eBay is testing a VIP feature of its eBay Bucks loyalty program, which remains in beta testing and allows participants to earn 2% back on all qualifying purchases. Some eBay buyers received an email last week that said as VIP members of eBay Bucks, they would receive exclusive promotions and offers as well as a special customer support number.

eBay spokesperson John Pluhowski said the eBay Bucks VIP program is being tested on buyers who have earned at least $25 in eBay Bucks in the previous quarter, although eBay has not determined the precise requirements for when the program rolls out. eBay is testing only a fraction of users who meet the criteria, and Mr. Pluhowki said the testing would continue for several quarters. "Our intention is to build a long-term program, which requires we have sufficient test data which will take more than a single quarter (the earn period in eBay Bucks) of testing."

The mailing sent to buyers last week stated that members of the VIP eBay Bucks program would receive:

• Exclusive promotions and offers throughout the year
• A special customer support number for help with all your buying and selling needs

eBay launched the Bucks program in the spring in beta testing and is still an invitation-only program available to randomly selected eBay customers. eBay Bucks VIP participants will continue to earn the 2% cashback, plus they will receive "special perks."

eBay UK has launched a similar loyalty program called eBay Plus.