eBay warning as shoppers to be hit with big changes in just a few weeks
Consumer champions say shoppers will be worse off and face having to make a tough choice
eBay shoppers and Nectar point collectors are set to be hit by a significant change, with a consumer expert warning that people will find themselves out of pocket. In under two months, the automatic collection of Nectar points on eBay purchases will cease.
Starting from September 1, eBay customers will no longer accrue one Nectar point per £1 spent as the current linking of accounts will end. The sole method to earn Nectar points will be through shopping on eBay via the Nectar app and website.
Moreover, the option to spend Nectar vouchers on eBay will be discontinued. Any existing vouchers will remain valid for a year from the date of issue, and Nectar members can continue to purchase them until August 31, 2024.
Consumer champion Helen Dewdney, also known as The Complaining Cow, has highlighted that those who are adept at saving money will find this change particularly detrimental. She explains: "If you currently use a cashback site, you will be getting money for spending on eBay. For example, you can currently get 1p for every £1 spent on eBay through Topcashback."
Dewdney adds: "So, because the Nectar card and eBay accounts are linked, you are able to go through a cashback site and get 1p in cashback and 1 nectar point equal to 0.5p, a total of 1.5p. From 1 September you will have to choose which to use: 2 nectar points worth 1p through the Nectar app or 1p in cashback," reports the Manchester Evening News.
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She concludes with a stark reminder for the thrifty shopper: "Whilst these are small sums, they do mount up if you are also a savvy eBay buyer. If you spent £100 using cashback and Nectar you would receive a total of £1.50. From September 1 you will get £1 in Nectar points or £1 in cashback."
An eBay spokesperson has revealed to consumer expert Dewdney: "We regularly review how customers can use Nectar with our partners and today's announcement means some changes to the way Nectar works at eBay. From September 1, the way customers can use Nectar with eBay is changing and they can collect two points for every £1 they spend via nectar.com and the Nectar app."
Dewdney suspects that the decision to scrap eBay seller fees may be a strategic move to counteract rivals like Vinted, but warns it might not fully consider the potential drawbacks for buyers.
A representative for Nectar confirmed: "We regularly review how customers can use Nectar with our partners and today's announcement means some changes to the way Nectar works at eBay. From September 1 [2024], the way customers can use Nectar with eBay is changing and they can collect two points for every £1 they spend via nectar.com and the Nectar app."
Dewdney suggests shoppers rush to make their eBay purchases before August 31, 2024, to ensure their Nectar points are banked for the next year.
She also urges consumers to weigh up whether collecting Nectar points or earning cashback is more beneficial for them, as they will have to choose one route or the other to claim their rewards, rather than going directly through eBay.
