I see this topic pop up time and again in the blogs.   I see the arguments for and against the seller leaving feedback first or requiring the buyer to "show satisfaction with the transaction" by leaving feedback first. I know what eBay recommends. I know what I do. And, of course, I know that feedback in entirely voluntary on both ends.

So, what is retaliatory feedback?

• If I, the buyer, choose not to leave feedback and my seller does not leave feedback, is that retaliatory?
• If I, the buyer, leave neutral or negative feedback, based on the item I received, but paid for my item promptly, is it retaliatory if my seller leaves neutral or worse, stating that they would have worked it out if they had been given the chance?
• If, I the seller, leave positive feedback for my customer as soon as I print their label, stating they had a speedy payment,  is it retaliatory if they leave me neutral or worse because the item was not as they had hoped?
  

These are just some of the examples that come to mind.

Judging the Feedback Left by Others

Retaliatory is in the mind of the person leaving the feedback, but we, as potential customers or sellers, poised to engage in our first transaction with another member, must "judge" feedback left for another by our potential trading partner based on the 80 characters or less allowed us by eBay.

Of the neutral and negative I have received, I can honestly say there is only one I suspect of being retaliatory in nature. I have never left one with retaliation in mind.  The one I suspect was left for me was retaliation for something outside of a sales transaction, I suspect, though again, I have no proof that it was such. 

How can I avoid the APPEARANCE of having left retaliatory feedback?

• As a seller, I try to squelch any potential customer's thoughts that I leave retaliatory feedback, by leaving feeback for my customers first for each sale.
• As a customer, I try to always leave my honest opinion of the transaction, as soon as I receive the item.  If I do not receive the item and am issued a refund, I try to wait to see if the item shows up before leaving my feedback. 
• Nevertheless, I honestly try NOT to leave feedback based on the feedback left me.

What do you think constitutes retaliatory feedback?  How do you think the feedback you have left others is interpreted by those parties uninvolved in the transaction?  I recommend taking the time to consider the feedback you are about to leave your trading partner. Make certain it is factual, without "flaming."

The effect of negative feedback

If the buyer or seller with whom you have traded gets enough negatives, he will be suspended of his trading rights, regardless of whether you were polite or retaliatory in your feedback, but your feedback to him will remain a permanent part of your eBay feedback records.  It will show up in off eBay sites designed to allow others to quickly see ONLY the neutrals and negatives you have given and received.

Take great care and challenge yourself to determine whether the feedback you are about to post is retaliatory in nature.