Five years ago, I made the decision to advise members against using Memolink because of a variety of reasons including slow payments, changing point values, and unprofessional business practices (including sending undercover Memolink employees to CompareRewards to pose as happy Memolink members and criticize actual members who were voicing concerns about the program). At that point, Memolink had an “Unsatisfactory” rating with the BBB. I feel my decision to warn off potential members at that time was 100% justified.
Five years is a long time in Internet Years, though, and in that time Memolink has outlasted quite a few of its would-be competitors. You have to respect them for sticking it out, catching up with their outstanding redemptions, improving their BBB rating to its current status of A+, and expanding to the point of being recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. That’s one hell of a turnaround.
Last year, Memolink sent a representative to attend my annual chat (co-hosted with my good friend Ginger of AttentionTargetShoppers). Nicki Hayes (Director of Consumer Marketing) was a good sport, taking some ribbing in stride, answering questions about Memolink, and even awarding prizes and Memolink swag to chat attendees.
After my 2008 annual shopping rebate comparison was released, Ms. Hayes voiced surprise and concern at Memolink’s performance compared to their competition. In reaction, Memolink immediately increased its shopping rates to offer members a better value.
These and other interactions I’ve had with Ms. Hayes over the past year and a half have led me to the conclusion that Memolink is making an honest effort to embrace, and make amends to, the rewards program community. Because all of the reports I had heard on Memolink recently were positive, I decided to give them another try…and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
Points offered for shopping at Memolink were competitive when calculating their real dollar value of the points, and my points were credited to my account quickly after I shopped. I played Memolink Lotto a few times and won a few points that way, and when I redeemed my points, I received my reward quickly.
I’ve asked around and my recent experience is not unusual. Things have improved dramatically at Memolink and I feel confident in once again recommending Memolink to others.
I’ve updated my Memolink review if you want to read it through but here’s what you need to know in a nutshell: You’ll earn a minimum of 25 points per day from clicking email links, a daily onsite For Your Info click, and by playing lotto and answering a trivia question. You can also earn “hundreds” of points if you qualify for a market research survey. And of course, you’ll earn points for every dollar spent in shopping through Memolink’s links to hundreds of popular online stores. 19,200 points = a $10 redemption, and there are many redemptions to choose from including Walmart, iTunes, Best Buy, Amazon, PayPal, and cash (check). Charity donations can be made for as little as 1,600 points (for $1).
Shopping rates — assuming redemption costs remain constant — are fair and as I said above, it’s a pretty quick turnaround from shopping to cashing out to receiving your redemption.
“Is Becky going soft? Is she selling her soul to the devil for a few measly referrals?” If you’re a long-time reader, you know me far better than that. I’m going to watch these guys like a hawk because my reputation is at stake here. I stand behind my program recommendations, and I’ll pull this or any other program in a heartbeat if they start mistreating their members.
I’m willing to give Memolink another shot. They’ve paid their dues and I think they deserve a second chance. If you agree with me, join Memolink here (my referral link) and forward me your confirmation email (make sure it doesn’t display your password — I don’t need that!) and your mailing address, and I’ll send you a free surprise package of Memolink swag. (all swag claimed; offer expired)
If you have recent experience with Memolink, good or bad, and you’d like to share it in a comment here, I’d love to hear from you!
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Thanks for the link love and kudos on a nice post that shows your willingness to show fairness and to revisit a site when given proof that they are more business savvy and customer service oriented.
I would like to congratulate Memolink for cleaning up their act and doing the right thing for their customers. I am an old time brick & mortar manager. Customer service is king. It always has been and always will be. Suffice it to say, if you take care of the customer, they will take care of you.
Chat Bash SOON!
Ginger
Darn, they still don’t allow Canadian members to join.
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