Demand for positive feedback! Advice please

carolt

Hi, my first post though I've been reading for ages.

I got this email from someone I sold something to, in the US about a week and a half ago. It was sent surface mail, as requested, so won't arrive for at least another month - so giving immediate feedback hardly seemed urgent....

Just wanted to let you know that I understand that it may take a while to
get here. I also wanted to let you know that I do not give positive
feedback for those who do not give me prompt feedback as I have already
completed my part of the transaction so I should already receive my
feedback. Those who wait until they recieve feedback first are just not
playing by the rules. Thanks. If you leave me feedback before I recieve
the collection I will be sure to leave you some.

I was really offended - it seemed to be implying a threat, unless I gave them positive feedback immediately! I checked their feedback and it seemed OK apart from a couple, including one that appeared to be a dispute about this person waiting so they could give negative feedback. It's not as though everyone gives feedback immediately or at all - probably a third of my transactions at least have missed feedback from either one or both parties. I do usually try to give feedback

Should I just ignore it, or send a peeved email (as I started to do but then deleted, as it was not likely to elicit a positive response but just relieve my feelings)? Surely they can't get away with giving me negative feedback just for not giving them instant positive feedback, or any at all? I don't feel inclined to leave them positive feedback now!

Am I being oversensitive? Any advice from other ebayers or anyone whose received similar "threats"?

Thanks.

soolin

Personally I would ignore it and not leave any feedback at all unless the buyer leaves it first.

Some users seem to forget that feedback is optional, and the moment someone starts to hassle for it or quotes rules and regs at me I get sooooo annoyed and just won't leave any.

Also, in this particular instance even if the buyer looked perfect I wouldn't leave feedback now for one good reason. Assuming the buyer used paypal he may well be planning to put in a protective chargeback just within his 45 day time limit in case his items doesn't arrive. The fact that you sent it surface mail won't interest paypal at all, they will just ask you to prove delivery and if you can't they will refund him. For that reason alone hold off any feedback until he leaves it first.

Soo

carolt

Many thanks Soolin. I thought it seemed a bit suspicious and as it was quite an expensive item I'm anxious not to lose out. I'd never heard of the 45-day rule for chargeback before. Oh well, better hope they aren't planning to do that - I'll be more careful with posting abroad by surface mail next time - is there any way to avoid this, other than relying on the buyer's honesty? Or is there a way of proving delivery of surface mail items?

Thanks again.

bleugh

the ONLY way is to send by airsure (tracked)

if paypal is involved and you send a parcel any other way, i'm afraid, 99.9% of the time, if a buyer claims non-delivery then paypal will agree and refund, regardles if they have ACTUALLY received it or not


you have to rely on honesty, and in my experience (around half of non tracked parcels i post to USA go 'missing') yanks aren't that honest

shelly

I'd reply with something like, "I do not leave feedback for anyone until the item arrives and I know my buyers are happy. I imply by your e-mail that if I don't leave positive feedback for you soon then you are going to leave me negative feedback. I'm sorry but I won't be held to ransom for feedback, I just won't leave you any at all and I am happy for you to do the same. Also I don't know what *rules* you have in the US but here feedback is optional, not compulsory."

If they get in touch with you again and aren't too nice about it I'd neg them and say " Heres your feedback you hassled me for"


HTH and let us know what happens

watch_this_space_2

Feedback is optional.

Leaving feedback when you know the item has arrived and the buyer is happy is normal practice.

ebayers are not allowed to demand feedback.

They cannot leave negative feedback for just not recieving prompt feedback or no feedback at all. If they do you can report them to ebay.

It is always best to use a trackable method of shipping even when sending in the UK. I no longer post overseas and only send packages by 2nd class recorded delivery in the UK.

Moneyfornothing_2

I would do as they insist and leave the feedback for them.

Just make sure its a NEGATIVE for being such arrogant ***** ! :rotfl:

highguyuk

I would be tempted not to post feedback.

Seems a good way of making you leave feedback, and then saying they didnt receive etc and causing a fuss safe in the knowledge they cant get negged.

carolt

Hi

Thanks for all your responses. I don't think I'll leave them negative feedback...yet, as I have 100% feedback currently and don't wish to lose it in a catfight. But I am quite wary - I'll keep an eye on what they do as the 45 day limit approaches.

Is the International Signed for service no use then (available on surface mail) for proving delivery to Paypal? And would the airsure one definitely count for Paypal purposes? I ask as I have another of the same items for sale at the moment, and the last 2 both sold to the US - should I revise my listing (it's got a way to go) to allow for the cost of airsure (an extra £4 according to Post Office site)? Or should I just remove option of selling to US? Surely selling abroad shouldn't be a problem...

Anyone else had similar hassles...?

a8amg

I'd leave them Neutral Feedback just for being a BULLY. He hasn't completed his part of the transaction until you recieve your item... It's time to stand up to BULLIES and don't worry about your own feedback....

Newbie06

If they paid promptly , then surely they deserve positive feedback.

However, it is your choice and as mentioned previously feedback is optional.