Abusive negative feedback on Ebay- what can I do?

Mrs_Money · 5 December 2012 at 10:02PM

A buyer has threatened me with legal action, called me names and then left negative feedback calling me names (defamatory) and has not said in their messages (despite me asking politely) what their complaint is.
Can I get the negative feedback removed? I have 100% with nearly 400 lots of positive feedback. I suspect the buyer thought my item (correctly described) was something altogether different and wants their money back.
What happens now?

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soolin · 5 December 2012 at 10:31PM

Unfortunately if you go down the defamatory route with ebayit costs you money and all they do is remove the comments not the actual neg.

It is always worth trying them though, by phone is best. Try to find a different reason together it removed though, something that fits n with their removal policy.

Also contact buyer as that will look good when you contact eBay and maybe you might even be able to sort out what it is they are moaning about

lindseykim13 · 5 December 2012 at 10:37PM

take a look at the other feedback they have left, it will help as ammo is they are a seriel negger

Mrs_Money · 5 December 2012 at 10:55PM

I've been in contact with the buyer after their first threatening message - asked them what their complaint was- just got more threats. I think it may be a bullying tactic just to get a refund.
I reported them off the link under the feedback that says "report this buyer", but that seems a bit general to me.
The buyer's aggresive tone seems like they are way too abusive to be approached about removal of the feedback!
I have yet to asnwer the feedback or leave them any.

porto_bello · 6 December 2012 at 12:13AM

From the description of your situation, in addition to the suggestions of Soolin and Lindseykim, maybe it would help to draw eBay's attention to the fact that you have politely asked the buyer what the problem is and have simply received abuse - and feel that any attempt to communicate will only serve to escalate their antagonism.

poet123 · 6 December 2012 at 12:41AM

soolin wrote: »

Unfortunately if you go down the defamatory route with ebayit costs you money and all they do is remove the comments not the actual neg.

It is always worth trying them though, by phone is best. Try to find a different reason together it removed though, something that fits n with their removal policy.

Also contact buyer as that will look good when you contact eBay and maybe you might even be able to sort out what it is they are moaning about

I used the defam form to get feedback removed and I didn't pay anything. Is it a very new thing? My issue was about 6 months ago.

soolin · 6 December 2012 at 10:21AM

poet123 wrote: »

I used the defam form to get feedback removed and I didn't pay anything. Is it a very new thing? My issue was about 6 months ago.

If you go through the official route here:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/defam.html

You used to need a legal stamp to say you have sworn the declaration- it looks like that requirement has now gone.

It does say that if the form is filled out and later disputed that the seller can then be done for defamation (and buyer can see the form and evidence)

There are also numerous other defences to allegations that a statement is defamatory. Defamation is a complex area of the law and you should carefully evaluate any claim before you make it as making false claims could potentially expose you to liability. It may be wise to consult a lawyer.

The important bit though is the fact the actual rating remains- only the comments are removed:

The rating (negative, neutral or positive) will remain on your account and will not be removed as a result of you sending in this claim of defamation

Abusive negative feedback on Ebay- what can I do?

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