eBay’s Feedback System Broken?
eBay has taken a few “minor steps” to improve the feedback system recently, according to David A. Karp, author of “eBay Hacks.” Until recently, Karp said, new eBay members weren t instructed on how to use the feedback system. Now people must watch a mandatory tutorial on the proper use of feedback before they are allowed to buy and sell on the site.
“But eBay is reluctant to do anything more drastic than that because so much of its business relies on trust,” said Karp. “You’re exchanging money with complete strangers and the only thing you have to know that you won t get screwed is their reputation according to other eBay members.”
Since some disgruntled buyers and sellers may opt not to leave negative feedback, fearing feedback retaliation, experienced eBay users have learned to interpret the stories behind feedback scores.
David Yaskulka, CEO of Blueberry Boutique, a seller of luxury apparel based in Long Valley, NJ. is a longtime seller on eBay. Yaskulka is also a member of the “Professional EBay Seller s Alliance” which is made up of companies that average more than $1 million in annual sales on eBay.
Yaskulka suggests that potential buyers check the seller’s history to see if he or she has successfully sold items similar to the product they are considering purchasing. Everyone has to start somewhere, he admits, but most people are more comfortable buying big ticket items from someone with a proven track record. Prospective buyers can also look at the track record of previous buyers who left positive feedback and evaluate their ability to provide useful feedback are they experienced eBay users, and have they been satisfied with other transactions?
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