GreasyPalm

TheLydons

Thanks for replying.

I am glad that some users are getting a benefit, there are many who are not. It all depends on what sites that have been used within GPs referral scheme.

If you have had no problems with GP, would you be prepared to share the sites that you used, so that other MSE members would know which ones work? I am sure that this information would reassure anyone who is a little cautious.

TheLydons

For all those who are interested in finding out what spyware/adware/malware is currently on their pc, I can recommend this site
http://www.pcpitstop.com/

There is an ongoing survey about spyware.

Please remember, prevention is better (and in most cases, a lot cheaper) than cure.

GreasyPalm_Company_Representative_2

Hi,

As my username suggest I'm one of the founders of GreasyPalm. Although I review MSE often to get a feel for opinion on GreasyPalm I missed this thread but just wanted to jump in now and try to answer any questions.

The messages above cover a lot of topics so I'll try to answer the most pertinent items without writing a novel

Firstly, let me give you a little background. GreasyPalm is a small but fast-growing company, we are based in the UK and have been trading for just over 18 months. Our business model is straightforward - online retailers are always looking for new customers. Many are no longer prepared to pay for banner advertising and instead prefer to pay on results ie. you send us a customer and we will give you a commission. Much of the online advertising you see is paid for on this basis.

In launching GreasyPalm we simply adapted this model so that as a company we share a percentage of the commissions received in the form of rebates for our members. This means everyone wins, the retailer receives new customers, the consumer gets an additional discount on products they buy while we earn a living by facilitating this arrangement

Since launching we have issued literally thousands of cheques to our members, there's a number of posts on MSE from members that have confirmed receipt of their cheque.

>Has a retailer ever failed to give you the cashback?

There are various reasons why a cashback has failed.

Sometimes this is due to a retailer not honoring their agreement with us (I do as much due diligence as possible but have still had a couple of problems - usually with casino or gaming orientated sites).

Other problems can arise from 'user error' ie. forgetting to log into GreasyPalm and using our links before buying from a retailer. (Rebate Catcher minimises this but due to commercial restrictions as to how and when we can redirect links means it can never be relied upon on every occasion).

On other occasions other software can conflict with our tracking - products such as Norton Internet Security contain an 'ad blocking' module which effectively block our tracking too.

BTW, as a company if the tracking fails we do not receive any commissions either. So as a company we work hard to try and reduce these problems.


>Do you run your anti-virus software or have you >turned it off as suggested, in order to run the rebate >checker?

We *never* recommend that people turn off their anti-virus software.

The rebate checking script actually tests to see if a specific module within Norton Internet Security is activated (the ad blocking module). If it is the tracking will not work. We recommend that people turn off the ad blocking feature only NOT their entire anti-virus application!

>Have you had any odd emails recently?
>Have you had any odd phone calls recently?
>Have you had any odd texts on your phone that you >didn't sign up for, but got charged?

As a company we never sell, share, rent or otherwise distribute your details. Doing so without your permission would contravene the data protection act (Registration No. Z7981900 ).

From a business point of view, theres no value in us abusing this. No respectable company would buy such information (there simply isn't a 'market' for non-permission data that Im aware of) and as a company we would not risk losing our members nor risk a huge fine.

>I can't remember exactly what happened but it  was >something to do with that rebate catcher. I think there >was all sorts of spyware on our PC after.

Installing GreasyPalm's Rebate Catcher does nothing but place our software on your system.

It does not bundle any other software applications.

Increasingly there are a lot of spyware aplications being distributed from various sources from peer-2-peer applications through to drive-by pop up installs. Its easy to pick up spyware but GreasyPalm does not create, bundle or package ANY application other than Rebate Catcher.

How does Rebate Cather work?

Rebate Catcher detects if you have visited a participating retailers website. It will then display a message of the rebate available and redirect using the appropriate tracking link so that your cashback is due.

It only activates when you visit a retailers website.

It does not read any information about you, your IP address or your credit cards nor does it record your browsing history. It does not serve any advertising pop-ups (it only pops a message when a rebate is available).

In terms of data collection the only information Rebate Catcher sends back to us is how many people have installed Rebate Catcher and the total number of times the software has created a redirect - we collect no other data other than this.

On a more technical note....

Rebate Catcher is a Browser Helper Object installed via a Verisign certified cabinet file. The application works by utilising two data files. The first data file contains a list of the retailers URL's and their rebate amounts. The second data set contains an ignore list - basically this ignore list detects if you visited the retailer via someone elses affiliate link. In this case we cannot redirect and infringe on another affiliates revenues.

In terms of registry entries, Rebate Catcher holds a variable that is the GreasyPalm members ID. We use this variable in the redirects so that the tracking link is correctly formed.

You will also find registry entries in a folder marked 'expiration' - this is another commerical restriction placed on us. If you visit a retailer via another affiliates link then a dated registry entry is placed so that Rebate Catcher will not redirect again for a couple of days until the entry has expired. This is to prevent us from infringing on other affiliates revenue.

>GreasyPalm themselves have admitted that sometimes >their info gets hijacked by another group that send >malicious spam

This is a very unfair comment and simply untrue.

Never has our database been comprised.

I think what you might have done here is taken a comment that spyware could interfere with tracking links out of context.

If you would like to embellish on your comments on this point I will happily answer your question publicly.

--

To sum up, GreasyPalm is a legitimate company that provides a service. We work hard for our members and have saved our members a lot of money. The software application is a simple system to redirect links to ensure members minimise the loss of cashback. We have a dedicated member of staff managing support tickets and I am always available to answer any other questions you may have and I certainly invite anyone with any concerns to drop me a note by email:

neil <AT> greasypalm.co.uk

All the best,


Neil Durrant
GreasyPalm

[Edit: changed email to stop spam bots!]

GreasyPalm_Company_Representative_2

>>
I am glad that some users are getting a benefit, there are many who are not. It all depends on what sites that have been used within GPs referral scheme.

If you have had no problems with GP, would you be prepared to share the sites that you used, so that other MSE members would know which ones work? I am sure that this information would reassure anyone who is a little cautious.
>>

TheLyddons, I'm really not sure where you are coming from with this.

On what basis do you make the statement that many are not recieving benefit?

GreasyPalm is not designed to be some get rich quick scheme for users to sign up and make money. It's designed to provide a cash rebate when you shop. It does exactly as intended - allowing our members to save a little money when they shop. If members do not shop online or fail to use the site then of course they won't receive any cashback!

I understand and respect you being cautious but you seem to be drawing a number of rather unfair conclusions in some of your comments.

Neil Durrant
GreasyPalm

MSE_Martin

I think this thread shows the power of the forums - we have someone from the IT industry and the founder of the relevant company discussing technical issues that will help people through.

I would ask that the above is kept courteous and informative.

Also I do think it's fair to point out Greasy Palm is a reputable establishment and while like all - it's not without problems - I doubt Neil will lie here - so we must take it at face value. (spin yes, but lie no )

SaraSeahorse

I have used greasypalm successfully with no problems, any queries are answered quickly and missing rebates sorted within days.

Cash earnt for using websites that I would use anyway such as argos, robert dyas, B&Q etc.

I am just looking forward to receiving my first cheque soon now I have qualified for the minimum amount!

TheLydons

Hello Neil,

Pleased to meet you, I'm Niamh.
I apologise for not responding sooner, but alas, my 2 year old son insisted on helping and I'm in the middle of having my central heating replaced, so please bear with me!

Thank you for participating in this discussion and I am most impressed by the way you have presented your case.
(I am being genuine, not sarcastic, often it's difficult to distinguish).
I have read some of your postings within this and other bulletin boards, so I knew of your existance and am delighted to chat with you about your company and the service they provide.

In my honest opinion, presenting your case in the manner that you have, you have done a great service for your company. You expressed your views concisely, with clarity and dare I say it, passion, which all demonstrate that you believe in your product and your company. For the benefit of those reading this topic, this is a rare occurance in this day and age, and therefore should be admired and respected.

Neil, I will be the first to admit, although this topic has started off with GP as the topic, the lines have become blurred between GP, spyware, malware, affiliates of GP and GP-wannabes. There may have been a few vague references that were indirectly attributed to GP, and for that I will stand up and apologise for. It is tricky in a forum to be precise without very long descriptive text on certain topics, but I have, where possible tried to remain fair and give GP the benefit of the doubt.

I have stated all along, perhaps it may have got lost in my miles of text, that good or bad, I would report back fairly on this issue and I am glad to say that it would be a positive report - maybe, some room for improvement, but hey, Microsoft still haven't got their software/business practises right after years of development, so I wouldn't beat yourself up so much!

>GreasyPalm themselves have admitted that sometimes >their info gets hijacked by another group that send >malicious spam

This is a very unfair comment and simply untrue.

Never has our database been comprised.

I think what you might have done here is taken a comment that spyware could interfere with tracking links out of context.

If you would like to embellish on your comments on this point I will happily answer your question publicly.

I read a posting that you contributed on a forum, but unfortunately, I can't find it now. So, I will publicly accept a slap on the wrist for that, as I should have kept a note of my point of reference. I am not in the habit of making up quotes and I usually (when not interrupted by my kids screaming in my ear) keep track of my sources, enabling me to quote from them.

I am willing to accept that I may have misread it/taken it out of context.

I would be happy for the Moderator to remove any GreasyPalm references that you object to and replace it with references to malware in general.

My sentiments regarding malware (aka scumware) are all valid, however, I believe that your application is of the legitimate variety and is not something to be feared. I would still advise users to monitor all sign-up procedures and to read T&Cs carefully, to ensure that they too, are aware of what software is being downloaded, as not all of these affiliates/companies are collating information in the legitimate manner that GreasyPalm are. Neil, I'm sure that you would agree with me here, as there will be those who have jumped on the GreasyPalm bandwagon and do not share the GP philosphy, but just want to cash in on your success.

I have investigated the items listed above independently, prior to your posting and I am glad to say that I couldn't find anything different from what you have declared yourself in an open forum. I think, with hindsight (isn't it always the way), it may have more productive for you (as you are the one doing all the fire-fighting) and the company, if you had made some pitches towards some of the security/malware sites to let them know of the Legitimate Adware Application Launch or posted the technical info on the greasypalm website.

It was absence of technical details regarding any of the applications, that made me feel uneasy about using your service. Removing such suspicion, by providing the information which you have already done quite eloquently in your response above, can only improve your reputation and hopefully put an end to you having to defend GP all the time. In my opinion,it would assist members and future members with their dilemma, "Are they for real?".

It is my own opinion and and through experience of working in the .com industry, reputation is everything - the best .com companies constantly receive backlash, unfair and unsubstantiated criticisms, but provided that they keep up honest and open communication, deliver their objectives, put things right when they have gone wrong, they will maintain their reputation. I personally, have more respect for the company who has made an error and puts it right, than the company who gets it right all the time.

Readers of this forum may be unaware of your trials and tribulations in other forums regarding getting your business model launched, but after researching this myself, you have come along way and I am delighted that you have managed to keep your mettle during such a testing time and reached a positive outcome.
You have openly and honestly stated your case from the beginning, were true to your word as issues raised during former threads there were upheld and I'm glad to see evidence in your post to this thread

You will also find registry entries in a folder marked 'expiration' - this is another commerical restriction placed on us. If you visit a retailer via another affiliates link then a dated registry entry is placed so that Rebate Catcher will not redirect again for a couple of days until the entry has expired. This is to prevent us from infringing on other affiliates revenue. [\quote]

Anyone setting up and running a business, must consider the bottom line. Unfortunately, for most companies, it just stops there. However, there are people in this world that do also have conviction and are determined to sacrifice the bottom line in order to provide a top-notch service for their customers. This type of business person, is extremely rare - part of a dying breed, but we do exist, we do care about customers, we also want to get paid, but it's the making people happy that gives us our job satisfaction!

Neil, we may have started off on the wrong foot, and I'm sorry if I may have given you a headache! It is next to impossible to try to please everyone all of the time. I do appreciate and sympathise with the FUE element, which can be infuriating for all who develop software/websites. Been there, done that, have the sweary t-shirt!

My friendly advice would be to campaign on behalf of your Legitimate Adware, publish your technical details (not so much that it can be ripped off and repackaged by someone else), continually monitor what the affiliates to GreasyPalm are doing on their websites (as GPs reputation may suffer if an affiliate uses spyware to monitor their own site). I know that it is not GPs responsibility for the content of an Affiliate site, maybe it would be worth considering making it part of the participation contract, that they can't use unauthorised/undeclared tracking, if they want to be part of the GP Affiliate Network.

angela-la

One extra comment, I signed up for Greasy Palm via the Mad About Bargains website. Jeanie who runs the site, uses them on a regular basis and has received cash back on a number of occasions now. She recommends them to all visitors to her site - only criticism is she can't stand the name 'Greasy Palm'!

Lady_K

Hi there The Lydons,

Could you tell me what the hijack this is you mentioned? do you have a link for it please?

I havent used greasy palm although I did go to join and got halfway through registering but backed off when I got the message about the virus thing. No matter if it was to close it for a while or stop the adds pop ups I didnt like it but I'm very cautious by nature anyway

Even though I'd only got halfway hough registering and changed my mind I did recieve email reminders from them urging me to fully register. I didn't really like that I chose not to register and still got bothered by them

alyssa_mae

Thanks for the laugh. and u did make me laugh out loud. I shall probably have a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
cheers. I'll try that on my mum. she's as daft as me and is bound to fall for it.

This may come as a shock, but I've come across a website that holds everyone's passport details*. The disturbing thing is that anyone can access other people's personal info. I've removed my info. I suggest you all do the same. The website address is http://www.humnri.com/enter/passport/












*^{this is a joke, there is fun to be had on the web - that's why I love it so!}