In May 2008, Microsoft launched their cashback program. Users could sign up and receive cash rewards for every purchase resulting from a Live search. Merchants sell on a CPA basis and cashback reward amounts are determined by the merchant.

"We are pleased to report a 30 percent increase in the number of product offers available in Microsoft Live Search cashback, indicative of the strong advertiser interest in the program and early results on its ROI," said Brad Goldberg, general manager of Microsoft Live Search. "We have seen an average of 4.5 million unique users per month visiting cashback who have conducted more than 68 million commercial queries. We believe this early traction speaks to the differentiated and unique value proposition of Microsoft Live Search cashback for both consumers and advertisers, especially in these tough economic times."

A comScore study found that Microsoft Live Search accounted for nearly 12 percent of all commercial online transaction referrals in Q2 2008, and placed among the top two U.S. engines for conversion rate in computer hardware, movies & video, home & garden, music and travel. In addtion - and perhaps more importantly for etailers - Live Search ranked as the top engine in dollars spent per buyer.

Microsoft also announced deals with Miva, Early Impact (ProductCart) and 3DCart. Etailers using these shopping carts on their websites are now immediately eligible for the cashback program.

Learn more about selling with Micorosoft Live Search cashback.