There are lots of questions floating out there on eBay about FEEDBACK etiquette. Have you wondered when is the proper time to give FEEDBACK? Or who should be the first to post their FEEDBACK? Or what should you do if you want to give a seller negative FEEDBACK?

First I will go into some of the thoughts of sellers and buyers on FEEDBACK. We all want a positive experience when shopping and selling on eBay. And FEEDBACK is a way of letting other prospective buyers & sellers know what our experience was through the FEEDBACK system.

Buyers often feel that after they have purchased an item it is the sellers responsibility to make a comment on the FEEDBACK system. And, after the buyer has received their product, the buyer will make their comment.

Sellers have felt that buyers should be the first to make the comment on the FEEDBACK system. And, then the seller will make theirs according to what the buyer has wrote.

Since their is no defined rules on eBay about how to go about using the FEEDBACK system, often the seller and buyer have to make their own rules. It takes a few starts and re-starts, a few failings, to finally figure out what works for you.

Here is my strategy on using the FEEDBACK system. To me, it is just logical for both the buyer and the seller. As a seller, I write in my "checkout instructions", what I expect of the buyer.

My strategy is this: The buyer purchases an item. I mail it to the buyer. The buyer does not give me FEEDBACK until after they receive their product. Why? Because how could they logically give me feedback on anything on the "detailed seller ratings". The detailed seller ratings include: communication, item as described, shipping time, shipping and handling charges. Could you possibly answer any of those questions, honestly?

After the buyer has received their item, the buyer examines their product. They can compare the description to the item. Then, they can write a comment on the FEEDBACK system and honestly pick a 5-star rating for the "item as described".

• The buyer can recount the communication between themself and the seller and rate that.

• Also, compare the shipping time to what the seller has stated in the description or the "checkout instructions".

•  And finally, the buyer can figure the shipping and handling charges and see if they are close to what was projected. NOTE: buyers when rating the "shipping and handling charges", remember you have to ADD in the handling charges to the shipping posted on the shipping label.

After the buyer has left their FEEDBACK, this shows the seller that they have received the item they have bought. It also ...  if positive feedback was left ... shows the buyers appreciation for the time and effort the seller has put into locating the product, listing the product and mailing it to them.

Then it is time for the seller to leave their FEEDBACK. This last step, when the seller leaves their feedback ends the contract with the buyer, eBay, and the seller. It shows to the buyer that they (the seller) appreciates their purchasing the item from them.

Without the buyers on eBay, we would not have a place on the internet to do business with.

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It is a sad fact that we live in a thankless world today. I have known many people who have gone through life not ever showing their appreciation for anything that someone may have done for them or given to them.

These people don't even think about thanking the person for their efforts, time, or whatever.

As a seller myself, I can't wait until I receive my positive feedback. It is like receiving an "A" in school. It is like I have found something that you can use, I have given you a great price, and you love it!

My motto is: "Your Satisfaction is My Highest Priority"!

I can't wait to see your FEEDBACK which says,  

"Thank You! ... I love it! .... It is better than the description! ... Fast shipping! ... Great packing! ...                 So impressed! ... Thanks for throwing in the Extra Goodies! ... Great Communication! ... Great value Even nicer than picture!  ... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"

Why can't I wait to see these FEEDBACKS?

So, I can return the favor!

I want to leave YOU great positive FEEDBACK which says,

"WONDERFUL*¨¨*RECOMMEND*¨¨*BUYER! ... Just the best! ...   Welcome back anytime! ... Another REPEAT buyer! Thanks so much for coming back!  ... Quick response and fast payment! ... Awesome Buyer! ... SMOOTH all the WAY ~ Can't ask for more! ... Ebays president could not have done any better with this transaction! ... Hope to deal with you again! ... •.•T•H•A•N•K•S•.•!"

That just makes my day!!!

Make sense?  It's not about the buyer paying quickly, nor about the seller leaving FEEDBACK first.

No, it is about buyer satisfaction, being satisfied with their purchase. It is about not being critical of the item, the buyer should be satisfied just as long as the item is as described in the listing! When the buyer is satisfied, the seller is satisfied.

FEEDBACK is the last step in a successful contract.
It's the Buyer and Seller supporting each other
and complimenting each other on a job well done!

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NOW for a few comments on NEGATIVE FEEDBACK!

If on occasion you happen to purchase something from a seller and it is not as described in the listing, DON'T under any circumstances, go and post NEGATIVE FEEDBACK.

The correct way to go about the posting of feedback is to contact the seller via message or email. Give them time to get back with you, as many eBay seller have another job besides sitting at their computer waiting for messages or emails. I would give it a week...

Try to come to a compromisable agreement. Don't get angry, don't write hateful comments. Just state the facts: discuss why you believe your item is not as described in the listing. Usually the seller will come up with a compromise.

If you can't and the seller is disagreeable, use the eBay dispute or the PayPal dissatisfaction route. If this doesn't solve your problem, then leave negative FEEDBACK, if you feel the seller deserves it.

The same routes can be taken as a seller as mentioned above.

NEGATIVE FEEDBACK should only be used to protect the future eBay buyers and sellers. Not as a vengeful dispute vise.

Most transactions on eBay are positive ones. Let's keep them that way and have a wonderful time on eBay buying, selling, and showing our appreciation by saying "Thank You"!

 SandrasACRE says Thank You and Vote on this GUIDE!