Whether you're a novice ebayer or a veteran, if you are reading this, you realize what an imporant part your feedback score plays in your ebay experience.  This guide will give you some helpful tips on how to give and get positive feedback to maximize the benefits as a seller.

FOR SELLERS.....

Feedback score is your ultimate Ebay best friend!  Afterall, the higher your score, the more reputable you will be to prospective bidders.  If there are two identical items up for bid, an experienced ebayer will probably bid on the item from the seller with the higher feedback score.  They will feel more comfortable bidding with a tried and true seller with lots of positive comments written about them.

Don't be afraid to be the first.....

The best way to consistently recieve positive feedback is to give it first!  As soon as the bidders payment has cleared and the item has been shipped, you should take the time to give them feedback.  This serves two purposes; it gives you the oppurtunity to thank your customer and let them know their item has been shipped.  By thanking your customer, you are letting them know they are a valued part of your business.  It also shows great communication on your part because you have taken the time to notify them when their item has been shipped and when they can expect to recieve it.

Example feedback statements:

"Thank you the fast payment.  Your item was shipped this morning!  Enjoy!"

"Great ebayer!  Instant payment appreciated.  Your package is on it's way!"

"Smooth transaction.  Package shipped today.  Thanks!"

Let your customers know...

It is always good business to thank your customers.  Many send and email or enclose a
thank you card in their shipment.  Make sure that you express to them how much you appreciate their feedback.

Example thank you notes:

"Thank you for your business!  Your feedback is greatly appreciated!  Please let us know if we can help you in the future!"

"Thank you for shopping my ebay store!  As a new business, it is important to me that I know how well I am serving my valued customers.  Please don't forget to leave me feedback!  Thanks again!"

Great service = Great Feedback

The best way to ensure that you recieve positive feedback is to make sure you serve your bidders effectively and efficiently. 

One of the most important aspects of growing a business is good communication with your customers.  Make sure you check your emails and messages several times a day, at different times of the day.  Remember, while you may be getting ready for bed on the east coast, some one on the west coast may be just logging on after a day of work to do a little recreational shopping!  Check your emails first thing in the morning and just before you retire for the evening.  You may catch a sale and be able to have that item shipped bright and early in the morning instead of later that next day.  Or, you may be able to answer a potential bidders question while they are still online, which may result in a bid while their need is fresh in their minds.

In addition to communication, you want to serve your customer with proper packaging and timely shipping of their item.  The sooner you get their purchase to them, the fresher the excitement and the happier that buyer will be!  Happy, excited customers make for great feedback!  In addition to fast shipping, make sure your item is clearly labled and appropriately wrapped, packed and sealed!  Every package you send out (unless you are using a messenger service) is going to encounter several modes of transportation, conveyor belts, and many sets of hands!  If a label falls off or a loosely packed box gets jammed on a conveyor belt, this is going to delay the delivery, your customer's enthusiasm and your feedback score!

Follow up!

What do you do if you don't hear from your customers?  Reach out to them first! 

Keep track of your shipments by tracking them online.  When you see that the package has been delivered, send a quick email to confirm that they recieved their item in good condition.  This extra bit of communication often serves as an additional reminder that you expect to hear from them via ebay feedback.

I am sure if you follow these common sense practices, you will not only see your feedback score grow, but your ebay business grow as well!

Good luck and don't forget to leave feedback!