Hoopla Doopla : User Review

Does anyone remember the college savings-plan Web site started eight years ago called Upromise? They started out with big backing from companies such as Toys R Us, who quickly pulled out. They still offer a savings plan which is free to the parents. If you started eight years ago you may have already accrued a small college nest egg. If you're an avid bargain hunter on the web, life just got better!

There is a new website in town, with backing from big names! Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, Gap, and other big names in the retail business are supporting Hoopla Doopla.com. Check the link and get started with the program today.

When you're shopping online for items, do it through Hoopla Doopla and you will be offered cash back with your purchase. Hoopla will get a commission percentage for every sale and you, the customer, will earn a portion of that percentage as well! In addition, they offer coupons and rebates.

Unlike Upromise and some of the other websites of this nature, there is no credit card registration. It is completely free. The money they pay you will be credited to your PayPal or issued via snail mail check, and you will make this decision when you register with the site. If you choose PayPal they do not make you insert your mailing address. There is a minimum of 10.00 needed to be mailed a paper check, however, with PayPal they do not impose any restrictions per pay period.

There is one drawback in the payment options of this website and that is if you earn over 600.00 you must claim this as income on your taxes. I'm not a financial wizard but just an average Joe, and I don't remember ever claiming coupons on a tax form. If this is a cash back incentive/rebate/coupon program why is this classified as income reportable on your taxes? This money wasn't given to you in exchange for work done, this was money you spent and got some refunded.

They also offer a weekly newsletter for updates on hot deals. There is a button to refer or invite a friend to the site, however, there was nothing on the referral form or in the FAQ about any bonus to you for inviting. The site hasn't been up and running long enough to toss out figures of potential earnings but if you were already buying items from these retailers anyway, why not stretch your buck that extra mile?

You must register and create an account with Hoopla to be paid through their programs. The site is very easy to navigate. There are clearly outlined FAQ links at the top before you join. In addition to this, it offers a banner header which has a hot current deal. For instance, currently there is a Lane Bryant banner where if you spend 100.00 you will receive free shipping, and in addition Hoopla is paying you 4.00% cash back! Below this banner you will see other retailers with hot deals for the week. You are also able to customize your shopping experience and mark certain retailers as favorites.

There is nothing hurt by giving this site a try. It seems like a great way in a floundering economy to make that dollar stretch just a bit further when you are buying. I wouldn't think of this as a way to "earn" because in order to earn money, you will be spending money. Look at this in comparison to clipping the coupon out of your Sunday paper. You will save money or earn cash back with purchases.