It may not be the happiest New Year for eBay customers. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, eBay revamped its eBay Bucks loyalty program that rewards members for qualifying purchases. Now program members must earn a minimum of $5 in eBay Bucks during a quarterly earn period to receive a certificate at the end of the period.
What’s more, members will lose the balance in their eBay Bucks accounts if they don't earn $5 or more in a calendar quarter. That means to earn any rewards, customers now have to spend more than $250 on eBay during a specific quarter. Ebay Bucks is a rewards and loyalty program designed to keep buyers shopping on eBay and using PayPal to pay for their purchases.
Shoppers and sellers alike are not happy with the changes to the loyalty program. Program members earn 2% in “bucks” on each purchase.
In an email to program members, eBay announced that customers will now forfeit their rewards balance for the quarter if they don’t earn more than $5. Certain categories aren’t part of the program, and the company cut a few more as part of these changes. Auto parts and accessories are now no longer part of the program.
Ebay officials said they made the changes to eBay Bucks following its latest audit of the loyalty program. Ebay has eliminated the program’s VIP level, the Bullion category within Coins & Paper Money; and the Business & Industrial category – all occurring since early 2011.
On its website, eBay officials answered some questions related to the loyalty program changes:
Why are these changes being made to the eBay Bucks Rewards Program?
To maintain the performance of the eBay Bucks Rewards Program, we conduct regular audits of program benefits. The results of these audits may lead to program changes and updates to the program terms, including the changes we are implementing as of January 1, 2014.
If I don't earn $5.00 or more in a calendar quarter, does my balance transfer to the next quarter?
No, if you do not earn $5.00 or more in a calendar quarter, then your eBay Bucks balance does not transfer to the next earn period and is forfeited.
If I don't earn $5.00 in a calendar quarter, can I transfer my balance to another eBay Bucks member?
No, eBay Bucks are non-transferable.
If I commit to buying an item in Parts & Accessories before January 1, 2014, but pay for it after that date, will I earn eBay Bucks?
Yes, you will earn eBay Bucks on an item in Parts & Accessories if you commit to buy that item before January 1, 2014. Your eBay Bucks will be added to your account at the time you pay for that item, even if it is after January 1, 2014.
How do I earn eBay Bucks?
Earning eBay Bucks is easy! After you enroll, start shopping on eBay and you'll automatically earn eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases. Earn $5.00 or more in eBay Bucks during a calendar quarter and you will receive an eBay Bucks Certificate for the total amount earned after that quarter ends.
How is the base earn amount determined for a qualifying purchase?
The base earn amount is calculated by taking the [item price] x [quantity selected] x [earn percentage]. Any additional fees such as shipping, handling, and taxes are excluded from this calculation; eBay Bucks are earned solely on the item price.
What is the base earn percentage?
The base earn percentage is the percent amount used to calculate how many eBay Bucks a member will earn on qualifying purchases. The current base earn percentage is 2%.
Are there any limitations on how many eBay Bucks I can earn?
Yes:
You can earn up to $100 in eBay Bucks on any single eBay purchase. This means that if the eBay Bucks earn percentage is 2% and the purchase price (excluding tax, shipping fees) is in excess of $5,000, you would be restricted from earning any more eBay Bucks for that purchase beyond the $100 eBay Bucks purchase earn limit.
Can I earn eBay Bucks without a PayPal account?
No, you need a PayPal account to pay for qualifying purchases to earn eBay Bucks. Sign up for a PayPal account.