The Offers
eBay has been sending out targeted e-mails to some eBay accounts. Subject line for these offers has been: Get an extra $100 for video games and consoles (although sometimes the $100 has been replaced by another denomination):
- Receive up to $100 in eBay coupons when you list and sell video games or consoles on eBay. You’ll receive 100% of the total amount sold (less shipping, handling, and taxes). For example if you sell $50, you would receive a $50 eBay coupon. If you sold $100, you’d receive a $100 eBay coupon. If you sold $500 you’d receive a $100 eBay coupon.
Some people have reported receiving similar deals but only up to $25 in eBay coupons.
The Fine Print
- Items must be listed before Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at 23:59:59 PT
- Payment must be received in full from buyers before by 23:59:59 PT on Wednesday, June 10, 2015
- Only items sold after the offer has been activate count
- Coupon you receive has to be used all in one purchase
Full terms & conditions can be found here.
Our Verdict
If you try to activate and receive “Unfortunately, this promotional offer is by invitation only.” that means you weren’t targeted, if you are able to successfully activate without seeing that error message that means you should be able to complete the offer even if you can’t find the offer e-mail – although YMMV. You might also be able to get this offer to show by logging into your account and going to the eBay homepage, there should be a banner that is in the center towards the top advertising this offer – although again not all accounts will be targeted.
I don’t really see what’s stopping you from selling a cheap game/console and then getting a friend to purchase it on eBay for ~$100 to get the coupon. I guess they might not give out the coupon to people who sold an item well outside it’s normal selling price range. You could also list an item for local pick up only and then sell it to a friend that way (using an item that usually sells in that price range).
This is also just a good excuse to sell any games you have laying around that you don’t want anymore. People in this slickdeals thread have reported issues getting eBay to send out the coupon after the end of similar promotions, so please keep that in mind as well.
Hat tip to tumbenhaur on Slickdeals
