but there are magic words when dealing with some people.. *giggle*
Anyway, thanks for all your hard work to post like you do.. I especially love your emails.
Have a great evening. Thanks for your time.
Heidi
I am trying to get the $500 gas card. I have five days left until my 60 days are up. I have all but one requirement in the Silver. I have signed up and completed several in that tier and still have one left to be approved. I have emailed the customer service several times to find out how I can get approved for one more. I have told them I have paperwork and everything. I have email them at least once a day for the last week or so, but no response. Do you have any ideas on how to get them to respond?
Money Savvy Mom and Megan Reynolds,
That is a very good question, and I get it alot.
First, you want to keep a copy of your delivery confirmation. As you said, you can tell they got it. For others, you do this by logging into usps.com and entering your confirmation # you got from the post office when you mailed.
Once you see the date they got it, I usually mark off 2 weeks on my calendar, as it always seems it takes about that long before they update their system that they got it.
IF....two weeks has gone by and you don't see they have changed your status, then you need to email them. In the email, state you sent your forms in, include your delivery confirmation # and tell them you can see they received it on such and such date. Ask them when you can expect to see your status updated.
NOW..what they will usually write back is that as long as they got it before the 60 day mark...even if there system isn't updated...you will still receive their gift. They have a scripted email response.
BUT, because you wrote in and provided your #, etc, they now know you know they got it...just kind of insurance on your end.
Usually, your status will update not much long afterward...and mine almost always changes around 2 weeks after the post office says they got it.
Heidi,
Good question.....as this happens on most of their sites.
I always just type the name of the site I did at the top of the address.
So, for example, on my $500 gas card, I typed ConsumerReward-Zone.com, then the address.
Davlin54,
My first piece advice ( which you may have done and my instructions may have been confusing ) is always read the instructions for the parent company of the site you are going to do.
I have the instructions for each parent company on the bottom of the online offers web page and you can access via a button at any time.
Here is the direct link for the instructions on the site you did. Please sit down and read these now, as I think they will help answer your question in more detail.
http://moneysavingmethodsonlineoffers.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-deal-instructions.html
Why I recommend this, is although I have general instructions, too, each parent company runs their site a bit different. Everyone needs to know the ins and outs of each company before starting or you can run into trouble.
And, if you read thru the instructions of the terms and conditions on I-Deal sites, you will see they don't give manual credit.
What this means to you...they won't respond to your emails regarding those questions, because they feel they have been answered in their T&C. :-) Although, this is aggravating for us, as users, it is one of the quirks of working with I-Deal and getting free money...you need to know the inside tricks before you start, unfortunately, or you can waste valuable time.
Also, you will notice I mention that it is VERY common for a handful of offers to not approve. I always go into I-Deal sites knowing I need to do replacements. So, this is completely normal that you have one offer not approved.
Finally, they are USUALLY on a 7 day cycle/sometimes 20 day cycle...meaning the 8th day after you did your offers, you should have logged in and seen all but a few offers approved.
On the 8th day,or soon afterward, you do replacement offers for those that didn't see approved. When doing their sites, you want to get your offers done ASAP, since you only have 60 days.
Now, the replacements USUALLY will approved overnight or the following day. Then, your certificate will appear.
SOOOOO...with all that said...my advice to you, since you are almost at the end of the 60 days is HURRY!!! :-) You should still be fine, as long as you do a replacement offer tonight in the Silver section, where you need it.
HOPEFULLY, if all goes well, your replacement offer should be approved by this time tomorrow.
THEN...as soon as it approves and your certificate shows up, you need to RUN...seriously, to the post office, mail with DELIVERY CONFIRMATION (not signature...that will get declinced ), and get that baby postmarked.
Yours will not show up as received before the 60 day mark, since that is in a few days...and it takes about 2 weeks after they get it to update their systems...but you WILL still qualify for your gift as long as they get it before the 60 day mark...even if they don't show it in the system yet.
If after 2 weeks from when the post office says they got it, your status isn't updated, then email them your delivery confirmation # showing they got it and ask when they will update your status.
I am so glad you asked this question with a few days left, so you can still get your gift.
AND..please keep us updated here. I would love to know when your recplacement offer approves and that you got your cert. mailed in.
Feel free to call me ( via my contact button at the top ) if you need further help with this process...I truly want to make sure you get that gift!!
Carrie
Hi,
I was wondering if it is common for them to approve one section and not the other the day after I went in and completed the offers. Thanks, Teri
Teri,
This is becoming the norm for I-Deal. Almost everyone I have talked to, including myself, when doing the $500 Gas Card, saw 2 to 3 offers approve almost immediately.
Then,the rest approved around day 8.
So, that is a good sign...you are on track with what happened with the rest of us.
Make sure you mark your calendar to log in on the 8th day and see what all approved. You SHOULD see the rest ( with the exception of a few ) have approved.
If so, then the few that are left...do replacements for those.
If I cancel while the offer is still pending will it be confirmed? Some offers have to be cancelled with in 7 days and it takes 7 days for the confirmation to go thru.
Also, I was reading the terms and conditions for the $500 gas card offer, and noticed this: (Both the gas card offer and another $250 restaurant offer I am thinking of doing are Top Notch Media offers)
"G. Each household must use the same email address throughout all websites owned or operated by Top Notch Media, Inc.."
I was thinking of using one email address for the $250 and then a different email for the $500 gas offer, since you said to set up a new email everytime you do an offer. Is it going to be a problem to use two different emails?
Just a couple more, so sorry to keep bothering you!
1. Were you concerned at all about using your debit/credit card to pay for the offers? Maybe I'm just too paranoid but I am leary about paying for things online.
2. Also, some of the monthly ones, how can I tell how long I have to keep the membership to get the credit? Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't see on some of the sites how long I have to keep the offers to get the credits.
3. It seems like there are several offers that are on all three pages. Why is that? Is there a difference between signing up for free credit reporting on the gold page vs. on the platinum page?
Thanks!
Carlie,
This is the age old question...and I wish I had a definite answer for you.
The problem? EVERY offer is different, and with I-Deal sites, they don't have any pop ups, etc, so you can figure out when you get credit.
Unfortunately, all you can do is cancel and see what happens, OR decide to stay a member past the free trial and pay for one month ( and risk it being one of the offers you don't get credit for ). :)
The only other piece advice I can offer is to call the company and explain you are not ready to cancel yet, but haven't had a chance to review the product.
See if they will extend your trial...some companies will. OR, if they can't do that, ask them if they have a lower priced plan, since the current plan is too expensive. Many offers also will offer lower prices, too.
In fact, EVEN on the offers I sign up for because I plan to keep them for gifts, etc, I STILL call during the trial to see if I can get a lower price once the trial is over. 8 out of 10 times they give me a lower price for an item I was going to keep anyway.
Hi Rachel,
In answer to your numbered questions:
1. I would NEVER use a debit card. NEVER. In fact, if you go back to my main website, moneysavingmethods.com, and click under 2008 savings and earnings and go to credit cards...you will read why I do not like debit cards and will NOT own one.
In regards to credit cards...I don't mind using them online at all. A couple different reasons.
First, with a lot of credit cards, you can generate a virtal number each time you go to buy something online. This virtual # is linked to your credit card but can ONLY be used by the company you made the purchase from. Meaning, if anyone steals that number online...it won't work. Love this feature of credit cards.
Second, you can dispute, and do not have to pay charges that you did not make. So, if anyone steals your number...you simply call the credit card company, tell them it is not your purchase, and then you don't pay it They will research and clear it off your account. Nothing out of pocket to you.
2. Read my post above to Carlie in regards to knowing how long you have to remain a member...on I-Deal sites...basically, you don't. But, read that post for helpful hints.
3. Offers can be duplicated on many of the different pages, BUT you can only do it on one page. This is why I ALWAYS advise going to the last page first. Why? Because, on most sites, the last page has the least amount of offers to choose from. And, if you use an offer on the 1st page ( which has many to choose from ) and get to the last page and it is there...you can't do it. Which means, you may find there are only expensive offers left to do. ALWAYS work backwards for this very reason.
4. In regards on only one email address across all Top Notch sites...that is a GREAT find. I will admit...I did not know that was in the terms and conditions. It wasn't there when I did my last I-Deal sites, as I used various email addresses. Thanks for this GREAT find! I will update my I-Deal instructions now...and everyone reading this, keep in mind...when you go to do your next I-Deal site, use the same address if it is another Top Notch affiliate of theres ( you can log into the Terms and Conditions to check ). Thanks Rachel!!
In your post you mentioned a spreadsheet you had made to help keep track of everything. I was hoping I could get a copy of it or a sample/example. Could you please provide a link to download it or a screen cap of it?
Also is there a good site or parent company you could recommend as a good place to start for first timers?
Susan,
I would actually recommend starting with I-Deal the first time.
The reason? They are fairly easy, the least expensive investment AND you get your gift the fastest.
Also, I would stick to ONLY their offers that do not require referrals ( usually the ones valued over $600 ) require referrals. But, check the terms/conditions to make sure before you start.
After you know a bit of what you are doing and have people interested in doing it along with you, then you can branch out to referral offers.
In regards to my spreadsheet...it is VERY basic.
First Column is Date I signed Up.
2nd, Name of Offer
3rd, Page it is from ( silver, gold, etc )
4th, Date I got credit
5th, Date I cancelled
6th, Amount Spent ( includes offer price, any postage I pay to return items, or have shipped to me, etc )
7th, Amount Projected to Spend ( I fill this out as I sign up for offers )
8th, Notes ( this is where I type in the phone # of the company, website, login, password, etc. Also, where I type in customer reps names and dates when I called them, etc )
At the bottom of the Amount sections, obviously, I have a Total, so I know the overall impact finacially.
In addition, I add a worksheet for each offer to the spreadsheet, and I copy and paste the terms and conditions from each offer, in case they change or need to reference them in the future.
Let me know if you need more detail on the spreadsheet.
Hey Carrie! Thanks for doing this blog! Ok I am sure this is a really dumb question but I clicked on the gas card deal and then without signing up for anything clicked on Platinum offers just to see what they were. So lets say as 2 of the offers I picked the Gevelia Coffee and the Green Tea Extreme. Now for the Green Tea it says try it for $1 plus $4.95 S&H. Then for the coffee it says try tweleve coffees for 9.95 with no further obligations. So is that it for both of those offers? I try those things then cancel when the trial or whatever is over? Also, if I have never done one of these deals before what would be some good offers to do? Sorry to be so clueless.... Thanks! Kim
PS I got my Photo Rebate! Hope you got yours too!
Hi Kim,
Good questions.
On the Green Tea, read the terms, but if you decide you don't want to keep it after the trial, then you will need to call them. If you like the product, then you keep it and enjoy! But, you will be charged a fee, and I believe put on a auto ship program.
I did Gevelia over a year ago...Love it. And, I got a free coffee maker out of it when I did it. Again, as with all offers...if you like the product...you can remain a member and again, I believe the auto ship program will begin. If you decide it is not for you, then you need to contact them and let them know.
In regards to getting credit if you decide to cancel, there really is no way to guarantee when you do I-Deal sites. Each particular offer is different on how they decide to credit.
And, they have to pay I-Deal before I-Deal will credit you.
So, as I mentioned in my response to Carlie above ( scroll up a bit ), there is just no way of knowing if you will get credit if you decide to cancel.
In regards to what offers are good to do...well, there are a lot. And, truly, it depends what you are interested in.
I like coffee...so the Gevelia was a good one for me in the past.
I just try to go through and see what interests me.
And, as new offers pop up throughout the year, and try them all eventually. Especially as you do more of these sites and can't duplicate at times, you will find you are giving a lot of these products a once over as you try them at home and get credit.
I often find things I like, too. I just tried the facial massage scrubber system when I did the $500 gas card, and thought it looked like a nice gift...but too expensive.
So, I called, and they lowered the price for me by quite a bit. Then, it was a decent priced gift that I am giving to my sister in law today, for her Birthday.
Anyway, my real only advice when choosing offers is take a look at them all and see what works for you, and will be in your price range, too.
AND...yeah..I got my Photo Software Rebate, too. I was wondering if yours came thru!
I have read a lot of your information on the online offers. One question that I'm not sure about is can I do more that one I-Deal site at a time or is that the 6 month waiting period? For instance, I am waiting on my $500 gift card from consumer-rewardzone.com right now. Can I start another I-Deal site or do I have to wait for 6 months?
Creativeboarder,
You can most definitely do another I-Deal site. In fact, I am getting ready to start another one, too. Take your pick from the left side bar, those are all I-Deal sites.
What the 6 month means is that you cannot duplicate an offer OR an offer from the same parent company for 6 months.
So, if you did Blockbuster, you cannot do Blockbuster again for 6 months.
If you did BMG, you can not do BMG, Columbia House, or any of the book clubs that are owned by the same company for 6 months.
This is where it gets tricky.
As long as you are detail oriented and willing to research and make sure the offers aren't owned by the same company so you don't duplicate, AND you have enough available offers ( make sure you have a few extra for your replacement offers ), you can go ahead and do another I-Deal site before you reach the 6 month mark.
Thanks for the great question.
Carrie - just thought I'd pop over and post the message once your offer is officially approved will be:
"You have been approved by the sponsor(s). Your redemption certificate was processed on Sep 23 2008 1:49PM. Your free gift will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks of the processing date."
Obviously, personal dates will change but mine was processed and the language was updated! Woo Hoo! Thanks for all the answers in these posts - I'll be updating my post to include a direct link to this new site! Good stuff!!
Andrea...thanks for the update and letting us know what the site says once they get your certificates.
If any of you aren't familiar with Andrea's site, www.mommysnacks.blogspot.com, check it out.
She is the grocery saving guru, as well as all the other great deals she finds.
She was the FIRST person I convinced to try online offers months ago with a Netblue site. And, after many emails back and forth AND a few glitches that we worked thru...she got her first $500. Now, she is on her way to her 2nd $500!
Hi Carrie,
After a couple of hours, I just completed the offers necessary for the $500 gas card offer. I'm a nervous wreck!! I read and reread all of your great instructions, all of the questions asked by other readers, and every offer in detail. I have a spreadsheet and all my reminders set up. I'm at the point where I just need to wait for offers to be approved. Were you nervous after completeing your first offer???
I'm a little confused that I don't have an ID or password for I-deals or Consumer Rewardszone. How do I log into my account? Is it the same way I checked to see if the offers are pending?
Thanks!! I'll keep you posted!
Becky V
Oh Becky...I am so excited you are trying it. You will be so happy when you get that $500!
I was wondering where you had been. Thought maybe you weren't reading my blog anymore, because I hadn't heard from you in such a long time. Have you been at church lately? We worked the nursery last week, so weren't there during Mass.
ANYWAY, I was EXTREMELY nervous. And, so is everyone else. I get emails constantly wanting reassurance. It is totally normal.
I think I used to check my account a couple times a day...seriously.
Now, after years of doing this, I check it once a week and that is it, and my offers don't even cross my mind until the little reminders show up on my calendar. You get much more relaxed about it once you have done a few and you are comfortable with what you are doing.
And, yes, the way you logged in to see if offers are pending..that is the only login spot you will ever go to.
That is also where your reward certificates will show up when it is time to print and mail them.
You did great. Sounds like you read everything..so you should be good to go.
Now, mark on your calendar 10 days from now ( for some reason...it is taking a bit longer for the offers to process right now ). Log in on that day to see how many have gone processed.
Then, shoot me an email and let me know. I love hearing how everyone is doing with theirs!
Hey Carrie,
Okay I know you told me to sit back and wait 10 days to check to see what offers I've had approved for my $500 gas card....BUT....you didn't think I'd really just sit back and wait did ya? Both of my Silver offers were approved the same day I started the process. Then both Gold offers were approved today... 3 days later! Now I'm just waiting on the 4 Platinum offers. I'll keep you posted from here!
Thanks for your help!
Becky
Becky,
I knew it....know one can wait...everyone checks when they first start!
Yeah...you are almost there.
Let us know on day 10 how many you have left that didn't approve.
Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that they all approve. I actually had this happen to one of my readers...it has NEVER happened to me. :-(
Congrats on your progress so far!
Hi Carrie. I took the plunge and signed up for the $500 gas card on 9/21. As of today, ten days later, all of my offers approved and I sent in the paperwork. I am so excited! I will update when I get the gas cards. Thanks so much for telling us about these free (or almost free) ways to earn money. I appreciate it! Wendi
Hi Carrie and Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I signed up for the $500 I-Deal gas card last Monday afternoon, and as of this morning (Thursday), everything been approved! Now, onto redeeming my gift!
Thanks so much!
Jenny
Hi there! I just completed all of my offers for the gas card (thank you buy the way for the wonderful advice!) but when I fill out the information to get my certificate, it goes to the screen with the certificate but gives me no option to print it off? Any suggestions?
Thanks a million! ~ Leigh
Hey Carrie,
Well it's day number 11 and 7 of my eight offers have been approved. I guess it's time to do another.....how many should I do? I'm going to be an optimist and wait until later tonight to do any more offers. Maybe the 8th will be approved today?!?!
I'll keep you posted!!
Becky
Carrie - I am very upset at the moment. I started the $500 gas card offer on 8/28 and had to do some final offers on 9/3. I sent off the certificate on 9/12. The only thing I didn't do was send it wtih delivery confirmation. I sent a couple of emails in between because my status never changed. I kept getting an automated response saying to wait 4 weeks. Finally yesterday I got a different response but they told my certificate has not been received. I have all the copies of what I mailed on 9/12. Will they let me mail another copy? They were supposed to receive my cert by 10/3 for the offer to be vailid. I did everything I was supposed to do except the delivery confirmation. Do you know of any other way to contact them other than email? I was really counting on those $500 gift cards. Thanks for your time.
Carrie - I am very upset at the moment...I started the $500 gas card on 8/28/08 and had to do a few more offers on 9/3/08 to complete. I mailed my certificate on 9/12/08. The only thing I didn't do was send it with delivery confirmation. I kept checking the status and it didn't change. I sent a couple of emails asking about it but kept getting the automated response. Finally, yesterday I received a different response, and it stated they had not received my certificate. I have all my copies of what I sent to them on 9/12 but I don't know if they will let me resend since everything was supposed to be received by 10/3. I was so excited about trying this but not so much now. I really needed those $500 gas cards. Do you know any other way that I can contact them? Thanks.
Leigh,
Sorry for the delay in answering.
Hopefully you worked it out already, but if not....and you are using Internet Explorer, you can go to File, Print.
If that doesn't work, you can try putting your cursor over the words, right click, hit select all, then copy.
Then, you can paste in Word and print.
If THAT still doens't work, do a screen print, and paste in Word and print.
Let me know if any of those suggestions pan out. If not, I can try printing from my PC for you and mailing it t you.
Becky,
Since you are only missing one offer, only do one replacement!
It should approve within 2 days.
Keep us posted.
Creative Border ( and ALL READERS ).
Very important to have delivery confirmation, which is why I have it listed as one of the items on the main page. It is well worth the $4-5 investment to not run into this problem!
The other rule of thumb with I-Deal is to give them about 2 weeks from when the Delivery Confirmation shows they got it, to have their site updated. Then, to email them to ask why it hasn't been updated and to email your delivery confirmation #, too, showing they got it. If you are getting close to your deadline, mail another set w/delivery confirmation if the site isn't updated and you haven't heard back from them.
But, since you didn't have an arrival date, it was hard for you to tell when they received it to know when their site should have been updated.
There is really no way for you to prove now, that they did receive it or that it got lost in the mail.
You can send them another response, copying all the emails you sent to them over the last few weeks, the date you mailed it, and copies ( maybe scan the copies and upload them as attachments ) and ask if you should resend the forms. Tell them politely that you have been contacting them for weeks asking if they got it, they told you to wait 4 weeks, but now the 4 weeks is over the deadline.
And...when you log into your site...it does show expired, right? If not, you can still get it postmarked.
Anyway, just to see what they say, I would email all that. You never know.
But, my gut says that you won't qualify for the gift now, unless they somehow happen upon your forms.
In their terms ( at least it said it when I signed up...reread the terms ), it does say you will get a $50 gift card for signing up, so you should at least get that...to help defray the costs of the offers.
If they respond back that their is nothing they can do, make sure to ask them how long until your $50 arrives.
Hello-My name is Lori, I recently(about 13 days ago) started the $500 gas card offer. My first 2 sets were approved quickly. Now I am worried about the last 4 offers. Is it too soon, or should I go ahead and do replacements?
Thanks so much for this wonderful sight!!
Creative Border,
If they don't give you a satisfactory response, don't hesitate to do a quick complaint with the BBB.
Send the BBB the same thing...copies of the emails from you and them, copies of the forms you mailed. The worst that happens is you get the gift thanks to the BBB.
The worst that happens is nothing but the $50, which is where you might be stuck now anyway.
So, email I-Deal first..then if nothing...the BBB.
Oh, and in answer to your other question...I have never seen a phone number for I-Deal. But, if anyone ever happens upon one, be sure to share it with us all! :-)
Lori,
Thanks for reading!
If you are at day 13 and everything has approved but 4, you need to sit down and do your replacements.
Since I - Deal is on a 60 day cycle, you don't want to waste time waiting around.
Your replacement offers should credit within 1 to 2 days.
Carrie,
I did my one replacement offer yesterday. It was approved when I checked this morning. I mailed my paperwork in today...with delivery confirmation of course. So it's now one day shy of two weeks since I started the process and with the exception of canceling a few more offers I'm almost done. I can't wait to get my gas cards and then start another offer.
Thanks for all your help and encouragement!!
Becky
I signed up for the $500 cereal offer nine days ago and so far only three of my eight offers have been approved. I'll hang in for another day or two, but is having to do another five offers a little on the high side? Thanks so much for your help. This is an awesome site!
Megan,
That is more than normal.
Usually I always plan on 2 to 4.
What happened since you posted.
Did any more approve?
If not, you can wait to day 21( but then you need to do replacements that very day ), or you can just go ahead and bit the bullet now and replace them.
Let me know what happens.
Hi Carrie,
I wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing the $500 Home Depot gift card and as of today I'm all approved! Here's how the timing worked for me:
Sep. 29th - signed up for site (I-Deals)
Oct. 1st - completed 8 offers
Oct. 2nd - two silvers approved
Oct. 3rd - one gold approved
Then, nothing for 7 excruciating days! Finally, on Oct. 11th, Day 10 from the date I signed up for the offers, just as you said (and this is NOT counting the day I signed up), my four platinum were approved. I only had to do one replacement offer in the Gold category and this was approved overnight.
So, I was able to get my redemption certificate and I'll be mailing it off today! Thanks again for all of your wonderful info and I'll keep you posted!!!
Dori
Just wanted to update you. I checked back the following day and seven of my eight offers had approvoed - what a relief! I did the one replacement offer and checked back the next day. Oddly enough, my final offer from the original set approved. Regardless, I was complete, so I've mailed my certificate and am (im)patiently waiting!
Carrie - I just wanted to tell you that even though I didn't send my first certificate with delivery confirmation, they let me send in a copy of the original, so it all worked out. It was approved on Monday, so now I am just waiting for my $500 to arrive.
Yeah...I am SOOO excited.
You were the only reader I was really worried about right now.
I felt so bad that the whole paperwork problem occurred, so I am so glad you let me know.
It sets my mind at ease that you are still going to get you gift, too.
Make sure to send in your picture when you get it! Yeah!
Yeah...I am SOOO excited.
You were the only reader I was really worried about right now.
I felt so bad that the whole paperwork problem occurred, so I am so glad you let me know.
It sets my mind at ease that you are still going to get you gift, too.
Make sure to send in your picture when you get it! Yeah!
By the way...the crazy thing was that I had done another $100 Visa gift card with I-Deal that I started on 9/23 and mailed the certificate on 10/3. It showed up on Monday also that everything had been approved...sending it with delivery confirmation made the difference!!!
Carrie - I just wanted to ask a question to clarify...How long did it take to actually get the $500 gas cards after your certificates had been approved? You mentioned 2 months but I wasn't sure if that was total timeline or just the amount of time after the certificates were received and approved by the company. Thanks for your time.
Hi,
Once your certificates approve online, it should have a date stampled on it, too.
I take that date, and mark in my calendar 6 weeks from that date. That is when I expect my gift to arrive...and in the past..it always has arrived almost right on that date.
BUT...for whatever reason, this last time I did this offer, it came in quickly. I had it in hand in about 3 1/2 weeks from their date stamp. So, not sure if that was a fluke or not.
Worst case scenerio is 6 weeks.
Carrie,
I've sent in my paperwork for the Gas Card offer and I am just waiting for it to show up as received. I've come across a new question though that I'm curious about. I'm watching my credit card very closely to be sure that I'm not being charged for any of the offers I've cancelled. Today I found a charge from a company I didn't recognize at all. Luckily the transaction line on my credit card statement also included a phone number. By calling the number I found out that by enrolling in one of the offers I signed up for, I was automatically enrolled in another offer. I guess I missed it in the fine print of the terms & conditions. In your experience, is it common to actually be enrolled in multiple offers just by signing up for one? If so....or if not....my experience might be one for others to learn from.
The good news (I hope) is that I was able to cancel that offer too and was told that I would see the credit for it in 14 days. I guess the alternate good news is that I used my credit card for the original offer and can dispute the charge with them if necessary.
Thanks!!
Becky
Hi Carrie,
I have a question about the gas card offer. I did the offer and was approved and I sent in the paperwork and according to delivery confirmation it arrived on October 2nd, but nothing has change on my account saying that they received it. I did email them last week, as I read you suggested that in another post...should I wait longer or try to contact them again? My 60 days started on the 18th of September. Thanks so much for all your advice! Teri
Hi there,
Thanks for all your help with this. I am a little afraid that I have done something wrong. I completed all offers and was approved online, which allowed me to print off my certificate and my tax form. I sent them in immediately with confirmation through the post office and they were delivered on Sept 30, 2008. Since then, I haven't seen any change when I log into the consumer-rewardzone website. Should I? It's been almost a month now, and no gas card. Did I miss a step? Am I logging in wrong? I would email them, but I am not sure what the email is to ask about my new status. Please help.
Thank you,
Michaela
Hi Michaela,
You have done everything fine.
Usually, I recommend you write to them if they haven't updated your account 2 weeks after the post office shows they got your forms...but you should still be OK.
To contact them, there is a Contact Us link at the bottom of the consumer reward zone website. It is on the opposite side of Check Gift Status.
Once there, it will have a drop down to select your topic. Pick, My question was not found here, and then it will bring a spot up to type your question.
In there, tell them you send your forms on such and such date and you got delivery confirmation. Provide them with your USPS number and state that they show they received your forms on September 30th.
Then, politely ask when they will be updating your information to show they received it.
Give them about 2 days to update your account or write you back, and if you hear nothing..write them again.
Let me know what happens...but you should be OK. This is exactly why Delivery Confirmation is so important!
Teri,
You did everything exactly right.
Since you haven't heard back from them ( did you check your SPAM mail? ), I would write them again.
Make sure to include your Delivery Confirmation number and mention the day they received it.
Then, explain that you email them last week and did not hear back from them. Include your phone number, and state that you think maybe their emails aren't coming thru and if they need to contact you, to please call you.
Then, once again, ask when your account would be updated to show they received your paperwork, or if you needed to resubmit.
Just as Micheala, please keep us posted.
Becky,
This does happen every so often. If you read all the "tiny" terms/conditions, many times offers sign you up for a another trial offer as well.
I always do a copy/paste of terms/conditions into a spreadsheet, so I can go back and refer to it in the future.
But, even if this happens, accounts usually have no problem cancelling service for you...or you are right...THIS is why I NEVER recommend debit cards. Always CREDIT cards!
You can dispute charges and NOT pay if it is not something you authorized. It is a very simple process to dispute charges.
I'm sooooo excited!! I checked my Gas Card offer this morning and this is what I saw.....
You have been approved by the sponsor(s). Your redemption certificate was processed on Oct 21 2008 6:20PM. Your free gift will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks of the processing date.
-- Thank you.
That is two days less than two weeks since I sent in my paperwork!! I'll let you know when I get my card.
Thanks for everything!
Becky
PS....Is this when you start another offer??
Hi Carrie,
I just checked my spam and there was an email there saying it could take up to 4 weeks from the time I sent the certificate in (thank goodness for delivery confirmation!!) and if nothing changed in 4 weeks to contact them back. I marked my calendar for the 30th and will be contacting them then if I don't hear anything. Thanks so much for your input!! Teri
Hi Carrie. I received the same email, verbatim, to Becky's when I checked the site this morning. YAY! I am excited yet at the same time disappointed as I had a terrible experience with one of the vendors. Turns out after checking the website Ripoffreport. com that I am not alone in having problems with this particular offer and that they are committing fraud. They never answered their phone or emails. I began trying to request an RMA 5 days prior to the trial ending (I had planned on returning the product via priority mail) and only got the runaround and another charge on my credit
card. I did not realize that some of these companies may not be legitimate. I do not think that I will do another offer after this one. Or if I do another one then I will do an online search prior to ordering something that I may have to return.
Hi Carrie,
I just checked the site again and was very excited to see this message: You have been approved by the sponsor(s). Your redemption certificate was processed on Oct 22 2008 2:33PM. Your free gift will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks of the processing date.
Thank you so much!!
Teri
Hi Wendi,
In general...and with over 3 years of doing offers, I have ONLY run into one company that I had trouble with in any regards.
But, even with that, it was not a hassle at all.
Just keep the copies of your emails, and then file a dispute with your credit card.
This is the reason to NEVER use a debit card and ONLY credit cards.
If a charge comes thru that you did not authorize, and tried to cancel..you simply call your credit card company.
You do NOT have to pay the charge then and they work out all the details with the vendor. In fact, if a company gets too many chargebacks ( which is what it is called when consumer dispute charges ), they will be discontinued from Credit Card providers.
I simply send them a copy of the email requests to cancel or the dates I tried to call, etc, and they work it all out.
If you did get charged from this vendor, make sure to call you CC company and let them handle it. It should take you all of about 5 minutes to dispute the charge.
Love my credit cards! :-)
Carrie,
Thanks so much for your post. I have completed 2 offers for $500 each and am waiting on my reward! I did want to point out that I made a mistake and started a 3rd offer. My account was put on hold because I didn't notice that you are only allowed to receive $1000 for I-Deal within a 6 month period. I thougth I would share this in case someone else didn't know.
Thanks
Kristin
Kristin,
The $1,000 limit is for a "specific" site under I-Deal.
For example, you must have picked 3 Top Notch sites. But, if you would have picked 2 Top Notch and the 3rd was from one of their other subsites, you would have been OK.
Does that make sense, I hope?
Even so, the odds that you would find enough offers to do that aren't "related" when doing 3 sites is probably slim. I would never recommend doing more than 2 I-Deal sites at a time during a 6 month period.
Once your 6 months is up, then you can start fresh again.
Hope that helps.
Carrie
Hey Carrie, I am just wondering when we can sign up for our next offer. I understand you recommend 2 offers in a 6 month period. Is 6 months from the signup date when we can do the next one or from when we receive the gift. I signed up for one of the offers on 10-14, so on April 14, can I start all over again? Even do the same offer? I love jcpenney! I'm always looking ahead :) and can't wait to do some more
Jennifer,
I have never gotten a clear answer on this.
So, I always play it safe and mark 6 months from the day I receive my gift.
YOu can of course do other companies..such as Netblue or Nuitech.
But, after the 6 months, you can sign up for the same offers again as long as the offering company ( such as Vista Print, Deal Maxx, etc ) allows you to sign up again.
You won't really know this until you go to sign up again..the offer will either allow you or it will not.
But, as far as I-Deal is concerned, you will get credit as long as it is over 6 months.
hi Carrie,
I just got an email from Consumer Reward Zone (for the $500 gas gift card) and it says, "According to public records the address and/or telephone number listed on your account is not registered to you." I have been requested to send a utility bill to prove to them that the info is mine. I know I gave them the correct info and the only reason it would be wrong is if I mis-typed something. I wrote a letter along with the other info I need to send them explaining that I in no way would give them false information as I would not in any way want to jeporadize my reward. Has this ever happened to anyone and you still received the reward? I am afraid I am not going to receive my reward now.
Thanks,
Jenny
Jenny,
I have had this happen to one other reader BECAUSE she lived with a roommate...and the phone bill was in her roommates name.
As long as you can send them proof with your name and address showing you DO live at that address and are not trying to scam them, you shouldn't have any problems.
Do you have a utility bill with your name on it and your address?
The reason they do this now is that when I first started, people would take advantage and sign up at their home, again at their parents, another at their neigbors, etc.
But, this causes problems for them and for tax purposes. They NEED to make sure you are who you are so when they send in those 1099-MISC at the end of the year to the IRS the correct person gets taxed. PLUS, they only allow one gift per site per household...so they want to make sure this is happening as well.
As long as you have something to send them, you should be A-OK!
As always, send with delivery confirmation, unless they provided a fax.
If a fax, make sure to email them and ask that they got it.
Yes, they did send a fax number as well as a mailing address. I will fax it to them tomorrow. I do have the information that they are requesting. I'm just scared that maybe I hit a wrong number in my house number or phone number, or spelled it wrong on accident and that they are going to deny based on that. This is definitely making me remember to check 100% that everything is correct when submitting my info! Thanks for the response.
Jenny
Carrie--
Thank you so much for all the information on your site. I was looking through the first I-Deal offer at the top of your online offers page and didn't realized I had signed up for it. I'm not quite ready to jump in head first. I was planning on starting the first of November... Does this mean that I cannot do any more I-Deal sites for six months? Or that I cannot do any sites run by Consumer-PromotionCenter?
Thanks again!!!
-Kristen
Carrie,
I started the $500 gas card deal and completed 8 offers in last couple of days. My question is....by clicking other offers to check the details, the status page registered those offers and show as "pending". Although I only completed two Silver offers, there are about 5 offers pending. Is this just me? Is there any way I can get details of each offer other than what I did? Do you think this will affect the approval process by having too many pending offers? I'm already very anxious and overwelmed. Thanks for this wonderful blog and please help me. Thanks. Haley
Hi Haley,
It is a little frightening at first, isn't it?
Don't worry..it gets easier the more you do.
But, to your questions.
This is TOTALLY normal. Any offer you click on...even just to look at...will show up as pending under the category.
They will never go away and just will constantly stay as pending.
ONLY the ones you actually signed up for will ever change to Approved at around day 10.
Don't forget..usually 2 or so won't approve and you need to replacements. And, make sure you do them on about day 12 or 13.
Anyway...everything seems to be completely normal on your account.
You are free to check into any of the offers...click on them, etc. But, they will show up as pending. It doesn't hurt the process at all.
Hi Kristi,
You can still do I-Deal sites.
You are allowed to earn $1,000 per 6 mo period from their sub sites ( in this case...the one you clicked on should have been run by Top Notch...look at the bottom of the page ).
This means, you can do another $500 site from Top Notch.
I have a question and I don't know where exactly to put it. I am trying to understand the rules of all these offer/gift sites. You can't do any of the offers again (or parent companies) until 6 months has passed (says IDeal)...Does that mean you can't do any of the same offers if you were working on a gift from Netblue instead of Ideal. Does that make sense? Right now I'm doing a $500 IDeal visa gift card.
Hi Carrie,
I have another question for you about I-Deals & Referrals. I was talking to my mom about this and she's interested in trying it after I receive my gas card and see that it really works. So anyways, if I were to sign up for a $1000 offer needing 1 referral the terms state then I will get a referral link to send to people to get a "referral" credit. So that link then is sending her also to the $1000 offer where she would have to get 1 referral as well? Or can she then do a $500 offer that doesn't require a referral?
Also to clarify on a previous answer, you can have as many offers as you want through I-Deals in a 6 month period as long as it's not more than $1000 from a sub site and not repeating the same company offers? So essentially I did the gas card which was top notch, so if I did a $1000 one if it wans't from top notch I would still be okay even within the 6 month time period?
Thanks!
Janel
Carrie,
Thanks for all your help! I just started my second offer for $500 (the first one went just fine, and as soon as I replace our camera, I can send you a pic of my cards!) with I-Deal/Top Notch. It's the first one on your I-Deal site, the 'Which store do you prefer? Circuit City or Best Buy?' Anyway, I started the offer on 29 October. I had my silver and gold offers approve right away. None of my platinum offers have gone to approved yet. I have 2 issues/questions. First, should I wait for day 20 to see of any of the offers approve? This happened before with my first offer, and they all went to approved at about day 22. I have already cancelled 3 of the 4 platinum offers, and all of their charges have appeared on my credit card statement. So, again, my first issue is I'm not sure if I should do 4 offers again or wait... and here's my second issue. I found out when I was cancelling my offers that 2 of the platinum offers are the same company! They had different names, 800 numbers, etc... but when I called to cancel one of them, the customer service rep. asked me if I had two accounts. When I said no, she said that they showed 2 accounts, and mentioned another one of my offers! Then when I was getting the RMA's, I saw that the two products have to be returned to the same address. Can that get me in trouble with the I-Deal folks? Like I said, when I was doing the offers, there wasn't anything that would have indicated to me that they were the same company. However when I cancelled the orders, and the CSRep told me they were 2 companies, I checked the invoices that came with the products, and the companies were using their different names, but they had the same return address on the invoices. So, am I in trouble or what? Has this ever happened to you? And how many offers should I do in the platinum category now?!
Thanks for all your help.
Confused (Kari)
Hi Kari,
First, that is fine that you did them from the same company but you probably wont' get credit for both...OR...if you do and they catch the error, they could revoke credit for one.
SOOO...my advice is to do a replacement offer for one of the companies. That way, you have one extra credit in that section in case they revoke the credit for the one.
Yes...it is tricky seeing which companies are related. There are a lot that way. I always check addresses, phone number and parent company names. In fact, even if the sign up pages look similar, I will start to look a little closer into the company making sure it is not a sister company to one I already did.
In regards to the fact that you want to wait until after the 20th day, that is totally up to you.
I actually feel a bit more comfortable telling you that you can now that you have gone thru the process once now and know how imperative it is to make sure you do those replacements on day 22, if they don't come thru for you..AND get those forms mailed in PRONTO afterward.
I usually don't advise new members to wait to the later date, because then they are running close to their 60 day limit and everyone is so skittish when they first try these offers.
If you feel comfortable waiting the extra 10 days...go for it!
So, did you get your first gift already? Or, are you still waiting for it to arrive?
If you got it, make sure you leave a comment under the Bragger post...even if you don't have a picture yet. :-)
Carrie--
Ahh! I'm SO EXCITED.
I sat down late in the evening on October 29th and completed 8 offers (2 Silver, 2 Gold, and 4 Platinum). The Silver offers were approved the next day, the Gold offers were approved five days later... and then at 12:00am today (ten days later exactly) ALL MY OFFERS were approved. Woohoo. I didn't have to do any replacement offers!
I'm going to the Post Office first thing tomorrow morning to send it off with Delivery Confirmation!
Thanks again. Without your blog and all of your advice, I definitely couldn't have done this.
Kristi
Carrie,
Well, this is bizarre. I happened to check my site this morning, and I've gotten approved for everything. Evidently, they didn't catch the mistake I made. So I printed off the redemption certificate and I'll send it in, with delivery confirmation of course, on Monday. I'm also going to take your advice and do one more offer, just to make sure. Thanks for all your help thusfar, and I'm going to the bragger post right now!
Kari
Hi Carrie,
First of all, I want to thank you for all the AWESOME information on your blog!! I stumbled across it about 3 weeks ago and have been reading ever since.
About 4 years ago, I did all those freeipods.com sites. Did you do those? I ended up with an iPod, iPod Shuffle, flat screen computer monitor and a Dell computer! I spent about $100 back then and got all this great stuff. So when I saw your information on these online offers, I was eager to try it out. I'd never heard of these sites where you can do your own referrals - so much easier than getting others to do offers for you. Thanks for being so generous and sharing all your information!
I started the $500 Best Buy / Circuit City I-deal site on 11/4/08. Within three days, all the silver and gold offers (4 total) had approved. It's now day 9 and none of the platinum offers have approved. I admit I'm a bit nervous!
One of the sites I did was Video Professor. I'm trying to cancel them (free trial is up tomorrow) and I can't get through via phone. I tried to email on their site, but it says it takes up to 4 business days to cancel. Do you have any input?
Thanks again!
Kami
Hi Again!
I just received credit for 3 out of my 4 platinum offers on the site that gives a $500 gift card (Visa, though the question is Best Buy or Circuit City).
The ones that credited were ones I did orginally on 11/4. I realized that there was one I did that same day that I probably wound't get credit for (it was the same company as a gold offer I did), so I did a replacement on 11/10. Should I do yet another replacement today or hope the one I did on 11/10 goes through?
Thanks!!
Kami
I just wanted to let you know about my current situation with IDeal. I sent in my certificates on October 17 and they were received on October 22. my account has still not been updated. I emailed customer service and was told that it can take up to a month from mailing the certificates to update my account so they won't answer any questions until November 17 (I'm counting the minutes until Monday!) This puts me dangerously close to my 60 day mark which is November 29, but they said that as long as everything is mailed prior to then I'll still receive my check. I'm crossing my fingers that everything ends up working out!
Hi Carrie,
I just wanted to give you a big $500 Thank You for all your help throughout this process! I just checked the website and I saw that my request was approved on Oct 22 and I should be receiving my gift card in mid December! I am so excited. I have to admit, I was losing hope, because it seemed that it was taking an extremely long time to process, but now I am very excited! I will be recommending your website ALOT and I will definitely be posting a picture when I get my gift cards!! Thanks so much!!
Michaela
Megan,
Let me know what happens on the 17th.
If it isn't updated by then ( which will be 30 days )...email them immediately and tell them it has now been over a month since you mailed and send them the tracking # again.
Kami,
Glad the majority of them came thru.
You have 2 options. You can wait until day 21 to see if that last one goes thru. IF you do that you need to log in IMMEDIATELY and do a replacement if it hasn't. Then, check daily until the replacement goes thru ( usually about 2 day s) and send paperwork in RIGHT AWAY. You get much closer to the deadline of 60 days this way.
Or, if you would rather play it safe and get your paperwork rolling, etc, you can do a replacement now. This way may cost a bit more, but is a bit safer...the other way might save you a bit of money...but you need to ensure you are on top of things daily.
Hi Carrie. My current I-deal offer is my second one (my first was a Nuitech site and I am waiting my $750 Visa Card as we speak!). I had 3 deals approve right away and then all but one approved on day 10. My problem is this, and I wonder if you have experienced it: I need to do one more gold offer, and I am having problems getting any of them to go through. No matter what credit card I use I get a message saying it was rejected or invalid. Almost all of the offers appear to be related (Acai Berries, Green Tea, etc.) and they are all rejecting. I also was not able to complete some other related offers (Ebay, Yahoo, etc.) and I thought maybe that was because I had completed a related offer on another page. I am going to have to go ahead and do one of the more expensive ones I guess (BOM or Columbia House) just to get this one done. I wonder if things are "rigged" so that you are forced to do more expensive offers, or if I'm just not lucky this time. Your comments are welcome.
Lisa
Update: I figured out that my Visa card was blocked for "fraud prevention" purposes. They apparently tried to call me yesterday but their automatic caller did not leave a message. I do appreciate the vigilance, but it can make things a bit difficult. I had to call and assure them that the charges were indeed legitimate. I did one more offer today because it was day 10 and all but one had approved. Hopefully this one will approve within the next day or so and then I will be qualified and ready to cancel the orders.
Lisa,
Glad you figured it out.
To everyone else...it is VERY common for credit card companies to put a hold on your card everytime you do a site.
This happens to me almost everytime...so I wait for my call to ensure the CC company that the charges are indeed legit.
Glad they check, though!
Carrie - I still haven't received my $500 gas card. Today is five weeks since my certificate was approved. I don't know if you noticed but they are now saying it can be up to 8 weeks after the certificate is approved before you receive the reward. I did want to ask what type of envelope do they send? Will it have any type of logo or anything on the outside. I'm paranoied thinking I might throw it away as junk mail!!!
Like magic, my replacement award was approved today and I sent in my form via priority mail with delivery confirmation. I also was able to cancel all of my offers today as well since I was all confirmed. The good news is that the one offer I replaced apparently did not go through originally as they had no record of it, which means I did not get charged for it. Score! This $500 Visa card deal was actually a better deal than the Nuitech $750 Visa card as I only spent about $50 for this one and completed it much more quickly. I don't have the cards in my hot little hands yet, but I'm already thinking about my next one!
Marla,
Mine came UPS or DHL..one of those type services... and I had to sign for it.
I am pretty sure the same thing happened with everyone else I talked to as well.
BUT...still read all your junk mail...just in case.
Lisa,
Now, check the USPS site to see when your delivery confirmation says they got it.
About two weeks after the date the USPS sites says they got it, your login page should be updated showing they received it.
If it isn't updated 2 weeks after, email them your delivery confirmations #, etc, asking if they got it.
Carrie,
Thanks so much for your awesome site. It is so helpful!!!
Here is my question:
I am doing the $500 visa gift card and all 8 of my offers are approved. However, when I go to get my redemption certificate, it says "no redemption certificate found". Any ideas?
Thanks.
Sarah
Sarah,
Usually this happens when you forget to do all the survey questions at the beginning...when you originally set up your account.
Go back and go thru the survey process and your redemption certificate should be able to be printed then.
Please let me know if that works
Thanks for supporting by blog....please copy the url below
http://www.classymommy.com/wii_giveaway/vote_view.php?contest=wii&name=Carrie
and then vote for Carrie ( Money Saving Methods )
Hi Carrie!
This morning my replacement offer was approved. I have already mailed my paperwork via Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. I was so pumped that I decided to start on another offer from I-deal.
Thanks for all your help!!!
Kami
Big sigh of relief. On the 17th, exactly one month after sending my certificates, they updated my account and my check is on it's way! I'm going to start a new one tonight! Thanks for all of your help!
Hi Carrie, I asked you this earlier but you must have missed it. It's a question about Referrals!
If I were to sign up for a $1000 offer needing 1 referral the terms state then I will get a referral link to send to people to get a "referral" credit. So that link then is sending her also to the $1000 offer where she would have to get 1 referral as well? Or can she then do a $500 offer that doesn't require a referral?
Janel
Hello... I was wondering if anyone has experienced what I just did... I'm doing the very first listing for the I-Deal site (on the left side of your page), the one that asks 'Which Do You Prefer? Circuit City or Best Buy?' So far, I've been approved, I sent in my redemption certificate, and they did receive it on the 12th. I've gotten in the habit of checking once a week on the site to see if anything has changed. When I checked this evening (I bookmarked the page when I started the offer), I got a message that said 'We're Sorry, This Promotion is Unavailable.' I immediately went to your site Carrie, and tried to get into that site through yours, and noticed that the web address for that offer had changed. Yet when I put in my email address to see what my status was, it was still the same. Has this ever happened to anyone else... that the web address changes in mid-stream? It was like the site was taken down and gone... If you hadn't had the link on your site, I would have had no idea what to do. Any reason that this would have happened? Thanks in advance for any comments... I have no idea what is going on!!!
Kari
Carrie,
I asked some questions sometime ago. I started by $500 gas card deal on 10/26/08 and completed all 8 offers by 10/27/08. Silver and gold offers were approved within 3 days and all platinum offers were approved on the 11th day. I sent by certificate on 11/6/08. I justed checked it the status says
You have been approved by the sponsor(s). Your redemption certificate was processed on Nov 18 2008 2:28PM. Your free gift will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks of the processing date.
Everything went so smoothly, and I might get a nice Christmas present for myself. I will let you know as soon as I receive the gas card. I'm so excited and thank you so much for your wonderful blog and information. Haley
Wow, I just want to say thank you so much for writing about these offers and proving that they work! Thanks for all the tips and guidance!
I signed up for the $500.00 gas card on Sunday the 9th and as of today, Wednesday the 19th all my gold and platinum offers have been approved as well as one of my silver. The only one I am waiting on is the blockbuster to approve for the silver. It is the one I actually paid $9.99 for a month to try! I cannot believe I am so close! Does anyone know how long blockbuster usually takes to approve???
Amy
One more thing! I am scared now because I used my boyfriend's address to sign up and that is not the address that I will be putting on the tax form I have to send it. I live with my mom but am at my boyfriends a lot and prefer to have important mail sent here. I never gave all this a second thought when signing up. Are they going to disqualify me for that or will I have to give prove of my real address and they can send it there. I am not doing anything dishonest and hope I do not lose my gas card over all that! Please let me know what you think!
Ha third comment, sorry about that!
Since I have only been signed up fro about 11 days I sent them an email explaining why I use his address instead of mine for shipping and asked if I could update my address in their system so that everything is legit and matches when I send in my tax form. It is a habit of using his address to have things shipped b/c he lives in a better neighborhood and I know my mail will not be stolen. I hope they understand and do not disqualify me! What do you think??? I can send them proof of my real address, the one that I will have to fill in on my tax form.
Carrie,
Just wanted to say thank you so much! I did a $500 Visa Gift Card offer from I-Deal. I was approved on Oct 22 and received my card on Nov 12! I wasn't expecting it until at least December. Can you say Merry Christmas?!
Thanks again!
Kristin
Wow...lots of great comments overnight.
Glad everything is going so smoothly for everyone.
Strawberry587, the only thing you can do is write them...like you did. I can't make any guarantees on how they will handle the situation. I will tell you, USUALLY when you fill out the certificate, you have to reenter your addresss where you want your gift sent, etc. So, at that time...enter the address that matches your tax forms and your LEGAL address...the one that is on your drivers license.
Kari,
I have never had that happen.
But, if it does for anyone else....just go to the contact customer service of one of their other sites and send them an email explaining.
They should be able to link you up in their system and tell you where to log in.
Glad the link was still on my site and it worked out for you.
Janel,
I AM SO SORRY.
I remember when you wrote that question originally, and for some reason, I thought I had answered it. But, you are right...I didn't.
When you refer someone you send them a link that taks them to the EXACT site you are doing.
So, they would also need to do the $1,000 and refer someone. It is like a chain effect, which is why I don't really care for referrals too much. Someone is always at the end and doesn't get their gift.
If you guys did it together, you could split the $1,000 you get...because she wouldn't get her gift unless she has someone to refer. But, if you do that...you mind as well just do a $500 on your own.
When I first started these, you used to be able to join a Conga Line...which means a bunch of us ( maybe 20 of us ) would go in together and commit to doing this and each pay $10 to join. THEN, the 20th person would get the $10 from each of us making him whole and we would all get our $1,000.
And, I would do one of those for my readers EXCEPT they have now banned them. :-( They were actually quite fun and that is how I got two of my large gifts from I-Deal.
But, without Conga Lines....I won't do them anymore.
Hey Carrie,
I'm still waiting for my $500 gas card. It's been just over 4 weeks since it was approved on 10/21. I haven't been concerned until now when I just read that someone else's offer was approved on 10/22 and their card was received on 11/12. If mine was approved the day before theirs was, shouldn't I have mine by now too?? I know the site says 6-8 weeks for delivery ....but I'm excited and anxious to receive it.
Thanks!!
Becky
Becky,
Patience my dear, Patience! :-)
I always mark the 8 weeks ( since it is 6 to 8 weeks now ) on my calendar and just sit back and wait. ( Check your account weekly, though...to make sure all is still well )
There is nothing you can do....they won't usually even respond to your emails..until after that 8 week mark.
There are a whole bunch of you who started this process at the same time that I have been talking to via blog or email, and the gift cards are slowly trickling in, as you can tell from the Blogger Bragger post. It doesn't appear everyone is getting them at the same time.
Don't worry yet...all is well. You should have your gift card in hand before the Holidays!
Thanks for your response Carrie. I just wanted to post another comment (as if I haven't enough this morning!) to let everyone know that this is a pretty good company. I sent them an email this morning and they have already responded with this:
"You can just put your home address on the W9 and your boyfriend's address on
your redemption certificate. Due to the fact that you took the time to
explain and alert us to this issue, we will not disqualify you for the
addresses not matching up."
Not only were they quick, but also nice about it and on top up that all my offers but 1 have been approved as of my 11th day after signing up!
I truly cannot thank you enough for all your informative and step by step posts on completing offers!
I guess I have to admit that I'm not a very patient person. I'll try harder!
Thanks Carrie!!
Becky
Carrie - I just read the post from the other lady concerned about her cards. I was actually doing (2) I-Deal offers at the same time. Like I told you before, both of mine were approved on 10/13/08, and I haven't received either one of them yet. I emailed to see if they would send me a tracking number but they replied and said no but that it would ship FedEx. They told me it could be 6-8 weeks after my certificate approved and longer if they were backed up. I too am concerned since the other person received hers and was approved a week after me. What should I do?
Marla,
This is completely normal.
In fact, I know I have commented somewhere on this webpage...maybe in the instructions.....that except for this past time, I have NEVER gotten a gift before the "longest" estimate they give me.
So, if a site says 6 to 8 weeks, I mark 8 weeks off on my calendar from the date they show they got my certificates, and I usually get my gift about a day or two before the 8 week mark.
This is normal with Nuitech and Netblue, too. They want to delay sending you your money as long as they can, I think. :-)
There is nothing to be worried about or to do until after 8 weeks.
If it doesn't arrive by then, then you can email them. Based on the date you provided, I wouldn't expect you should be getting your gift cards until mid December.
If it comes before then, then BONUS! You are one of the lucky few.
Hope that helps.
Becky,
I think everyone struggles the first time...thru the whole process...even the waiting part.
BUT, even if it takes the full 8 weeks, it is still a great return on your investmestment for a few months time. Much better than the stock market right now. :-)
IF this feels like a long time...don't do Nuitech or Netblue. They take twice as long to get your gifts as I-Deal. They won't even start processing your certificates until about 2 months after you sign up and THEN you have to wait another 2 months ( 8 weeks ) for them to ship. 4 months total.
I-Deal is definitely the way to go, as they are the quickest turn around...even with the 6 to 8 weeks shipping.
Hi again, just one more quick question. I was approved my gift this morning and I printed out the redemption certificate, the W9 form, and the email they sent me saying what to do about my addresses. I also made copies of each to keep just in case. I know you send it delivery confirmation but should I just fold it up and put in a regular envelope or do you get a bigger one so all the papers stay flat or does it even matter??? Thanks a bunch!
WOW WOW WOW!!! Okay first I apologize now for my impatience yesterday. AND ....My gas cards came today!!! I'm so excited and can't wait now to start another offer!! Carrie...you are amazing! I never would have even considered starting one of these offers without first knowing of your success and having your support!
Thanks!!
I'll send a picture to post later!
Becky
Carrie-I'm losing my patience...Now that I see Becky's comment today...I really don't understand how mine could have been approved on 10/13, and I still haven't received the cards. This is so frustrating...
Becky...CONGRATS! I had to laugh at your and Marla yesterday ( sorry Marla...I know you are impatiently waiting )...BECAUSE, I totally remember the first time I did one of these.
Everyday I would log in, check my accounts...check my mail...run to the mailbox...on and on. So, I just have to smirk ( not trying to be mean ) when I hear all of you going thru the same anxiety I went thru.
I think our minds just can't wrap around the fact these offers can truly be real until we have the money/gift cards in hand.
Marla....hang tight! As long as you are sure you had the right address on the form you sent in and your next door neighbor isn't driving around on your free gas...it will come.
If, heave forbid, 8 weeks rolls around and you still don't have your cards...give me a call ( the number is under my Contact button ) and we will walk thru the process of contacting I-Deal.
Until you reach that mark...there is nothing to be done except wait, unfortunately. And, if you harrass them too much, they will be less likely to help you if your 8 weeks does roll around.
That may be my problem...I think I'm on the list of people to "wait until the last minute to ship gift card"...since I had to contact them about losing the first certificate and W9 that I sent in. They received the 2nd one but probably put my name on the bottom of the reward list!!!! :)
Carrie,
I received an email from ConsumerRewards.us.com asking me to confirm shipping address of the $500 gas card by clicking a link, which takes me to a webpage where I have to enter my name, address, birth date, and phone number. I received this email the same day my gift card was approved. You did not mention anything about receiving an email to confirm the shipping address. Is this normal? Should I do this? What do you think? Haley
Haley,
Log back into Consumer Rewards and there should be a link when you log in, to click on and it takes you to a page where you verify all the information.
I would do it that way, vs. clicking thru the email. I am sure it is fine, but I am always leery of links in emails.
Let me know if you don't find the link when you log into your account.
Yahoo!! I got my $500 in gas cards this weekend, thanks SO MUCH Carrie! For records’ purposes, I started on September 19. Silver offers approved next morning. Gold offers approved on day 4, Platinum offers approved on day 10 & 11. Sent in my certificate right away. Waited two weeks and there was no change in my status, so I emailed them. They emailed back asking me to send in bills to confirm my address, which I did immediately. Status was changed to “Approved!” on October 28. Had gas cards in my hands on November 21. So, about two month turnaround time. SO EXCITED! THANKS CARRIE!! I LOVE YOUR BLOG! It is by far the most useful out of all the ones I keep up on :)
Hey Carrie - I have done the Gas card (waiting for it to arrive) and started the Circuit City/Best Buy one a little less than 2 weeks ago. I just got approved for everything and went to do my certificates and it said to fill this out to get your $500 Best Buy or Circuit City gift card. I *THOUGHT* it was for a $500 Visa gift card, not a store gift card. I'm a little concerned since I choose Circuit City as my preferred store (I do prefer it) but Circuit Cities are now going out of buisness. I should have my gift card in 6-8 weeks or so (they'll be getting my envelope in the next 2 days). Do you know anything about this offer and what they actually send? Is there a way to request a Visa gift card or check rather than C.C. GC? Thanks! Janel
Hi carrie! Do you have any suggestions about what I should do? I did the $500 jcpenney gift card offer from Ideal. I mailed in my certificates 5 weeks ago as of today, they received them over 4 1/2 weeks ago. I have emailed them once a week starting at week 2 when the post office showed they received them. When I emailed last Wendesday, I didn't get a response back.
Jennifer,
What was their response back the other times you emailed?
Usually they respond back that you have to wait 30 days from when you sent it to contact them again/see it updated
Which would mean, you wouldn't email them again until just about now.
Let me know what they said the other times.
When is your 60 days up?
On week 2 & 3 when I emailed I received the automated response that it takes 3-4 weeks to process. On week 4 I emailed, no response. Today is day 48 so I have 12 days left. My original sign up date is 10/14. All offers approved on day 11. I emailed again today, I provided the confirmation number, they responded with they haven't received my certificates. Should I send it in again?
Jennifer,
Absolutely!!
Email them tomorrow and ask if you can fax it in, since the Post Office shows they received it.
Meanwhile, do resend it and get Del Confirmation again.
Once they respond ( with or without fax # ), email them back to let them know you remaild, too and give them the new DC #.
Hi Carrie
I am kind of stuck and not sure how to move ahead.
i did the IDeals 500 gas cards. I completed all my offers, was approved, printed the certificated and W9, completed and sent via DHL with signature and delivery confirmation but I have not had anything happening in 2 weeks.
What should I be doing, looking to happen next???
Thanks, Lisa
Lisa,
Perfect timing.
I always advise that users wait until about 2 weeks after their delivery confirmation shows they received it.
So, if you log into the USPS site, they should give you a date. If it has been 2 weeks since that date, email I-Deal.
Send them your delivery confirmatin # and explain that it has been a couple weeks since they got it, and you just wanted to confirm your account would be updated.
They will usually respond back that it can take "such and such" weeks before they update.
Once that happens, then just sit back and watch your account. If you start getting within 2 weeks of your 60 day mark..email them again to ensure they got it.
Hi carrie. I'm not sure how they can say they haven't received it when the post office says they did. Today is day 49. When I clicked the link to redeem my gift I get this message "Due to the limited time nature of this offer, your registration is now expired. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information". I can't find my copy I made so I guess I won't be getting this gift card after all. This was my first try. Everyone seems to be having better luck with the gas card. Maybe I'll try one more time.
Jennifer,
If it is only day 49, your link should not be expired yet. That doesn't happen to day 60.
The days start the FIRST time you log in to look around...not the day you do your offers. So, I have a feeling you logged in to look around a while before you finally decided to start your offers.
Anyway....don't give up.
Send them an email again today, include your delivery confirmation # again and the date you mailed it. Explain that they got it, but are not showing it. Ask what you do, since you logged in just this morning and you link is expired.
Tell them you are more than happy to fax or to remail it, but your link has expired to the certificate. Ask if they could send you the link to your form.
IF they still say they can't help you, then you log into the BBB and file a complaint. Enter all the your dates, delivery confirmation #, etc, and more than likely they will handle it from there.
I have had to do this with another company company, and low and behold, my gift arrived.
Absolute worst case scenerio, you still get a $50 gift card ( I think that is what it is...check terms ) just for signing up. But, in all honesty, I will be shocked it if comes to that.
Carrie - I finally got my gas cards!!! I had to go to our local FedEx hub to pick them up since they wouldn't leave them without an adult signature. We both work so no one is usually home when the FedEx guy arrives. I had tried to explain that to them in an email because I was going to have it shipped to my work but they wouldn't send me any tracking information. I just thought you might want to pass that info along to others who may not be home during the day. Also, can you email or post the phone number for I-Deal? I was approved for the $100 Visa card offer the same day as the gas cards but still haven't seen or heard anything about it. They won't return my emails when I click through the link on that site. Thanks for all your help!!! I now have a Macbook that we gave to our college son and $500gas cards that I never would have tried to get if it hadn't been for your blog!!! Marla
I've been approved now for TWO I-deal Top Notch sites - the Best Buy/Circuit City $500 gift card and the $500 Visa card for "Who will be president in 2008?" site.
I understand that I can only do $1,000 in gift cards from Top Notch in a 6 month period. From reading the Terms & Conditions, it appears I can also do the I-deal Market Labs as well as the I-deal eSolutions Media sites. Is this the case or am I dreaming?
Thanks for all you do!
Kami,
As long as they don't change their Terms/Conditions, that is exactly true.
You can now to MarektLabs and eSolutions.
As LONG as there are enough offers out there for you do and not duplicate. Those, from my understanding, are across ALL I-Deal sites that cannot be duplicated.
This is why I am starting to split the I-Deal in the side bar into their little categories. I hope to find more for MarketLabs and eSolutions soon.
Hi Carrie -
I'm having a "problem" with Best Buy/Circuit City Offer.
I mailed my redemtion certificates in by USPS Priority on 11/29. They received it on 12/1. The redemtion page says it must be received by 12/10, which is now just 2 days away. But when I log in it still isn't updated as approved/received or whatever so I'm getting concerned. I just emailed them with the DC # and Cert # my name and email. I think I've read in these comments that it can take 2 weeks to be approved... but how do you wait 2 weeks when 2 weeks means you would no longer be able to resend them, if needed!! I sent it out just a day or two after qualifying (first chance I got).
And update, still waiting on the gas cards, I'm at 3 weeks since approved! :)
Thanks!
Janel
Hey Janel,
Well, usually ( and I stress usually, because of course anything can happen ), it does take about 2 weeks and then it shows up.
Even if your account goes to expired in the next two days, if they get them and the postmark was before, they still process them.
But, this is where you need to decide what to do.
Since you sent them the DC, you know they got it, and now they know you know. :-)
But, that doesn't mean it didn't get lost in their mass pile of paperwork somewhere once it reached their offices.
So, to play it safe, you can decide to eat the cost ( approx. $4 to send DC or mail regular for less than $1 ), and send it out tomorrow..so you know you sent it twice.
The odds of them losing the form twice is probably pretty slim. In fact, they probably just haven't posted it yet and it isn't even lost.
So, if sending it again is worth it to you ( it would be to me ), then I just eat the cost.
BUT...if nothing else is done...PLEASE make sure you print out copies of your forms. Once your account goes expired, you do NOT have access to those anymore.
You want those in case you need to resubmit later if anything goes wrong.
Let me know what happens.
The last comment on this thread may have just saved me from losing my I-Deal award! I sent my verification in on November 17 and have just been waiting to receive my $500 gift card. I checked the site once in awhile to see if the message changed, but I just assumed that maybe they didn't change the message once one got to this point in the process. After reading the last post I realized that I probably should have seen a confirmation that they received my paperwork - AND TODAY WAS THE LAST DAY OF MY OFFER! I sent them an email, but just to be safe I decided I had better resend the information today, just in case it got misplaced. I did send the original paperwork via Priority Mail, but unfortunately there was some glitch with my Stamps.com account and I was not provided with a tracking number so I can't prove that it was received. This will mean a delay in receiving my card, but hopefully I will stil get it. I also printed out another copy of the verification letter just in case. I appreciate all the good advice. I'm still waiting for my Nuitech gift card, but I did receive confirmation that it was in process.
Thanks Carrie!
Hi, I just did all my offers last night. And this morning both of my silver one's were approved. My question is, since they are now approved, can I go ahead and cancel my free trial now and not wait the 7 days? They can't 'unapprove' you, can they?
Also, I signed up for the discover card deal, and it says it could take up to 30 days for me to be approved, should I start another deal or just wait and see?
Okay so I can mail them again, even though they won't be RECEIVED before the 10th, and just mark it as a second shipment or something? I just didn't want to pay over night or 2nd day shipping (16+ bucks!!) I have no problem paying a few dollars for some extra reassurance. Also, great to know about printing the redemption forms!! And Lisa - glad it could help you too! I'm sure we'll both be fine.
Also Carrie, is there any way I can request to get check/500 visa rather than a circuit city GC?
Hey Janel,
Unfortunately, no.
If you asked for Circuit City, then more than likely...that is what you will get.
Unless they decide to change it on their own, you will get what you originally signed up for.
Don't forget, you can always trade gift cards on sites such as Plastic Jungle or Card Avenue for minimal fees. Or, sell on Craigslist/eBay for a slight sale.
You might lose $10 or so of the value, but it may be worth it if you can't use it.
Interesting. I posted a few days ago that I had not seen the status change on my I-Deal account even though I had mailed my documents in almost a month ago. I decided to resend them on my very last day of eligibility, and I checked today and see that they were delivered for the second time - today. I checked my status, and lo and behold my status had changed to
"You have been approved by the sponsor(s). Your redemption certificate was processed on Dec 9 2008 3:52PM. Your free gift will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks of the processing date. "
The funny thing is that this status change was dated yesterday, before my second mailing was recieved. I emailed them on the same day I mailed my documents for the second time. They must have received my email, looked for my documents, and changed my status. So I guess I "wasted" $5 to resend my documents. I just look at it as insurance. So now I wait 6-8 weeks for my $500. I can wait.
Lisa
Hey Carrie!
So my i-deal is coming along pretty well! I know you said to wait 13 days and most of my offers would approve. But it's day 9 and all but 2 of my offers have approved. Should I start my replacements? One of the offers I really believe should approve because I actually plan on keeping the service (who new Netflix now has BluRay). Just thought I would see if you thought the last two might approve still.
Thanks soo much!
Laura
Hi Carrie!! This question may have been answered...I've gone through all these questions and answers before...but by the end my brain was fried! LOL. I did the $500 gas card offer. I completed all the requirements (expecting like you said a couple to not go through), but it's now day eight and every single one of them is pending! I'm worried I screwed something up! :-) What do you think? Should there be at least a few that have gone through by now? Thanks!
I mailed in my paper work on December 5th for the gas cards. My status has not changed and when I logged on to USPS to track delivery confirmation it says that they attempted to deliver it on the December 8th and a notice was left. If it is unclaimed it will be returned to the sender. Should I try to send this again or wait. Has this happened to anyone else?
I mailed in my paper work on December 5th for the gas cards. My status has not changed and when I logged on to USPS to track delivery confirmation it says that they attempted to deliver it on the December 8th and a notice was left. If it is unclaimed it will be returned to the sender. Should I try to send this again or wait. Has this happened to anyone else?
Jackie,
Looks like you sent it Signature Confirmation instead of Delivery Confirmation.
They will NOT accept Signature Confirmations, so you will have to send again.
Make sure it is Delivery this time, though.
Bree,
I wouldn't worry yet.
Credit hasn't been showing up until day 11.
Check then, and let me know.
You should be fine.
Laura,
Do not do replacements yet.
Wait the full 13 days.
If they aren't approved by then, time to do replacements.
I asked the question about sending my forms in delivery confirmation and the usps website is showing they tried to deliver it but were unable to. My receipt is a delivery confirmation receipt and my cash receipt also shows delivery confirmation (65 cents) so I do not understand why I am getting the message on the usps site. I have already decided to send the information again. It has just aggravated me. Thanks for your help.
Hi Carrie! So, last night when I checked two of my offers approved! LOL. Six to go! It is day 11 today and nothing else. But it's still early?
Hello again,
Okay I hate to comment again, but I do have another question. :) Everything just approved! Yaay! I went to print off the certificate and had some issues. I couldn't get it to print from the Web browser (firefox), so I copied it into word, but it still looked goofy (it was on 3 pages). So I decided to try again in Explorer. However, now I have two different certificate numbers. Any idea which one I should be using? Ugg. I hate to have gotten this far and get disqualified on something silly!
Thanks!
Laura
Laura
I would write I-Deal and explain the situation. I have never heard of this before, and I hate to give advice that could lead you wrong.
My feeling would be either would be fine, BUT I don't know.
When you hear back from them, do you mind posting here on what they said...for future reference?
Thanks
Hello!
They said either code is fine. It just generates a new code each time you fill out the confirmation page.
Going in the mail today. :)
Laura
Well Carrie, me again! :-) It's day 13 and still only two are pending. :-( I'm quite bummed. How did only two go through? What should I do now?
Bree,
Send me an email.
I take a look.
Don't forget, they do have the earlier cycle AND the longer 21 day cycle...so you could have unfortunately, fallen into this cycle.
But, still email me.
Carrie
I got my gas cards last night!!!! Pretty much 1 month from when they were approved (Approved Nov 18th, arrived Dec 17th).
My Circuit City one they sent me an email saying my phone and address weren't registered to me in public records and to send them bills. So a question about that - I sent them a utility bill in my husbands name (they're all in my husbands name) and our cell phone bill (which is the ONLY phone number I have and the number I used) which is in my name. Is that going to be a problem for any reason using a cell phone or not having any utilities in my name? Our house is soley in his name as we weren't married when he bought it. Thanks!
Congrats Janel.
I just copied your post over to the Blogger Bragger section, too.
If you get a chance, please take a picture with your gift card and email to me. I would love to post on the site. I believe it helps motivate others and allows to them to see it does work. :-)
In regards to the bills, etc..it shouldn't be a problem. As long as you send both the utility and the cell phone, they will see the same address..even though your husbands name is on the others. Tell them you only have a cell...this happens to many people who only have cells, and that the utilities are in your husbands name.
Hey Carrie,
I'm turning into a post-a-holic over here, but hopefully my next post will just be to tell you I've gotten my gift card. :)
Everything approved about two weeks ago as you mat recall. I got confirmation that everything was delivered on December 22. Do you know how long it usually takes them to update their system? I'm sure the holidays sent things for a loop, but I just wanted to see how quickly it typically changes so I can get nervous acoordingly. :)
Thanks so much!!
Laura
Hey Laura,
Yes...getting nervous early is not fun!
So, don't get nervous until about 2 weeks AFTER the USPS site says they got it.
USUALLY ( again, it differs slightly per person ), they will update your account to show they received it about 2 weeks after they actually did.
If, at 2 weeks, nothing has changed. I email them a polite letter with the delivery confirmation number and asking it if would be possible to update my account.
They will normally write back saying it can take up to 30 days, BUT I always write...so they know that I know that they got it.
Once I write them, it then tends to update within that next week.
Last night I completed the 8 offers for the Wii and Wii Fit offer that is on the left side of your website. This morning I logged on and my silvers were approved! I looked at the rest of the offers listed and one of the offers I completed under gold is now listed as platinum. Has this ever happened to you? I went ahead and completed another gold offer. Do the silvers always approve first? Is there a chance I get more approvals tonight or should I not check again until the 3 day or 7 day mark? Thanks for your help, this site is wonderful!
Nick,
That is completely normal. The silver offers usually approve the first few days and recently, the rest have them approved on day 11 about. For some reason, the 7 day mark has been pushed back by a few days.
So, if on day 12 they haven't approved...feel free to contact me. But, most should have approved by then...with the possiblity of just a few needing to be replaced.
Sounds like you are doing great thus far!
Carrie,
Thanks for this wonderful site! I decided to take the plunge for the Wii/Wii Fit package. I looked at the offers on Christmas Day and completed them yesterday, none have been approved yet but it sounds like day 11 is the day for most people, it would be 11 days from yesterday right?
Also, the Wii site is rewardsadvantage.com, they have a Visa gift card I am also interested in, can I do both now or do I need to wait until the Wii gift is complete?
thank you for your help!
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Once you do the site rewardsadvantage.com, no one in your household can ever do it again. Even if it is for anothe gift. Even if it is 5 years from now.
One gift per site.
You can do other I-Deal sites, but you just need to click on the links until you find one that is not rewardsadvantage.com.
Hope that makes sense.
How many of the I-Deal deals are we allowed to do? I just finished the offer for the $500 gas gift card, and was interested in doing the $500 visa card. Can I do them both? Do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I can do a second one?
Thanks,
Susan
You can do $1,000 from each sub-company in a 6 month period.
So, if the first one you did was a Top Notch company, then you can still do another $500 yet.
After it has been 6 months, you can start over and do up to $1,000 again.
Hi Carrie,
I just started my second ideal offer. I logged in last night, chose my offers, then went ahead and signed up for everything today. After finishing up today, when i went in to check gift status, i noticed that one offer i signed up for on the gold page isn't showing pending on the gold page, but is on the silver page. I must have checked it out there last night, but didn't look to make sure it showed up as pending on the gold page today. I'm kicking myself! Do these things ever self correct, or am I out of luck? Should I just go ahead and do another gold page offer now? Thanks,
Meg
Meg,
I would go ahead and wait. You will probably have to do a replacement or two anyway...so you mind as well see if you possibly get credit.
Hi Carrie! Thank you again for this walk-through of these deals! I waited until day 11 of my i-deal (top notch) offer, and - like clockwork, all the platinum offers approved!
I know that originally people were seeing silver approved immediately, gold approved on/about day 4, and Platinum approved Day 7 (or so). Then the platinum seemed to get "moved back" to day 11, which is how my experiences have been.
But have you ever seen Gold approve after platinum? I had Silver approve immediately, then platinum on day 11.... but nothing from the Gold category. I know sometimes folks have to do replacements, but it seemed odd that the entire category got skipped.
Any thoughts?
I would do replacements tonight or tomorrow.
In the past, it ranged from 2 to 4 offers that would need to be replaced. If your Gold didn't go thru, then you probably only have 2 to do.
It really isn't worth it to wait. It is better to do the replacements. They should approve in about 2 days. Then, get your forms, mail them in w/ Del. Confirm immediately.
They will get them, then it takes about 2 weeks for their systems to update. This is getting close to your 60 day cut off then.
So, if you don't hear from them or see an update on about 2 weeks from when the USPS says they got it, I would email them.
If it still doesn't show approved about a week before your 60 days is up...I resend the paperwork.
It is much better to be safe than sorry!
Let us know how it goes with the replacements.
Hi I'm working on the gas card offer. I was a little nervous because I signed up for one and there was not a phone number to cancel - but so far I haven't been billed for it. I've got two platinum offers to go .. do you have any suggestions that you can offer to use for my last two?
Hi Carrie! I just have a quick question about I-deal. I am doing the $500.00 visa gift card offer. I have been approved already for 3 after about 5 days. Am I able to go ahead and cancel these 3 offers without jeopardizing anything? I also have 1 offer that has not been approved yet and needs to be canceled in 2 days. Should I just suck it up and pay the 1 month to make sure I get it approved? I have read and re-read your site and thought I'd just ask. I'm a bunch of nerves at this point. Please forgive me! Thank-you for your time with this. I'm sure you get asked the same questions over and over. ;)
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
I do get asked this a lot, but don't worry....the answer can't be found anywhere. :-) So, you are not crazy if you couldn't find it.
The reason that question never gets answered, unfortunately, is because I cannot answer it. :-(
These companies are very strict about assisting others with which offers to do...and mention of cancelling, etc.
So, the only advice I can really give is to evaluate your services legitimately, and if you like products..condsider keeping them...and if you don't, then read each companies policy.
Hope that helps...I know not much..and I wish I could be of more assistance.
Thanks, Carrie! I did do replacements, on 1/12. They have yet to credit, but I'll check back again tomorrow. I will keep you posted!
Carrie,
After reading through your info I decided to give the $500 gift card a try. Everything was going well till I tried to cancel something that had been approved and said cancel at anytime. I contacted them to at least check on the status since I had not received any confirmation email, but they say they won't have an account set up from anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks!? Since I have searched the and found several complaints against them. I finally got one customer service rep to take my name and address to pass to a supervisor so it could be canceled if it wasn't already to "far along" (yeah, right). Have you ever had some you've been unable to cancel and they start charging you? If so, how did you handle this?
*sigh* Me again :) It's been 3 days since I did my replacements (2 of them)... any advice? I was anticipating (and hoping) they would credit in a day or two, like you have been seeing. I know that they were pending before I moved forward on each offer. I know they're once I haven't done (or anything affiliated with them). Thoughts? Thanks in advance!
All my offers were approved today (Day 10 with the 1st 4 being approve days 3&4) I printed my redemption certificate and W-9 and am off to the post office. Thanks so much for your blog!
Hi Carrie! My $500 in Kmart Gift Cards from E-Research Center arrived today only 18 days after it was final approved! This one was fast! In fact, I am still waiting for my first Ideal offer that I completed back in early December.
This was a great offer - I didn't even have to do any replacement offers. I'm going to use the gift cards to buy my mom a new computer. It makes me so happy to be able to help her out, and it will only cost me $60. Thank you so much for your website and your guidance. You are great!
One thing I want to caution people about is to be very careful and watch your credit card statements closely. I just found a charge from one the Grant offers that I have no record of completing. I did click through to the site but have no record of actually completing the offer and thus did not cancel it. The charge came from Great Britain, and they did not return a voice mail that I left, so I disputed the charge and, just to be safe, changed my credit card number.
That being said, this is the only problem I have had so far. One just has to really keep good records and keep an eye on the credit card accounts. I use an online tool - Wesabe - which makes it really easy to look at all of my transactions in one place.
I'll send you a picture of me with my Kmart Gift Cards soon!
Thanks again!
Thank you for all the instructions and great info you've provided!
I started the $500 Gas card offer on 1/13 and had the 2 silver offers approve the next day. No others have approved, but I'm not concerned yet since 11 days will be next Saturday.
The question I do have is do you know when the offers typically charge to your card? I ask because I'm worried a fraud warning may have been put on my card (I used virtual numbers), and I don't want that to prevent any charges/offers from going through. Three offers have not been charged yet, but I think one of these won't be charged until I don't return an item. So, I guess there are two that haven't yet been charge.
Can you offer any help on this? Thanks so much!
Well, I have an update! I had done some research online and read that if an entire category doesn't approve, usually the replacements don't get approved in a day or 2, but that they "start over" with the 7/11/20 day cycle thing. That concerned me, but gave me a little bit of hope that they might credit around day 23 or so (if I got "lucky" and didn't get the longest cycle), and that I'd still make it.
Then, with no rhyme or reason, they both credited today! I don't get it, but I won't complain. I'm off to mail in my certificate today!
Hey Carrie,
So I just started and already have a question. Uh-oh :) Anyway, I signed up for a couple Platinum offers. Basically I am wondering as far as canceling can I cancel as soon as I get credit? It's hard to see exactly how long you have to be a member, so I don't know when to cancel. One will charge my card in 7 days and another in 21. Do I need to wait that long or can I cancel when I get credit? Thanks!!
Ashley
Ashley,
I am so sorry I won't be able to help you on that question.
This is the one area I can't be very specific on, as it is a big no no to discuss that topic.
My main advice is to always try to find offers you think you will be able to use and then use your best judgement from there.
I know...a generic answer, but the best I can do. :-)
Carrie - I finally made the plunge. I acknowledge as to how nerve wrecking this all is. I know it will come more natural later - but for now... I've read posts over and over but I still get stuck with this question. I'm actually in the middle of submitting all my gas card offers... and I know you're not supposed to do two of the same kind. Well - in my mind - facials, makeup, creams, vitamins etc all get lumped into the same category. I'd truly like to try a couple of these - but I don't want to do two from the same parent co. How do I know which offer came from which parent company?
Thanks for any help!
Hi Cyndie,
There is no easy way.
But, here are a couple things to check.
Read the Terms and see if they have the same phone number or address listed.
Another sure sign is if the webpage is set up similarly and when you go to check out it looks exactly like the other company. Usually, they are the same co then.
Carrie--great news! I checked today (day 10) and all of my offers are approved!! 2 silver approved day 3, 2 gold approved day 7 and 4 platinum approved today, day 10! Yea! Ok, but now I'm having issues. I clicked on the link saying now I can claim my prize. I have filled out the form (name, address, birthday, etc) and it says:
Please correct the following errors and resubmit:
No redemption information found
WHAT??? I've looked at everything and it's correct. What do I do? Should I call?
I'm using topincentivesurveys.com
Follow up comment: I clicked through the contact us, and it said it requires valid city, state, zip, phone combo, and some cell phone #s may be rejected. We don't have a home phone, so what do I do?? I submitted a question through their website
Misty
What usually happens is when you send your paperwork in, they will not process it and ask for further detail.
At that time, you need to provide proof you are who you say you are ( since they can' match a phone number listing ).
You can either send copies of a bill, drivers license, etc.
You did the right thing notifying them ahead of time, though.
Misty
What usually happens is when you send your paperwork in, they will not process it and ask for further detail.
At that time, you need to provide proof you are who you say you are ( since they can' match a phone number listing ).
You can either send copies of a bill, drivers license, etc.
You did the right thing notifying them ahead of time, though.
Misty,
The no redemption found usually happns when you didn't complete the original survey at the beginning all the way thru.
This means, you need to log back in and go thru all those many many pages of are you interested in this, that, etc, etc...and you keep clicking no ( or yes, if you are ), Skip, etc, etc.
If you missed even one page of that, it will not let your redemption certificate print.
It is an easy fix.
Just go back and complete that section.
Hi,
I just wanted to thank you for the information. I decided to do the $500 visa card offer with I-deal and so far everything has approved accept one silver. I believe I registered on Jan 8th and completed this offer on he 10th. Should I go ahead and do a replacement offer at this point? or can I wait a couple more days? Is there any way of checking your date of registration? Thanks so much for all your help.
Carrie,
How'd that happen? I thought it was weird that I didn't have to do any of those. I clicked from your ad and it sent me straight to the silver offers. How do I go about going back, without making a 'new' account? I can't print out my certificate until this happens.
Hi Again!
I was able to figure it out, and printed my certificate today and mailed it. YEA!
I did it.. I went through everything on Monday and signed up. Two things are approved already. Thank you for all your help so far Carrie! I'll keep you posted with updates.
Woo-hoo! Gas cards received today :)(began process at beginning of December). Thank you so much for all your encouragement on this!
Hi Carrie!
I'm so excited to report that today I received $1,000 in Wachovia Visa Gift Cards!!! Half of it was for the I-deal $500 Visa gift card site. The other $500 was for the I-deal Best Buy/Circuit City site. I am so pumped! Thank you for EVERYTHING!! I can't wait to start on my next sites.
Thanks again!
Kami
carrie,
I am working on the $500 gas card offer. My status was moved to "approved" some time today. When i got to redeem my gift and fill in the information it says no redemtion information found. Have you ever seen this? What is the best thing to do in this situation?
Thanks for all your help!! This is putting my husband and I one step closer to being debt free and family ready!!!
Thanks, Jessica
Jessica,
Congrats on making it one step closer.
The problem you are having usually arises when you haven't finished the survey at the beginning.
When you first signed up, you needed to go thru TONS of pages of questions asking if you were interested in products. You could either say no or skip.
If you missed any of these pages, you won't be able to print your redemption cert.
So, go back and finish all those questions and then try to print.
Hi Carrie..thanks so much for this step by step sight...you make a complicated thing much easier for all of us. Here's my ?
I successfully completed my gas card offer(woohoo!) and my family has been enjoying swiping the "free card". Today, I started another IDeal offer(Back to School). I followed all steps making sure not to do any related offers from last offer b/c it hasn't been 6 months. Here's where I think there may be a problem. With my gas offer, I did Blockbuster. With todays start up I did GamePlay. It has no acknowledgement of being affliated with Blockbuster until the order confirmation page then it says, "thanks for your blockbuster order". Is this going to totally put me out of this offer? Should I send them an email explaning my mistake? Sorry this comment is so lenghty...wanted to make sure I explained my predicament well.
Mandy,
I wouldn't worry about it yet. I would wait and see if it approves.
This is the problem...there is no way of knowing if sites are from the same parent company.
Usually, the only way is from trial and error ( like you just did...so now you know in the future )
Or, if you go to their terms, you can see if they have the same address or phone number.
The only other indicator I have ever seen is if the check out page looks exactly the same
But, I wouldn't do a replacement until you see how it flows thru.
Just have a replacement in mind, in case it doesn't process.
Another $500 Visa Card! I just received the last of my outstanding offer rewards today. I must say it is so exciting to see these come through. People almost don't believe me when I tell them what I am doing. I guess the proof is in the.....Visa card!
One thing I need to figure out (good problem to have, I know) is an easy way to use up the little amounts of money that end up on card like these. I'm almost tempted to pay the little fee and withdraw the money in case, which I think you can do on some of them. I've already turned my first big Visa card into $750 in gift cards at my regular grocery store.
Thank once again Carrie. I guess I had better get working on my next deal!
Lisa
Congrats Lisa.
When I get down to an odd amount left, $1.41 or something crazy.
I make sure to get the exact amount, and then I ask to load a Kroger gift card for $1.41.
They always do it for me. Ask your grocery store...they might do the same thing.
Thanks! I was just worried b/c it said it was "prohibited"...the last thing I want is to have done all those offers and have it not come through.
Thanks for your advice...I'll get busy with "life" by tomorrow and try not to think another thing about it.
Carrie,
Thank you so much for the detailed instructions on this! All 4 of my Platinum offers approved today for my $500 gas card (day 10), and the other 4 offers approved within a couple days after I started. I am so excited!!! Today, I'm printing off all of my paperwork and sending it with delivery confirmation. Now the real waiting game begins. Maybe I should start another deal to keep me occupied!
Thank you again for all of your help. This is certainly going to be a huge help in paying down my debt. I will definitely post once my cards arrive :)
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