I am puzzled. I just read that eBay is "improving" the feedback system. Sellers have been complaining about the new Star Rating System (DSRs) as being too one-sided. So ebay is going to be totally removing the option for Sellers to leave Neutral or Negative Feedback for Buyers. I am not sure how this is going to help. 

First we have a Star Rating System that leaves a seller wondering what they did wrong or could do better or who was dissatisfied with what. And now sellers are faced with the new system that removes the option of telling other sellers that this is a buyer who was difficult to work with. Or this is a buyer who didn't pay at all. Or this is a buyer who high-jacked sellers by holding feedback hostage until they get something they want, or get a negative feedback.

I guess my question to eBay would be: Do you know who your customers are? It's not the people who buy from eBay sellers. Buyers are the sellers customers. It's your sellers who are your customers. Sellers are paying all the fees. Sellers are doing all the listing; selling; packing; shipping and follow-up. And sellers are paying all the eBay fees out of the money they get from their customers. Therefore, eBay sellers are eBay's customers.

It seems to me that eBay should be as concerned about taking care of their customers as they want the sellers to be about the buyers. Wouldn't you?

The story continues into 2009:

NEW GUIDE: Item not as stated in Auction. Not so simple to return very large, heavy items.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Returning-Large-Heavy-items-A-Shocking-Costly-Story_W0QQugidZ10000000010758530

For more information about the eBay 2008 changes:

1) New entitlement Feedback plan-why it won't work
 http://reviews.ebay.com/No-Negative-Feedback-for-Buyers-Why-it-won-apos-t-work_W0QQugidZ10000000005421402

2) The 2008 PowerSeller benefit package-A truly sad new chapter
http://reviews.ebay.com/PowerSeller-Benefits-Program-A-truly-sad-new-chapter_W0QQugidZ10000000005524944

3) PayPal - 2008 Changes - The 21-day hold on your money
http://reviews.ebay.com/PayPal-2008-Changes-The-21-day-hold-on-your-money_W0QQugidZ10000000005528443

Thank you for reading my guide.