eBay sent a survey to shoppers, but it appeared to be more of a marketing-engagement strategy than an actual attempt to gather and compile useful information for eBay decision-makers.
The survey came in the same format as an eBay marketing email. “What Do Your Shopping Habits Say About You? Take our quiz and find out.” Clicking on the link to “Start Quiz” takes recipients of the eBay email to a page on https://ebay.jebbit.com, where they could take the quiz.
Here are the questions and responses:
You just got a bonus, how are you spending it?
- Retail therapy
- Get that special someone a gift
- Time for some online shopping
- Checking off that wishlist
What is most important when buying items online?
- The best price, guaranteed
- Free shipping is a must
- I need the best quality
- A huge selection of options
- Protection if something goes wrong
When do you start buying gifts for the holidays?
- All year long
- Once I hear holiday music
- Black Friday
- Cyber Monday
- At the last minute
Who’s on the top of your holiday shopping list? (Select all that apply).
- My significant other
- My family
- My BFFs
- Me, myself & I
When are you most likely to treat yourself during the holidays?
- During the first holiday sale
- On Black Friday
- On Cyber Monday
- After the holidays
- After shopping for others
Your friends will say you’re always on your phone browsing…
- Clothing, shoes & jewelry
- Appliances, furniture & home decor
- Sports, hobbies & entertainment
- Electronics, computers & cameras
Once finished taking the quiz, the Jebbit website serves up a description of the respondent, such as the following:
You’re The Gifter
Shopping is your favorite past time. Whenever you go shopping you tend to leave with something you didn’t come for and cover it up as a gift. You take your time and you’re never in a rush.
No matter your shopping style eBay has all the hottest deals.
Link: Nab a Deal
The link takes the shopper to a category page on the eBay Deals site. It’s a roundabout way to get recipients of eBay marketing emails to end up on the eBay website, yet in some ways, oddly compelling.
NEVER answer the eBay questionnaire.
Whether you’re a Buyer or a Seller.
It makes eBay worse for everyone.
ALWAYS.