Understanding how to use the feedback system will enable you to shop with high quality sellers and have positive buying experiences.

1. NUMBER OF FEEDBACKS -

If the number of feedbacks is under 100 and the amount of time that the seller has been on eBay is under 1 year, you are dealing with someone who has not yet established a good reputation, so keep that in mind before purchasing a very expensive item..

2.  GOOD NEGATIVE vs BAD NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS -

Examples of good negative feedbacks...I had to wait a week before I received my item (It's unreasonable to expect to receive item in a day or two. We are all at the mercy of the Post Office!) ; I. decided I didn't want item and the seller wouldn't give me a refund (Check to see what the seller's terms are and if said terms are not acceptable to you, do not do business with that seller); Item wasn't what I thought it was or I thought it was bigger, heavier etc. (Always carefully read the description and if you have any questions ask BEFORE you bid, not after!)

Example of bad negative feedbacks...I paid and never received item; Item was poorly packed and arrived damaged; Item arrived 2 months after I paid.; Seller did not answer emails and my problem went unresolved; Seller said item was 2.5 grams of 22ct gold and it wasn't - gross misrepresentation!

If your seller has 20 GOOD negative feedbacks, you are better off to deal with him than the seller who has 1 BAD negative feedback! 

3. FEEDBACK PADDING -

 Some unscrupulous sellers buy or/and sell a large quantity of cheap items so their feedback record will look good and they then list and sell very expensive items that they never deliver. Look at the item page that corresponds with the feedback.

4. CONTACT THE SELLERS' BUYERS WHO LEFT A FEEDBACK -

Especially if it is an expensive purchase that you are contemplating, email past buyers who purchased similar items, to find out if product description was accurate, how the seller treated them, is the item still functioning properly, would they deal with that seller again etc.?

5. CONTACT SELLER BEFORE LEAVING A NEGATIVE OR NEUTRAL FEEDBACK -

Many sellers will resolve a problem if they are made aware of it. If you don't bother to contact seller and leave a negative or neutral feedback, he will probably reciprocate in kind.

6. LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF FEEDBACKS THAT BUYERS OF THE SELLER HAVE -

If everyone who buys from this seller has 10 or fewer feedbacks, it would seem that only new/inexperienced eBayers are patronizing this seller. Why aren't experienced buyers doing any business with this seller?

7. LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF REPEAT SALES THAT THIS SELLER HAS.

If many people keep coming back to buy, this is a good sign. If the seller's customers buy once and never buy again be cautious.

8. REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE FEEDBACK IS, IF THE DEAL LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS.

Ocassionally a thief will TAKE OVER an account. He will price expensive goods at a very low price and state that he will only accept  Western Union payments or cash. If you are in doubt, go to the seller's feedback page and click CONTACT THE SELLER to confirm that the ad is legitimate.

Hope the above has been helpful and HAPPY BUYING!

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