"Google is getting about $50 per year for your searching. Yet, because it does not think it has any competition, it is not giving any of that back to you. As search becomes competitive and people realize that other offerings are as good, or are even significantly better, there will be price competition."
-- Bill Gates on paying searchers, Computing, November 2005
Microsoft wants to buy your Google love. At least, that's the hot rumor surrounding the company's advance08 event taking place this week.
Todd Bishop said Live Search's cashback program should debut today. The effort offers rebates on purchases made through participating retailers after a searcher discovers them on Live Search.
Among the early details, Microsoft will require an accumulation of a minimum $5 balance before paying the searcher. Also, Bishop cited a 60-day waiting period before payments will be made in case people return an item.
Microsoft plans to go with cost per action (CPA) pricing for ads leading to cash back-eligible purchases. This pricing method benefits the advertisers, as they only pay for real conversions, not just ad clicks.
Search Engine Watch noted how the cash back idea likely stems from Microsoft's acquisition of the Jellyfish product search site. Jellyfish operated with a cash back premise, and should form the core of Live Search's payback program.
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Comments
Good
Anything a threat to Google is good news. It is time to put that evil boy down for good. Hey Ballmer, heard somebody made an omelet out of ya overseas?
Unsure
It sounds like an interesting concept, but I doubt it will create much of an impact in Google's searches.
Good to See
I told you that. Google is like some guy got lucky. Google has no technical background. It is time to finish it.
true
I completely agree, its another avenue for dollars for the search engines, although I dont know if Google will do this until they see a drastic drop in searches.
hmmm
Interesting. It looks like they are trying to be a super affiliate to the retailers by paying you 5 dollars back when they make 50. Interesting idea.
good move
In my opinion, now MS is making some real progress in the competition. Ballmer is a good boy :-).
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