Feedback Star Ratings

[shoppingbag*]

Regarding these ratings, I wont be relying on eBay Purchase History in future to rate Sellers on how long they take to send an item.

Could Sellers please tell me what they consider fair in regard to what is quick, and what is slow etc.etc.  I will not ask other buyers as I realize some are unrealistic in their expectations. I would like some sensible and reasonable expectations from Sellers on this, and some sort of guidelines.  I have asked eBay, with no results. Your input would be appreciated.

[crypsynight]

I also post same day if possible, otherwise the following day.

And I have always done this - even before DSRs were introduced, as it is good customer service.

But when a customer gives you 1 star for Postage Time for an item that was paid on Sunday, posted on Monday, and took 10 days to get from one side of Australia to the other (which, really isnt that unreasonable, even if slightly slow), it is utterly depressing - especially knowing that there is no way you can improve or fix the problem.

Maybe i do take my stars a little seriously - but they are my stars that reflect my selling performance (or so ebay leads you to believe).

From a buyer point of view, I would use a little of both.

See how quickly they post in their item description, and see if it is reflected in their stars - within reason ie. taking into account the twits out their that do leave unwarranted low stars.

[at_wicks_end]

Thesoulyearns.  You are a seller yet you too do not understand how the ratings work.

It is NOT how long it takes to get to you.  It is how long THE SELLER TAKES TO POST the item.  That is what buyers are being asked to rate.  NOT how long Australia Post takes to get it to you.

With myself, I make up most of my items upon payment.  They are posted asap.  My buyers are notified of this.

I would think that, like stated up above, as long as the item is posted within the Handling time stated by the seller, then it should be 5 stars, even if Australia Post take 2 months to get it to you. 

[thesoulyearns]

Thesoulyearns.  You are a seller yet you too do not understand how the ratings work.

It is NOT how long it takes to get to you.  It is how long THE SELLER TAKES TO POST the item.  That is what buyers are being asked to rate.  NOT how long Australia Post takes to get it to you.

Thanks for reminding me and good point. Aus Post can provide tracking, Express, Registered Post and the like at an extra cost ontop of a standard mail item... but if an item is sent by standard mail without any additional features, can the seller or Aus Post provide definitive proof (to be related back to the buyer) of the exact posting date?

[crypsynight]

Thanks for reminding me and good point. Aus Post can provide tracking, Express, Registered Post and the like at an extra cost ontop of a standard mail item... but if an item is sent by standard mail without any additional features, can the seller or Aus Post provide definitive proof (to be related back to the buyer) of the exact posting date?

Not really, which is why i always notify the buyer when his item has been posted.

Plus i have a mail register that records everything i post each day.

Also, assuming the buyer gets his mail eventually, in most cases it should be date stamped as to when it was posted.

[digital*ghost]

if it is that urgent, bye at a B&M

Sound words.

Perhaps interestingly, on the information pages with the announcements of all the recent and upcoming changes, particularly to the TRS requirements, one of the reasons eBay state for their push towards sellers offering express is so that buyers can get the same instant gratification that they do when buying from a B&M.

What can I say to that but *sigh*

[thesoulyearns]

Not really, which is why i always notify the buyer when his item has been posted.

Plus i have a mail register that records everything i post each day.

Also, assuming the buyer gets his mail eventually, in most cases it should be date stamped as to when it was posted.

Yes, I generally do that too. It's good for Communication stars too, not that that's the reason why - just nice to let them know.

I bought a bunch of CD mailers and they were all stamped (with something, not sure what) on the day of purchase. I don't think they get stamped again. So, if you want proof of postage on a certain date, it's probably get to make sure it's date stamped on the day of postage and not on the day of purchasing the packaging - if the dates differ. Otherwise, tracking should be added to your postage price for an extra $1 or so, so they have proof that it was lodged and can follow its delivery if it indeed does take longer to arrive.

[wishuponastarcelebrationsandgifts]

I believe what is reasonable is a seller posting within their specified handling time, whatever that may be.

Some sellers hand make their items to order, in which case what is reasonable will vary depending on how long it would take to make the item with some allowance for actual "handling" once it is complete. Other sellers may not live near a post office, so it is not cost effective for them to post more than once or twice a week. Others may have mobility issues and so forth.

In many instances a buyer wll have no idea when an item is actually posted, and will merely rely on a seller to post as stated in the listing. Click and send flags parcels as posted as soon as they are processed (a feature I dislike). This does not equate to an item being posted.

I find Australia Post are generally very reliable and for the most part deliver within the estimated timeframes. Unfortunately on the rare occasion items are delayed in the mail.

[protect*the*innocent]

cryps : nothing wrong with taking your star ratings seriously.  In fact any volume seller should take them seriously because any rating less than 5 stars directly affects your percentages which, in turn, affects your TRS which, in turn, affects your visibility in site search results.

On our selling ID we have had buyers leave us glowing positive comments about fast postage but ding our star ratings as low as 1 or 2 for postage time  (!!) -- it's negging by stealth in my opinion.    But what can we do really?  Not much.. except keep giving the best customer service you can and improving when needed  😄

[kayedonproducts]

I have within 2 business days on my listings.  My health sometimes lets me down so that is why I have 2 days - do try and post in one though.

I email buyers when they have purchased items and state my postage time and advise I will confirm postage & also if there will be a delay, which I do.

My stars go up and down like a yo yo, but have never had really low ones - well not yet anyway.

I do the best I can and hope buyers are understanding, which thankfully the majority of mine are.

[davewil1964]

Thesoulyearns.  You are a seller yet you too do not understand how the ratings work.

It is NOT how long it takes to get to you.  It is how long THE SELLER TAKES TO POST the item.  That is what buyers are being asked to rate.  NOT how long Australia Post takes to get it to you.

Unfortunately buyers don't seem to realise that, so de facto the ratings tend to be reliant on AP.

I quote 2 business days and generally post the same or the next day, depending on time bought and work hours.

I still don't have 5 for postage time, though.