As a seller I have decided that I will start leaving feedback only after I receive feedback from the buyer.  Some call this holding the feedback hostage.  I call it making sure the buyer is happy and satisfied.  Buyers can and do turn ugly at times and become completely demanding and unreasonable.  Let me explain my reasoning.

The first point comes when you consider the transaction.  Is the buyer's responsibility over, or is the transaction complete, just because the buyer has paid for the item?  Some people argue that the buyer has done their part once they have paid.  I can understand what they are trying to say, but I don't think they've thought the situation through.  Have you ever stood in line at the return counter at Target or Walmart?  People can get VERY nasty, unreasonable and downright mean!  These are people who, at least theoretically, have promptly paid for their item. 

Let's just assume that the majority of them arrived at the store, purchased their item and left.  The return came later, on a second visit back to the store.  These people have decided that for whatever reason, they no longer want that item.  Fine, sometimes the return is warranted....sometimes it's a scam!  Most brick and mortar stores post their return policies, this is also true of most ebay sellers.  Unless there are extenuating circumstances you are not going to get a return that falls outside of these stated policies. 

Many ebay sellers get blamed for things like damage, delays or loss during shipping.  It is usually up to the buyer if they want to purchase insurance in the unlikely event that their package should become damaged or lost.  Most buyers choose not to spend the extra money and on an inexpensive item, I can certainly understand that.  The problem occurs when the buyer decides that the don't want to pay for the extra insurance, yet in essence are looking for the seller to be the "insurer" by insisting that the seller make the situation "right".  What's a seller to do?  Insist that every buyer purchase insurance?  That shouldn't be necessary.

There are other issues too.   What if the buyer isn't happy with the item?  If the seller has done their due diligence, has clear pictures and has accurately described an item, the buyer should not be able to insist on a refund or replacement just on a whim, unless it falls within the sellers return policy.  Buyers don't always realize the amount of time and money a seller has into listing an item.

There are buyers who want to purchase an item and then start negotiating the price.  There are buyers who want to blame the seller because a package doesn't arrive in the time frame they are hoping for.  There are buyers who want to blame the seller just because they no longer want the item and it was purchased on impulse.  Buyers even claim packages were never received.  I always purchase delivery confirmation so that I can provide tracking and confirmation to my buyers.

As in everything, a few bad apples make it difficult for everyone.  I have been very blessed by the fact that my buyers have all been wonderful to deal with.  But, I read a lot of feedback that others receive and I watch the blogs.  I know that there are some buyers out there just trying to cause problems.  I give each and every one of my buyer's the same attention to detail.  I don't care if they purchase a $2 item or spend hundreds of dollars.  I want them to be completely happy.  I build my reputation and business on making the buyer happy and I want them to return when they're ready to buy again.  I think that just makes good business sense. 

So to me, the transaction isn't complete until the buyer tells me that they have received the item and they are happy with it.  Then I know I can leave feedback and move on to a new transaction in good conscience. 

WAHM25

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