Although Ebay's feedback system was set up to give buyers & sellers a place to comment on their satisfaction or disappointment with a transaction, I have found that it can also be a powerful marketing tool.

Just like when you want to get your house painted but have no idea who to hire. You see a neighbor whose house has a nice paint job so you ask him about the company he used. You end up using the same company because your neighbor is pleased with the outcome. You feel confident in your decision based on the feedback of your neighbor.

Say you need to get your car repaired but are not sure where to go. You know it can be a risk when you take your auto to a new mechanic. You don't want to run into this guy!

Several people recomend the same place & you end up going there after hearing of the honesty & fairness of the business. The feedback from your friends regarding their experience leads you to someone you can trust.

These are simple examples of referrals.  Most people in business, especially sales, will tell you referrals are the way they get most of their business. When you come recommended half the work is already done.

POSITIVE FEEDBACKS ARE THE REFERRAL SYSTEM ON EBAY

I realize that not everybody relies on this system & some don't bother to use it at all. Others will give a simple "OK" or "good" or "item arrived". It is a voluntary system, so when someone volunteers to say something good about their transaction with you, use it.

I like to call these feedbacks Item Specific feedback. These are the comments that say something directly related to your item. These are the ones I am pleasantly surprised to get and have decided to use them in my marketing stratagem.

These feedbacks will usually talk about the item, quality, packing, shipping, communication and other positive remarks.

In the graphics below you will see how I have incorporated these comments into my listings.

I PUT THESE  IN MY LISTINGS FOR PRINTS

I USE THESE IN MY LISTINGS FOR MAGNETS

You will notice the feedbacks mention:

1. THE PRODUCT (artwork, magnets)
2. THE QUALITY  (paper & materials)
3. SHIPPING & PACKAGING  (fast, arrived in great condition)
4. HOW THEY FELT (I had to purchase more, I'm a fan, very pleased, very happy)
5. RECOMMENDATION (great seller, buy without hesitation)

When we get positive, Item Specific feedback, we need to use it. If not people might have to scroll through 10 pages of "good deal", "item arrived", "A+++" just to get to the good stuff!

Not being seen or known by potential buyers means we need every advantage & tool to gain their trust. This happens to be an easy & fast way to put your best foot forward and build up some steady clientele.

As I mentioned before, feedback is voluntary and sometimes people forget. It is also a system that has been abused by some to make threats, send spiteful negatives, etc. A problem sellers have also encountered is the person who leaves a neg too quick without taking the proper steps. In an effort to try to avoid this I send out this card with my packages to hopefully remind people of the importance of the feedback system. I want them to tell me if there is a problem, not just neg me for something one email could fix.

(Card reads: "Please remember to leave feedback. It lets me know you have received the item & are happy with it. E-mail me if there are any problems so I can take care of them" ) 

When I get a negative feedback I want to at least have earned it:>

Also, for sellers it is the last step in a transaction & it is our way of knowing the buyer has the item, is satisfied, and the deal is done.

So in a effort to market my eBay business I use positive, Item Specific feedbacks in my listings, about me page, mailing lists & anywhere else I might think of. It can only help!

To learn more about eBays feedback policy visit the Feedback Forum& the Discussion Board on Feedback