Get Paid To Shop
Strictly speaking, this section should be titled "rewarded to shop", as usually companies reward you with points or rebates for shopping. But those points can often be converted to cash, goods, certificates, or the right to bid at auctions.
MyPoints
OFFICIAL BLURB:The ultimate destination for FREE rewards on the Internet. Redeem your Points for valuable rewards from our name-brand merchants like Blockbuster, Barnes & Noble, Eddie Bauer, The Sports Authority and more!
MY EXPERIENCE: Still exists.
EmailCash (now RewardsCentral)
OFFICIAL BLURB:RewardsCentral is Australia's leading provider of online direct marketing, incentive and loyalty programs and services. EmailCash has over 300,000 members, and to date, over $375,000 worth has been given out as rewards. Number 1 stickiest Web site visited by Australians (Roy Morgan Research).
MY EXPERIENCE: Excellent site. Some high profile shops are members of this program.
Mystery Shopping
This is not strictly Paid-To-Shop, but it is related. Mystery Shopping involves visiting a store as a normal customer to observe the service offered while making an enquiry. You then fill in the survey form supplied, answering questions and writing comments to describe your visit. Mystery Shopping is a form of market research. Many companies will pay you for this.