RetailMeNot is a prominent digital coupon and cash-back platform headquartered in Austin, Texas, that has evolved significantly since its founding in 2006 by Australian entrepreneurs Guy King and Bevan Clark[1]. Initially established as a coupon aggregator, the platform has grown into a comprehensive savings destination offering multiple ways for consumers to save money while shopping.
Company Background
The company's journey began with its acquisition by Whaleshark Media in 2010, supported by $300 million in funding from major investors including Austin Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, and Google Ventures[1]. In 2013, the company rebranded to RetailMeNot and went public with a $230 million IPO[1]. A significant milestone came in 2017 when Harland Clarke Holdings acquired RetailMeNot for $630 million[1].
Core Services
Digital Coupons RetailMeNot maintains an extensive database of promotional codes and digital coupons across various retail categories, including:
- Accessories and clothing
- Electronics and technology
- Home and garden
- Beauty and health products
- Travel services[1]
Cash Back Program The platform offers cash back opportunities on purchases from over 1,200 stores[8]. Users can earn up to 10% cash back on qualifying orders, with rewards redeemable through Venmo or PayPal once reaching a minimum balance of $5.01[8].
Browser Extension The RetailMeNot Deal Finder extension automatically applies available coupons and cash back offers during online shopping sessions[8]. This tool is compatible with major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge[8].
Verification Process
RetailMeNot employs a human-powered verification system to ensure the validity of their coupon codes[3]. The company's merchandising team creates between 60,000 and 90,000 offers monthly, sourcing deals through:
- Direct partnerships with retailers
- Affiliate networks
- User submissions
- Manual web research[3]
User Experience
Positive Aspects
- Automatic coupon application through browser extension
- Combination of coupon and cash back rewards
- Wide retailer coverage
- Responsive customer service[4]
Common Challenges
- Not all coupon codes work consistently
- Limited grocery and everyday item offerings
- Cash back processing can take up to 45 days
- Some users report account suspension issues[4][6]
Customer Feedback
The platform currently maintains a 2.1-star rating from 166 reviews on Sitejabber[6]. User experiences vary significantly:
Positive Reviews Some users praise the platform as their first stop for online shopping savings, noting that while not every coupon works, the successful ones provide substantial value[6].
Negative Reviews Critics point to issues with:
- Cash back payment delays
- Account suspensions
- Invalid coupon codes
- Difficulty reaching customer service[2]
Mobile Application
RetailMeNot's mobile app extends the platform's functionality to smartphones, offering:
- On-the-go coupon access
- Push notifications for new deals
- Mobile-specific offers
- Cash back activation and redemption[8]
Recent Developments
The company has introduced National Cashback Day, a November shopping event where users can receive up to 20% cash back from approximately 300 national retailers, including major brands like Banana Republic, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's[1].
Strategic Acquisitions
RetailMeNot has expanded its reach through several strategic acquisitions:
- VoucherCodes (UK)
- Gutschein-Codes.de (Germany)
- Ma-Reduc.com and Poulpeo.com (France)
- ZenDeals.com (North America)
- Giftcard Zen Inc
- LowestMed[1]
Best Practices for Users
Maximizing Benefits
- Install the browser extension for automatic coupon application
- Combine coupon codes with cash back offers
- Check for mobile-exclusive deals
- Verify terms and conditions before use
- Monitor cash back tracking and payment status
When to Use RetailMeNot The platform is most beneficial for:
- Online retail shopping
- Travel bookings
- Restaurant deals
- Special occasion purchases[4]
Industry Position
RetailMeNot operates in the competitive digital savings space alongside platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta[4]. While the company maintains a significant market presence, user experiences suggest varying levels of success with the platform's offerings.
Transparency and Trust
RetailMeNot has implemented several measures to build user trust:
- Human verification of coupon codes
- Clear documentation of offer terms
- Dedicated moderation team for user-submitted deals
- Regular updates to remove expired offers[3]
Future Outlook
As part of Vericast, RetailMeNot continues to evolve its digital savings ecosystem[1]. The platform's focus on combining traditional coupon offerings with cash back rewards and browser extension functionality positions it for continued relevance in the digital savings landscape.
Conclusion
RetailMeNot represents a significant player in the digital savings space, offering a comprehensive suite of money-saving tools. While the platform provides valuable savings opportunities for many users, success often depends on careful attention to offer terms and proper tracking of rewards. The mixed user reviews suggest that while RetailMeNot can be a useful tool in a shopper's savings strategy, it may be most effective when used alongside other savings platforms and with realistic expectations about coupon success rates and cash back processing times.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RetailMeNot [2] https://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/retailmenot.html [3] https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/why-trust-us.html [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae6OFz5QVVM [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyp8vOCxdTY [6] https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/retailmenot.com [7] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whaleshark.retailmenot&hl=en [8] https://www.retailmenot.com
