Shop Smarter Review 2024 [Behind 10% Money-back Offer?]

Updated On: 07/14/2023
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Today, I've decided to dive into the world of online shopping and give my two cents on a service that's been increasingly buzzing among savvy shoppers - Shop Smarter.

This post you're settling into is a comprehensive Shop Smarter review, meant to guide your retail experience and help you understand better whether this platform is suitable for your needs.

Online shopping has been a saving grace for many of us. From quick purchases to essential retail therapy sessions, it's the convenience and vast choice that truly keeps us coming back for more.

If we can save more in the process or get some cash back, well now, that's just icing on the cake. Here's where Shop Smarter comes into play.

With claims of up to 10% cash back at over 1,000+ online stores, it sounds almost too good to be true. But is it? Let's find out!

What Is Shop Smarter?

What Is Shop Smarter?

Shop Smarter is an online membership platform that allows consumers to earn cashback on purchases from more than a thousand online stores. The platform prides itself on helping members save big on everyday shopping.

It spans a huge variety of categories - everything from clothes and accessories to groceries and electronics, and much more in between. But the biggest draw for most folks is the site's headline offer – 10% cash back at over 1,000 online stores.

And come the holiday season, Shop Smarter kicks it up a notch with up to 20% cash back during seasonal sales - talk about joy. So, if you're wondering whether it's legitimate or not - well, stick around as we take a deep dive into Shop Smarter.

How Does Shop Smarter Work?

How Does Shop Smarter Work?

Shop Smarter operates on a user-friendly method, designed to turn your typical shopping spree into a money-saving experience. From registration to getting paid, here is the detailed breakdown:

Sign Up

First things first: get yourself registered on the Shop Smarter website. A simple process that requires your basic information and email address. It's standard procedure for most online services, yet necessary for you to get started on saving some serious dollars.

Browse 1,000+ stores

Once you're in, over 1,000 stores are at your fingertips! Every shopping category you could think of has been covered by Shop Smarter.

It ranges from clothing and electronics right through to pet supplies and vacations! Find something that catches your fancy or dive into your usual online (or offline) retailers; they're likely all there.

Shop Online Through Any ShopSmarter Store

Locate your favorite store within the Shop Smarter platform and simply click to visit the online site through their portal. Yes, it’s as smooth as surfing the internet but with a twist – you save money while at it.

Earn Cash Back

This is where things heat up! You can earn up to 10% cash back on every purchase you make through Shop Smarter. Come holiday and seasonal sales, this can increase up to 20%. Imagine savings so substantial simply by shopping as usual.

Cash Out

After saving substantially, it’s time to cash out. This can be done directly into a PayPal account or as physical checks mailed directly to you.

Shop Smarter 10% Cashback: Real Or Scam?

Shop Smarter 10% Cashback: Real Or Scam?

One of the major selling points of Shop Smarter is its claim to offer up to 10% cashback on all purchases, which definitely had me curious. However, I'm glad to tell you that this platform stands true to its claims.

So how does it work?

Well, once you've signed up and made a purchase via the Shop Smarter platform, your 10% cashback gets calculated based on your total cart amount and gets recorded in your account.

The beauty of it all lies in the fact that even during holiday or seasonal sales you could get as much as 20% cash back.

Nevertheless, is First hand experience and user feedbacks are certainly worth considering when dealing with money-saving ventures such as this one.

Trustpilot reviews and testimonials across social media platforms have indicated positive experiences by most users, thereby validating their claim. So, It's not a scam - just a smart way to shop.

Top Categories of All Supported Stores

Top Categories of All Supported Stores

Diversity in product range is a key factor that makes Shop Smarter a great platform for online shoppers. The 1,000+ stores cover nearly every conventional shopping category. Here's the full list:

  • Auto
  • Baby & Kids
  • Clothing and Accessories
  • Electronics
  • Entertainment
  • Groceries & Household
  • Health & Beauty
  • Home Improvement
  • Office Supplies
  • Parties and Gifts
  • Pets
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Travel and Vacations

From scoring discounts on essential baby products, to getting cash back on the latest tech gadgets - there's a wealth of choices available for all your shopping needs.

Whether you're planning a surprise birthday bash or booking your next dream vacation, Shop Smarter ensures you spend smartly.

Top Brands At Shop Smarter

Top Brands At Shop Smarter

One of the aspects that truly make Shop Smarter stand out is the sheer number of popular brands it supports. Whether you're hunting for high-end goods, budget-friendly buys, or seasonal steals, you'll find them all under one virtual roof.

GameStop - Calling all gamers! Shop Smarter lets you access the ultimate gaming and electronic accessories in Mecca. It's time to level up your arcade with everything from new game releases to refurbished consoles at discounted prices.

Old Navy - Whether it's for basics or seasonal styles, Old Navy offers an extensive range of clothing and accessories. Good news - Old Navy is accessible via Shop Smarter offering cash back on all purchases!

Walmart - The retail giant needs no introduction and yes, it's featured on Shop Smarter too! From groceries to electronics, your everyday essentials are just a click away.

QVC - For home shopping enthusiasts, QVC presents a variety of merchandise in virtually every category. They often offer limited-time discounts which when combined with Shop Smarters' cashback offer can result in huge savings!

Macy's - Need something formal or looking for designer pieces? Macy's has got you covered. Access Macy's via Shop Smarter and earn cash back on your fashionable finds.

Groupon - Looking for deals on experiences like dining, spas or getaways? Groupon sets the standard! Partnering with Shop Smarter pushes those savings even further.

The list doesn't end here. Big names like Sephora, Nordstrom Rack, Lowe’s, Staples, Neiman Marcus, Overstock, Best Buy, HSN, Kohl’s, and many others are featured on this platform as well allowing consumers to shop smart across different product categories.

Shop smarter also features pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and health-inspired stores like Vitamin Shoppe ensuring it caters to your wellness needs while saving money.

For pet lovers, paw-friendly shops such as Petco, where you can get everything from pet food to toys are featured in their vast store list;

Homeware goliaths such as Home Depot, known for its diverse range of home improvement goods is also featured on this platform;

And let us not forget athletic outfitters like Nike offering performance-inspired athletic apparel while rewarding your purchase with cashback making fitness shopping more rewarding.

This impressive list of brand partnerships aims not only to provide unparalleled choice but also allows customers to really maximize their return from every dollar spent through regular shopping activities they'd be undertaking anyway.

Pricing Plan of Shop Smarter Membership

Pricing Plan of Shop Smarter Membership

Shopping smarter needn't be an expensive affair. In fact, it's incredibly affordable! The subscription plan for a Shop Smarter membership begins with a trial period costing just $1.97 for the first 7 days. This gives you a chance to explore the platform, make purchases and see the savings roll in.

Should you find value in using Shop Smarter (which, trust me, isn't difficult), then the membership fee increases to a still reasonable $9.97 per month. Sometimes it can go up to $12.97/ per month, depending upon special features or services added for that specific period.

What I found particularly impressive about this pricing structure is that even a small saving from one purchase could potentially cover your monthly subscription cost - essentially making your membership pay for itself!

Given the substantial savings that can be realized in return (up to 10% cash back every day and 20% during special sales!), I find this fee to be absolutely worth it.

How Much Does Shop Smarter Pay?

How Much Does Shop Smarter Pay?

One of the most appealing features of Shop Smarter is the potential cash back you can earn every time you make a purchase through their platform, regardless of the store or category.

The basic payout rate for Shop Smarter is 10% cash back on all purchases made directly through links on its website. Plus, they regularly hold special sales and events which could earn you up to 20% cash back.

Furthermore, as a member, you also become eligible to win gift cards and gifts worth over $100 during regular member sweepstakes. Essentially, not only are the savings impressive but they also come with perks that add up to some serious value for money.

If regular online shopping is your thing (and let’s be honest, in today's digital age who isn’t shopping online?), these cash back rates can turn into some real hard dollars over time.

Beyond receiving cash back payments via check or PayPal Transfer, there are no clip coupons or mailing receipts required. Earnings are typically posted on your account within 5-7 business days after purchase confirmation from the retailers featured on Shop Smarter.

Overall, it's a win-win situation - shop your favorite stores and products while stacking on additional benefits and returns.

Shop Smarter Pros & Cons

Shop Smarter Pros & Cons

Every platform has its strong points and weak spots, and Shop Smarter is no exception. Here's a summary of what I've discovered about the service:

PROS
  • Access to over 1,000 online stores
  • Up to 10% cash back on a daily basis
  • Potential for 20% cashback during special sales
  • Regular member sweepstakes with gifts over $100
  • Collaboration with top brands across diverse categories
CONS
  • Membership fee required
  • Limited availability outside the US
  • Certain exclusions apply on some purchases

On balancing the pros and cons, using Shop Smarter can offer significant value to an avid online shopper. The key is to be aware of the limitations while maximizing the rewards. Happy shopping.

My Verdict On Shop Smarter Review

My Verdict On Shop Smarter Review

In my journey to become a smarter shopper, I couldn't help but be impressed by what Shop Smarter has to offer. Their extensive range of over 1,000 stores, covering categories from groceries to office supplies, truly represents their aim of being a one-stop-shop for all shopping needs.

The highly appealing and incredibly authentic promise of up to 10% cash back on every day purchases, with a chance to earn up to 20% cash back during special sales is enough for any savvy shopper like myself.

Coupled with the opportunity of winning gifts worth over $100 in regular member sweepstakes, this service extends its appeal beyond mere savings.

Though the service comes at a monthly subscription cost, in my experience the potential savings can easily outweigh this expenditure making it an investment rather than an expense.

While no platform is without its flaws, I personally believe Shop Smarter has certainly lived up to its name. Yes, there are areas of improvement – for instance extending their services worldwide or expediting their cashback reflection time– but they didn't pose deal-breakers for me.

Suffice it to say - if you're an online shopping enthusiast (aren't we all?), Shop Smarter makes it easy and rewarding to keep lifestyle needs in check while keeping more money in your pocket.

Shop Smarter Alternatives

Shop Smarter Alternatives

While Shop Smarter can be an excellent gateway to save money, it won't hurt to know more about its alternatives. Here are some popular platforms that you might want to explore:

  1. Ibotta: Known for its user-friendly app and lucrative cash back opportunities, Ibotta focuses on groceries but has expanded to include cashback from other retailers, both online and offline.
  2. RetailMeNot: A heavy hitter among coupon code sites, RetailMeNot offers discounts, coupon codes, gift card deals and cash back at over 5,000 retailers.
  3. Flipp: This platform stands out for making your "grocery shopping" experience efficient by consolidating thousands of circulars from a wide range of stores.
  4. ShopSavvy: As its name implies, this tool is all about smart shopping - it includes a barcode scanner for price comparison at physical stores and cash-back opportunities on online purchases.
  5. Dosh: What's unique about Dosh is that it automatically gives you cash back when you shop at its partner stores using your linked credit card without having to access the store through the app each time.
  6. Honey: Apart from regular discounts and cashback offers, this platform stands out with its 'Honey Gold' program where members get points that can be exchanged for gift cards.
  7. Rakuten: Formerly known as Ebates - Rakuten offers not only conventional online shops but also cashbacks from in-store purchases and travel bookings.
  8. Pogo: With Pogo, earning happens while filling gas at partnering stations nationwide or while dining in partnered restaurants.
  9. TopCashback: This platform proudly portrays itself as “USA’s most generous cash back website" and surely is one of the solid rivals against Shop Smarter.
  10. Drop: The simplicity of Drop shines bright - earn points by shopping through the app or playing games in "The Arcade!" Then redeem these points on purchases at partnering brands.

Experimenting with a variety of apps depending upon your regular stores might chalk up even better savings! Remember – it’s always smart over hard when it comes to shopping.

FAQs About Shop Smarter

How does Shop Smarter offer cash back on purchases?

Shop Smarter works by partnering with over 1,000 retailers. Every time you make a purchase through the platform, it earns a commission that gets shared with you in the form of cash back.

Is Shop Smarter available outside the US?

As of now, Shop Smarter largely caters to customers within the US. It's recommended to check their website for updates on their global reach.

How do I get paid through Shop Smarter?

You can choose between two options. Either you can receive your cash back via PayPal or it can be mailed to you in the form of a physical check.

Is there a monthly limit on how much cash back I can earn on Shop Smarter?

Yes, there is a monthly limit of $1000 on cashback earnings with Shop Smarter that could vary slightly during special sales and occasions.

Are there any restrictions on earning cash-back from all purchases via Shop Smarter?

Certain exclusions are applicable and they mainly revolve around redeeming gift cards, extended warranties, and protection plans.

Conclusion

All said and done, Shop Smarter can be an excellent tool for online shoppers, providing an easy way to earn some cash back on purchases from a range of reputable retailers. While there's a monthly fee, the savings you can enjoy might just make this absolutely worthwhile.

The interface is user-friendly and the range of stores covers almost every shopping category one could think of. It's worth noting, though, that like any other service it comes with its own set of cons that one needs to balance against the pros.

But I believe if used smartly, it can certainly add to your shopping experience! So why not give it a whirl and let your wallet feel a bit heavier every time you shop? Remember - every penny saved is a penny earned.

Michael Restiano

I support product content strategy for Salt Money. Additionally, I’m helping develop content strategy and processes to deliver quality work for our readers.

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