The current global economic crisis is changing the way people see and use their rewards programmes says eBucks, South Africa's leading rewards programme.

Lezanne Human, CEO of eBucks, says in a tougher economic climate, consumers use their reward currency as a way to extend their purchasing power.

"Given the precarious economic times, consumers are realising that not all rewards programmes are equal. Successful rewards programmes are the ones that offer real value. Members do not only earn decent rewards from the partners, but they are also able to spend those rewards on items that are tangible and relevant."

eBucks has noted two definite trends: Firstly, members are using their eBucks to purchase everyday essentials; and secondly, members who used to save up their eBucks for big ticket items, are now spending their eBucks much faster on smaller 'treats', allowing them to still have those little luxuries without having to spend rands on them.

The need to cut back on household and luxury spending is one of the key challenges facing cash strapped consumers, who are becoming increasingly savvy in the way that they make ends meet. Many shoppers are now more aware of discount offerings than ever before, actively seeking out 'the bargain'.

Always leading the way with innovative solutions, eBucks has added an additional layer to its award winning rewards programme: eBucks Discounts offers members significant discounts on all of the most popular items in the eBucks shop. For example, qualifying members can now get up to 40% off Emirates flights, up to 50% off movie tickets and up to 15% off Woolworths vouchers.

"These discounts have been immensely popular, which is further evidence of the consumer trend to value offerings," added Human.

The reason eBucks is so successful is that it is able to offer its members a variety of partners from which members can accelerate the amount of eBucks they earn, as well as the widest range of spend choices and channels.

eBucks was named as the rewards programme that consumers get the most value out of in the recent Razor's Edge Value in Rewards Programmes survey. Over R1 billion worth of eBucks have been allocated to members to date, and monthly, members spend more than 80% of the eBucks they earn.

Recently named as the top online retailer in the country, the eBucks shop is set to take an even greater market share with the addition of the rand payment option which was launched in late 2008.

For more information contact:

info@ebucks.com