EBay Tests Rewards Program; Restrictions Could be Discouraging
EBay is continuing to experiment with a shopping rewards program and has invited a select group of members to test drive the inner workings.
The members received an exclusive e-mail asking if they would like to preview the program that lets them earn a 2% reward in the form of eBay Bucks based on purchases paid for with PayPal. The Bucks are then distributed through certificates once per quarter and can be used to buy other things on eBay.
The group will also receive special promotional e-mails about ways to earn even more eBucks or surveys requesting additional feedback. EBay is counting on this select group to provide honest feedback to help shape the features and design of the program.
EBay first tested the program last year and has made improvements in this version.
But, just like the myriad of maddening blackout dates and other restrictions put on members of airline frequent flyer programs, some of the eBuck’s rewards rules may frustrate, or even discourage, some members.
One example is the preclusion of the most expensive items from the program, including cars and other vehicles, real estate and business and industrial capital equipment. And members can only earn up to $500 eBucks during a single quarter. Another potential irritant may be that members only have 30 days from the time the certificate is issued to spend it at the site.
“We strive to have the highest quality during BETA, but also recognize that since this is new, we may run into issues. The good news is that we fix them as soon as we find them,” eBay said on its Web site.
EBay has launched other customer retention programs, including distributing coupons and partnering with Microsoft to offer referral discounts from its Live Search site.
