Unfortunately for many buyers and sellers, there is a huge misunderstanding regarding feedback. Often buyers think they are leaving "good" feedback because they are unaware that Ebay has redefined words.

Neutral = Negative 

Ebay has decided that there is no difference between a neutral and a negative feedback. Neutrals have just as much power to have a seller restricted or suspended. Ebay believes that "most" buyers that give a neutral really wanted to give a negative. So before you leave that neutral, think about whether this seller was "bad" enough to lose their income or did they try to fix the problem?

The Stars

Anything less than 5 stars is considered bad according to Ebay. Ebay expects sellers to maintain star ratings between 4.5 & 5 stars. In fact to get the upcoming powerseller discount, sellers must maintain 4.8 stars. So by giving 5 stars, your favorite sellers may be able to lower prices.

Accurate is BAD ---- Ebay wants VERY Accurate

Satisfied is BAD ---- Ebay wants VERY Satisifed

Quickly is BAD ---- Ebay wants VERY Quickly

Reasonable is BAD ---- Ebay wants VERY Reasonable

Of course this will be confusing because no where else in the world is 4 stars considered bad. In fact 3 stars should be considered good but that is considered horrible here.

Feedback is about the seller

When you leave feedback it is about the seller and their performance. Did the seller accurately describe? Did the item arrive as promised? Did the seller respond to your questions in a reasonable time frame? How soon did the seller ship?

What feedback is not about

I know it is hard but remember what is in control of the seller. Postal delivery time & cost is determined by the Postal system. The seller can only control how soon something is shipped but cannot control how soon it is delivered. Do not rate a seller on how much you like or dislike the item, unless of course it was not described accurately. A book or game being boring is NOT the sellers fault. 

Before leaving neutrals, negatives, or less than 5 stars

Contact your seller. Most sellers are very reasonable and want their buyers to be happy. Give them an opportunity to correct any problem or clarify a misunderstanding, and then rate them on their response. Accidents happen but can be made right, so give them a chance before making them 1 step closer to losing their income.