Trigger happy, irresponsible feedback

hitchhiker_2

I've been reading some posts here on feedback and retaliation and wanted to share my experience.

I recently sold an item on ebay. The Buyer paid with Paypal straightaway so there was no communication. I posted off the item and then got a neutral, saying (I'll paraphrase to protect identities, let's say my item is called XYZ): "Arrived well-packaged. But the item is not a XYZ."

I have to say I was very upset as I felt my integrity was being compromised without any previous attempt to clarify. I sent the Buyer an email explaining, the item was indeed XYZ, and included a web link which proved that the item was being sold as an XYZ, and that I didn't appreciate being neutralled without so much as an attempt at discussion. Unfortunately, I was so fed up, I retaliated with a neutral as well.

The Buyer replied to my email saying, "Yes, that was my intention [to clarify]. I thought I had removed the feedback, I'm sorry." (another paraphrase).

Then s/he must've discovered my neutral because s/he sent a second message saying: "Pot calling the kettle black. You just did the same to me!"

Is it just me or is this just ridiculous? First of all, ebay clearly states that feedback can't be removed once sent. This comes up on a warning page before you confirm your feedback. Then s/he seemed not to have realised WHY I'd retaliated in anger.

I have since apologised for my anger and offered a refund, but I'm just wondering if there are any thoughts on how to minimise trigger-happy feedback leavers.

frivolous_fay

Perhaps they clicked 'Stop' and expected the feedback not to be left.

For my 30ish 5p day sales this week, I've been sending a message on the day of despatch... I tell people the item is in the post and ask them nicely to please confirm safe arrival. Some just leave feedback, most have sent me a nice message back. Perhaps if you open it up in a similar way for people to stay in touch, they will find you approachable in case of a perceived problem.

PINGA14

I always follow up with an email just like the previous poster.
If sent by courier or other trackable mail I also include a tracking number and ask the buyer to email me with any problems and to confirm delivery of the item.
Find that this way any problems can be sorted out before they escalate.

shelly

Hubby always sends confirmation that items are in the post but even still I think the OP's buyer was way too hasty. Any normal person would e-mail the seller first if they decided the item wasn't what they thought it was......wouldn't they? Obviously not in this case. Hubby sold a bear a while ago, the auction description said it was 3" tall when seated. He received a neutral saying something like "Item received but a bit disappointed, my fault tho, thought bear was bigger" So how on earth does that deserve a neut? Hubby got no comms or anything, just a neut. Some people are really way TSFE!!

Moglex

shelly wrote:

Hubby sold a bear a while ago, the auction description said it was 3" tall when seated. He received a neutral saying something like "Item received but a bit disappointed, my fault tho, thought bear was bigger" So how on earth does that deserve a neut? Hubby got no comms or anything, just a neut. Some people are really way TSFE!!

I suppose some buyers think that they should rate their overall satisfaction with the transaction, so if they're not happy, even if it's their own fault, that's how they rate the transaction.

Maybe that's why ebay instituted the mandatory tutorial for newbies who want to leave a neg or neutral.

shelly

Moglex wrote:

I suppose some buyers think that they should rate their overall satisfaction with the transaction, so if they're not happy, even if it's their own fault, that's how they rate the transaction.

Maybe that's why ebay instituted the mandatory tutorial for newbies who want to leave a neg or neutral.

I understand where you're coming from but still think its wrong. I've bought items from e-bay on hubby's account and I know that if I made a mistake by not reading listing thoroughly or assumed something that didn't turn out to be what I expected I'd positive the seller because that would be my fault. As it was, that transaction about the bear, was perfect in every other way. IIRC the buyer paid immediately and received the item within 2 days. Just because he thought the bear was going to be bigger than it actually was, wasn't hubby's fault. It was clearly stated as 3", why couldn't he check it on a ruler??

hitchhiker_2

Thanks for your replies, everyone. I usually do send an email saying the item is in the post, please let me know if everything is okay, etc. But this time I put the item in the post the next day and didn't get round to emailing before the feedback went up. I guess it's not the end of the world, I have added my response to the feedback. I think it just annoys me that people do things without thinking, or even acknowledging the consequences.

And I totally agree that one shouldn't neg or neutral a seller just because the item didn't turn out to be the one you wanted. The feedback system is to rate the transaction, not the individual's feelings about the item. I think that's why I felt the Buyer was questioning my integrity. Oh well, the other positives speak for themselves.

Is there a mandatory ebay tutorial for newbies? Hmmm... from the complaints I've read on this board, it doesn't seem to work...

Moglex

shelly wrote:

I understand where you're coming from but still think its wrong.

Oh yes, I wasn't suggesting they were correct. It's just an explanation for seemingly odd behaviour.

shelly

Sorry Moglex. I knew you weren't suggesting they were right. I didn't word my opening line correctly.

PINGA14

shelly wrote:

Hubby always sends confirmation that items are in the post but even still I think the OP's buyer was way too hasty. Any normal person would e-mail the seller first if they decided the item wasn't what they thought it was......wouldn't they? Obviously not in this case. Hubby sold a bear a while ago, the auction description said it was 3" tall when seated. He received a neutral saying something like "Item received but a bit disappointed, my fault tho, thought bear was bigger" So how on earth does that deserve a neut? Hubby got no comms or anything, just a neut. Some people are really way TSFE!!

Ebay should introduce a system for TSFE's to neg themselves when its their fault
Probably stupid enough to do it
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

shelly

Sweet idea PINGA14. Put a smile on my face this am

I can see it now.....

E-bay tutorial asks for a reason for neg and buyer ticks the box that says "Dunno really, I'm just not happy but its my fault entirely" Then e-bay asks would you like to neg the seller or yourself. So they click the "Myself" box. :rotfl: