Past Neutral Feedback Ratings Converted to Negatives by eBay

I know this is just one more of many recent posts about eBay feedback… And by now, we all are aware of the changes…

But what gives?

eBay announced last January that as part of the changes in the feedback system neutral feedback would be counted as a negative in a sellers profile - going forward.

What they did not say in that announcement and what I don’t think was implied… Is…

Neutral feedback from the sellers entire past history are now being converted to negatives in all sellers feedback profiles!

eBay is doing just that, changing past neutrals into negatives with a visual change from a grey mark to a red in the feedback profiles.

eBay Feedback 2.0, To Build Trust Reviews are Better

What was/is the purpose of feedback?

Originally Pierre Omidyar created the feedback system on eBay as a means to provide the buyers provision of trust. Since his company (eBay) had absolutely no control over the supply side of his new and ever growing marketplace Pierre devised the feedback system.

The feedback system, when introduced, was revolutionary in the marketplace because, back in the day… people generally did not trust in the Internet. Transactions on the Internet were generally frowned upon, people were very fearful of releasing data, using credit cards, sending money to unknown parties who advertised on the Internet.

Pierre’s eBay feedback system provided the illusion of trust & safety.

Guest Post Dave White - eBay Often In A “No Win” Situation

Dave White is the host of eBay & Beyond Basics to Business and the owner of the Internet Auction News Network. He has become a great friend of mine and I appreciate & respect his opinions and his extraordinary background in this business.

Dave was a pioneer in eBay education working as an instructor, a software specialist and an everyday seller on eBay.  Now Dave White, along with Sparky (Ray Felix) are the heart and soul of the only Independent regularly scheduled live Internet radio show dedicated to eCommerce and eBay business subjects.  The show is broadcast live every Saturday from 10 AM to Noon EST on LIve 365 and later uploaded to iTunes.  I am now a regular contributor to the show.

Today, Dave posted the following article about eBay and the current circumstances it seems to have placed itself.  I asked Dave for permission to re-post it here and a Guest Post on the Trading Assistant Journal.  I hope my audience appreciates what Dave has to say, I think it is worth reading. 

 

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eBay Often In A “No Win” Situation

Before you all get riled up over this post, give it a minute to sink in.

During the past 11 years (with nearly 2 of those years as an instructor at eBay University) I have watched and read a very large number of articles and blogs regarding eBay. Certainly the overwhelming majority of them have been to complain about something eBay has changed.

eBay Feedback Withholding - No More - eBay Feedback 2.0 Has Arrived to Save Sellers from Themselves

Feedback 2.0 - Whats Better? Good Business Practices or Feedback Withholding - You Decide - Oh, Never mind, eBay has decided for you…

- News Flash - eBay changed the feedback system -

Who thought it worked before? Raise your hands - no, second thought… everyone stand up… that’s right class, stand up and be counted. 

OK everyone who is now standing up, let me get this clear.  You are standing up because you honestly think the eBay feedback system has been working?  You’re perfectly happy with the mutual distrust the prior feedback system fostered, you thought it just peachy for your buyers to be left holding the bag, “you first, no you first”…

This “Feedback Withholding System” fostered distrust at the core. When a buyer purchases something on the Internet they must make a huge leap of faith.  Trust is the issue…

Refresh Miami Blogger Dinner - Conversation Evolves

I am just back in my downtown hotel room from tonight’s Refresh Miami blogger dinner . This will be a short post because it is quite late and I am in dire need of sleep before to returning to Tampa Bay in the morning. Due to the number of attendees (our table included over 25 people) I can not report on every discussion or topic…

After all, I think the real report here is an actual return to conversation.