SearchCactus: Do Everything But Search For Cacti
Written: Aug 18 '01 (Updated Mar 16 '02)
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The Bottom Line
A horrible search engine but a honest program.
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Similar to NetFlip, SearchCactus is a money-making opportunity that lets you earn cash by clicking on links and signing up for offers. You get two dollars and a chance to win a porsche or $50,000 just for joining. Since you don't have to download anything, there's absolutely no chance of your computer getting cranky because of buggy programs.
There's not a lot to do, and unless you sign up for loads and loads of high-paying offers, it will probably take a long-ish time to reach the minimum cash-out amount. Nevertheless, internet income coming in from many different places really adds up.
There are three solid ways to earn cash at SearchCactus - Quick Cash, Pay-to-Search and Referrals.
Quick Cash:
Also known as Pay-Per-Lead or Pay-Per-Sale, this section includes various promotions and services that you have to sign up for to get paid. The offers that pay higher (up to $25) are the ones that either ask for more personal information from you or require you to make a purchase. But don't worry, you can also get paid for free registrations at many different websites.
Get Paid To Search:
This is by far the easiest but slowest way to earn money at SearchCactus. All you have to do is enter a keyword or two in the search box. If you're lucky, some of the search results will be sponsored links. These are indicated by small eye-shaped icons placed right next to them. Once you click on a sponsored link, you have to wait 20 seconds on that website to be compensated, but you can not be paid for that link for the next 24 hours. You're limited to 25 paid searches - that's 25 cents - a day.
When I joined SearchCactus roughly eight months ago, members used to receive two cents per clickthrough on a sponsored search result. Recently SearchCactus, like many money-making programs, reduced its pay-rate to $0.01 per click. Although understandable, it can get quite frustrating, especially since it's getting harder and harder to find a search result that pays. If you can't find any paying keywords, try going through the bulletin boards at MyCoupons.com. Someone usually posts a set of results there.
At this rate, you should have enough for a check in about 80 days. If you consistently click every single day, that is.
SearchCactus isn't the search engine I would use when I'm actually looking for something. Many of the search results are paid or bidded for, and are often, therefore, inaccurate. I admit I use SearchCactus primarily for the money, although I do try and enter keywords I am genuinely interested in, and investigate the corresponding websites after that.
Referrals:
If you tell someone about SearchCactus, and they use you as their referral, you will receive 25% of what they earn through pay-to-search (only). The referral system does not include dollars earned through Quick Cash or the two dollar signup bonus. A referral expires 12 months after the day he or she signed up, meaning that you won't get referral income from them after a year has passed.
Customer Service:
Searchcactus's customer service left me impressed. I got a personal reply within a few hours, the representative was nice and courteous, and my questions were answered fully.
Cashing Out:
Once your account balance reaches $20, you can request a check, just like you do here at Epinions. Keep in mind that SearchCactus will not automatically send you a check in any month that your balance exceeds $20 - You have to cash out yourself. There is a $2 processing fee for checks that are sent outside the US. SearchCactus promptly sends you a check through first class mail by the 25th of the next month.
Maybe all the time you have to put in for $20 just isn't worth it, but that is a matter of personal opinion. I myself think that, as making 25 searches only takes around 25 minutes a day, and since I have nothing better to do in those 25 minutes than sit and yawn anyway, it would be rather pleasant to receive a check some months later instead.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
navinthebean
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Member: Navin
Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 61
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people?
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