Ebay Morality

My reply was written while you added that lenghty post.

What I stated....
ebay is ebay.....they set the rules.....
just like this forum....
If you dont like it....dont use it ( ebay)

I participated on the 'Bidding Board' community forum, for 10 years. (buyer only, very long time ago) Our first off, general advice to newcomers, on feedback was:

1. It is the very last thing you do, to complete the transaction.
2. We encouraged leaving feedback, to let the 'buyers to come after you' an idea of what to expect from the seller, whether the seller requested it, or not.
3. Negative feedback should never be left until ALL options had been explored and exhausted, to come to a satisfactory conclusion. Only leave a negative, if you did not reach a satisfactory conclusion.

If you had a satisfactory experience from the seller, a few words would be good, even if generic in nature.

If they had specific complaints, we would advise, based on the information they told us, as to what to leave for feedback, or what other options available to explore to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

I agree because of the changes that were made in the feedback system, it isn't what is once was, and exploitation exists. It existed before, just not on the scale it is now able to achieve, based on the changes. This knowledge is best useful, to those reading someone's feedback. It is good to know, because you can then learn to recognize when a seller is padding their feedback, or what you are seeing is not true. It helps to know it can happen.

As for those commenting about leaving generic feedback, when you do leave a feedback that is not in keeping with your normal habit of it, it stands out, and gives the potential buyer something to consider. A seller who goes above and beyond, deserves more than a generic positive. I find it's refreshing to see that, and goes alot farther than a personal email praising them. It will help reward those sellers who do reach for a higher standard. That is a good way to thank a seller.

I do however, still think the basic etiquette, would be good to adhere to. Leave feedback, whether asked to, or not. Many sellers appreciate feedback, that shows others their integrity, rather than a personal email they cannot post for themselves. If the transaction warrants, or you simply want to add more than generic praise, you can do both.

Very thoughtful post cet gg. Thank you.

Don's comments were thoughtful and helpful to readers who may not know all the underlying policies or rules that ebay uses, or the games that sellers or buyers play. They help anyone decide whether to use the system or not. It's easy to say, if you don't like the system don't use it, but you can't make that decision without knowing everything about how the system works.

Don, just because I may have had a problem with a seller does not mean that the seller is bad. Even the best sellers have things go wrong. This is what the feedback system is designed for - you can easily gauge if bad transactions are isolated or frequent.

Many people rely on the feedback system. Your feedback boycott is unfortunate as it accomplishes nothing and is actually a disservice to buyers (whom I believe you try to help).

Jenny,
I agree that having a problem with a seller does not mean that a seller is 'bad' but a trend of issues, from different buyers, probably does. I am unclear why you may feel that I was saying something else. While I understand that some people place more emphasis on the feedback system I cannot overlook the number of people who are exploiting it. Do you feel that the exploits do not exist or that some people do not exploit the system?

I also agree with your statement on the Feedback's system design intent. But design intent does not mean that the system has succeeded in meeting that intent. And in this case I think that people have figured out many ways to exploit the original design intent.

Perhaps the word boycott was not the best for me to use because it may imply to some that I am expecting others to follow my example. It is fine that other folks follow their own approach on this issue, I did not mean my use of the word boycott to advocate anyone do anything else. My motivation to not use the feedback system is more self-serving. First I choose to not support a system when I have little confidence in it, this is a personal choice. Second, I do not like being required to leave feedback in a form which forces me into canned replies and limited amounts of words. I feel I can be much more detailed in a message back to a buyer or seller. I do not see how this is a disservice to others. It could be that I am a bit 'old school', having owned a retail store for many years and also in my professional career, in which following up in a personal way was the accepted correct approach. I am unsure why this approach would now be considered a disservice.

My personal messages have generated quite a few responses over the last year or two and without exception they were all positive. In fact many noted the personal touch it added and were quite appreciative that I took the time to write; it makes my transaction stand out in a sea of transactions. And please note the few that mentioned the ebay Feedback system in their reply resulted in me going back and giving them a feedback. It is true that I can 'afford' to take the extra time to write a personal note because I am not having to deal with large amounts of transactions. While this designates me as a lower volume seller/buyer, I do not view this as a negative.

Guess we will just have to agree to disagree on some of this but thanks for your input, I respect your opinion.
Don

Don,
First of all hope you're doing better.
I will use the ebay rating system but only when I have time meaning I'll do several in the course of 10 minutes or so. Having said this I find myself going to stamps 2Go site more often. I've sent postcards to the ones that have provided exceptional service and others I will email when I get the order to let them know I received the material.
Tom

Thanks for all the advice. I've sent my 5 stars.

I take it that many (or most) e bay sellers are not just collectors selling off a few extra stamps, but are running a business.

I am quite impressed at how you people are willing to share your experience. Don

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...off&items=50

Well....with 41 positives in the past year, sure
looks like appropiate feedback was left
(as a buyer and a seller)

Kevin,
There are 13 'as seller' related feedbacks for stamp sales in the last 12 months. I had many more actual sales, so I am missing the point of your post.
Again, if you have an issue with me, please feel free to privately contact me instead of constantly filling this forum up with your 'push back' posts.
Don

Don the original poster on this thread asked for advice about the ebay feedback system and you quickly jumped in stating that you boycott the ebay feedback system. For what it's worth, in my opinion, in this context boycott means that you don't use the system. You did that publicly - not in a private message. I for one think it's perfectly appropriate that Kevin pointed out publicly that (apparently) you DO use the system as ebay designed it. I'm all for Transparent.

I can understand both sides in this issue. Don didn't start the topic but Kevin and Don seem to have an issue between them. I wouldn't mind seeing them continue as some of this has been a learning experience for me.

Columbian,
I stated several times, in two different posts, that I use the system when the buyer/seller replies to my message and asks for feedback, I do not understand how this could be clearer. I also said in the last post that perhaps my use of the word 'boycott' was probably not a good choice of words.

Kevin does indeed have an issue with me, and he takes advantage to be critical of me at every turn he can. Notice he didn't simply offer his opinion to the OP. What is his opinion on the Feedback system? I'm sure it differs from my, and that it fine. I don't mind having a civil, productive discussion with him on this. But the snarky comments and stalking across many threads is not good for the forum or community.
Don

ebay has sellers and buyers from rotten to exceptional. I have been a buyer and seller on ebay for over 15 years.

At one time, feedback was left for over 80% of transactions. Today it is probably 30% to 40%.

Feedback for buyers today means absolutely nothing as only positive can be left.

Feedback is totally voluntary and should not be forced on any body.

Many sellers don't leave feedback any more due to only being able to leave positive. If they get scammed, nothing can be left in feedback.

Buyer have been known to leave negative feedback for sellers because they do not leave feedback first.

Many sellers have auto feedback set up only after they receive feedback from buyers.

Personally, feedback is totally useless and totally one sided today.

Use it if you want, and don't use it if you don't want. Just don't hold it against others if they don't do as you do or as you expect.