Does ANYONE actually think it's going to be possible to remain Top Rated Sellers?

[van_werkhoven]

I don't sell much, so I can only imagine how hard this will end up being for people selling 100 items a month. Already I have two undeserved defects, in one month, from people with unreasonable expectations.

First one was the sale of two TODDLER shirts, labeled 'very good used condition'. Now, you would expect a little wear on that right? I haven't said excellent or near new, and at size 0 one would expect a little bit of wear. But I got a neutural, so I actually contacted the seller asking if there was anything I could do to resolve the situation, as I'd be happy to refund if she was not pleased with the purchase. She replied that she didn't feel any resolution was needed, but there were a couple of 'loose threads' on the blue shirt. This was a shirt with the visible hemming style of finish, so my guess is that there was one or two little snapped threads, since I didn't notice anything during the 3 times I inspected it before listing (sorting, photo, listing details). And she doesn't want a refund. So what can I do except wear it?

The second one was from a book from the 50s, clearly labeled 'Acceptable - Well used, reading copies. All pages are there but Bimbo and Topsy has some spine damage' - And I get a defect for item not as described? Seriously?

I don't see how I can possibly avoid 3 more defects over the next 10 months, when buyers refuse to read descriptions properly and expect perfect items. How can it be done?

[phorum_junkie*]

I shall give as much thought to my TRS status as I have always given, that is none at all. I have never found any difference in my sell through rate when I have had TRS or when I haven't. All sellers are in the same boat so one would assume that unless some numpty sellers are prepared to trade at a loss to try and avoid defects very soon there will be no sellers with TRS.

I take absolutely no notice of TRS status when making a purchase, I don't even look to see if they have it.

[bettyboopsadaisy]

I admire you for sailing above it all !!

You're right to do that, but that doesn't mean it is easy for everyone to ignore all that so called 'judgement' of them !!

No one is denying that some sort of profile should be maintained but for most sellers we don't need all the scaffolding of 'seller performance standards', Tips for top sellers, coloured stars ( I have to admit I STILL love stickers !!) etc and scores.

Ebay would say its for the prospective buyers to make decisions about who to buy from, and as a some time buyer myself, I do like to know something about who I'm planning to buy from.

There must be a better way which doesn't make sellers feel they are guilty until they can prove themselves innocent !!!!!

[helenm777]

I agree with you I feel it will now be impossible to remain a Top rated Seller

I have held this banner proudly for over 1 year now and look like I will loose it for the month of August.  

As other have said, I think buyers will just look at the total positives, as i do prior to buying from anyone on Ebay.

We all know we can make mistakes, we are human.   However it is impossible to accuratly detail all "defects" especially in the used clothing area , as it is as mentioned USED CLOTHING!!!

Byers who receive an item, even new items that have been listed accurately, still may leave positive feedback but rate Item as described as low rates because the colour size etc may not have been as they envisaged .  How can this be called a defect.by ebay

This system is ridiculous.... and like others I will just continue to do my best and make my customers happy as best I can

[chameleon54]

There was a link in another thread which claimed to be quoting ebay reps. The reps stated that ebay currently have around 40% of sellers as Top Rated. It went on to say that when the scheme was introduced ebay only expected 25% to reach the target. The Reps claimed the new defect system would return top rated seller numbers back to that original target. If any of this is true it means that around 37% of current Top rated sellers will lose this status over coming months.

[lyndal1838]

I am a buyer only and like PJ I never even look whether a seller is Top Rated or not.

I have found some TR sellers to be hopeless and give appalling service and non TRS who are fantastic.   I much prefer to rely on my own reading of feedback and not blindly follow ebays recommendations....they don't always get it right!!

[sueken4812]

Oh I can't understand the logic of that.....I am continually astounded by the sheer stupidity of some of things they come out with. 
Too many sellers are doing the right thing, too many good sellers, oh what a dreadful situation for them.!!!!!

So they're aiming for a target of only one quarter, 25%, of their sellers to be Top Rated.  Such high ideals, let's reach for the sky guys.

And now there's too many, so we have to get rid of a few.  This is really good business sense?

[cherry*135]

"Byers who receive an item, even new items that have been listed accurately, still may leave positive feedback but rate Item as described as low rates because the colour size etc may not have been as they envisaged . How can this be called a defect.by ebay"

I agree. I got a neutral and low rating for an item (clothing) not as described. It was clearly photographed front & back, described well and measurements given. Listed as very good condition but actually as new. Buyer newish, out of 6 feedback, only 2 positives, doesn't communicate with sellers.

[Anonymous]

i copped a defect for a "1 star for slow postage" from a buyer in QLD who thought it was too slow and unreasonable that the item i sent her from Adelaide took a week to get there even though i actually posted the item THE SAME DAY SHE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR IT

1 week from Adelaide to Brisbane or visa versa is pretty much the norm so i get nailed because of Australia Post

Basically we are getting nailed mostly for things that arent our fault and are beyond our control.

So basically if eBay set up these rules.. everyone will be copping the same problems

If you bend over for unreasonable people to save your TRS then you will not only lose money but drive yourself insane

[lousbloomingarden]

We are all doomed to being defects. Don't worry, we will all be on par with each other any way as no one will come out of this PERFECT