eBay sellers are pretty miffed after a new rule regarding comments was put into place after some users abused the system.
eBay doesn't like that sellers have been gaming the system in order to influence the buyers' abilities to participate.
If you are given three negative comments by a seller, then you are banned from the site forever. Now eBay has changed the rules and will not allow negative feedback by sellers which has really upset sellers who insist it's not fair.
"In a move to curtail retaliation by vengeful sellers in its feedback system, eBay plans to prohibit sellers from posting negative feedback about their customers," news.com explained. "Beginning in May, sellers will not be able to leave negative or even neutral comments about their customers, only positive feedback."
One avid eBay user, aneumann.250 said, "I wanted to leave neutral feedback once because I wasn't 100% satisfied, but they made it so difficult to leave a comment. They had big warning signs saying, 'are you sure you want to do this?'
"I've left far more positive feedback than was really warranted in some cases. If a transaction wasn't satisfactory, I should be able to say something too. What's the point in having a feedback system if it's not going to be honest? If we're just going to be throwing compliments at each other, what's the point?"
"The whole point of these feedback systems is to keep the standards high. Why would that bother them? If they're providing good service, no one is going to be leaving negative feedback for them. Why do they feel there is need to leave negative feedback for a customer in the first place?" aneumann.250 asked.
"I think sellers should have an opportunity to leave feedback if a buyer doesn't make payment according to the agreement that was made, or delays payment. Whenever someone doesn't keep their end of the bargain, I think it should be fair for them to leave negative comments. It holds everyone accountable and honest."
Improving Internet Commerce
eBay Nixes Negative Seller Feedback
Trend Themes
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Industry Implications
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3. Online Marketplaces - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish an online marketplace that encourages open communication and dispute resolution between sellers and buyers, fostering a positive trading environment.