eBay changed policy (quite some time ago) so that eBay bucks are no longer automatically applied to your next eBay purchase. It used to be that when I earned eBay bucks they would be deducted automatically from my next bill. Now I have to remember to apply the redemption code, and I forgot to do so several times and now the bucks have expired. So, eBay just saved itself $13.69. It is frustrating, though, to have missed the deadline and have that amount lost even though I did spend more than that on eBay since I got the bucks. I understand the policy. I have read that mail-in rebates work because they inspire people to buy items because of the lower price but only half are ever redeemed. Now eBay can tell me I am getting 2% "back" and not really giving it to me unless I remember to apply it. When I get my next bucks, I will remember to use them. Today was too late.
I found myself usually buying something I only sort-of wanted because I had eBay bucks to spend but it has been many months since I have earned enough even to get any. I bought some scalpel blades and camera accessories with what was earned on coins but it seemed that no one posted coins I wanted during the short life of the Bucks I had. Of course it is made worse by so many eBay offerings being what I consider not serious attempts to sell. When you eliminate the $5 coins offered for $50 and the $50 ones at $1000, the selection could be better. We are approaching my 20th anniversary on eBay. At ten, they gave us oldies a gift. Has anyone hit 20 yet? Get anything?
Been on Ebay since nearly day one. In the old days our ID was our e-mail address, at some point it was changed to an anonymous ID. Although mine was from 1995 it currently shows as 1997. I dont know what Ebay Bucks are (I must have missed that). I guess I have been there over 20, but by their list only 19.
I keep a very close eye on my eBay bucks. They do expire so I have to make sure to use them. If you are patient and don't have critical purchases, do wait until the promotions come into play. You can get up to 10% back on expensive-er purchases. I once had so much ebay bucks that I used them to entirely fund an oboe that I ended up making right around $300 in profit, including the ebay bucks. It's a good deal, just make sure to keep an eye on it.
Also, a good tactic is to use your credit card to buy via ebay if you get cashback or rewards points. I only get 1% back, but add that to the 2-10% that ebay gives, it all adds up
