Feedback is Optional.

[stampingpaws]

I am trying to decide if as a seller I will continue to leave feedback. Any thoughts?

[charmony]

I have a fairly high volume (for one person to manage) of low-value sales, so I have to streamline my process as much as possible. I can't afford to spend 30 seconds click-click-clicking back and forth to write feedback because each one adds up and it's time I need to spend photographing, writing new listings etc. I leave automated feedback when the buyer pays. The feedback is generic and doesn't mention how fast they paid (as they may not have paid fast).

On the rare occasion there's a problem with the order, where I wish I hadn't left the feedback, I put it down to the "cost of doing business" just like "lost in the mail" refunds and the *grrrrr* $15 chargeback + full refund I had last year after the buyer left positive feedback then claimed the cc use was unauthorised and wouldn't return the item. Beyond that it's not worth giving it a second thought.

The only time I leave customised feedback is when the buyer picks up the item and pays cash - *if* I remember to write it before marking the item as paid, otherwise the automated feedback kicks in. As there was a more personal interaction I prefer to leave personal feedback.

The reason I leave feedback is because I don't want to have to deal with requests to leave feedback, and because it may encourage buyers to leave me feedback. Now that my store is a business rather than just a hobby, the number next to my name is kind of important because I worked hard for it! Hopefully it shows buyers my experience and commitment to customer satisfaction.

[wilmajames123]

I also leave feedback as soon as I've posted the item for exactly the same reasons, and with the same result, as thecatspjs.

[springyzone]

Feedback is optional but if a buyer does the right thing by you and all goes well with the transaction, for heaven's sakes, leave a positive, it won't kill you.

If someone mucks you around, is slow to pay, makes trouble for no good reason, then.. don't leave any feedback.

But there are a couple of reasons why you should leave feedback for the goodies.

1. Buyers might be sellers one day and it helps if they have a decent score to start out with. Sure, I know it is only a buying score, but it shows they have been on ebay a while and are at least familiar with how it all works. It gives others a bit more confidence that things might work out if they give this seller a try. So your buyers might be grateful to you if you can help them build up a decent score.

2. It makes you look more competent and organised as a seller. Can I also suggest that once you post an item, you mark it as posted on the "My ebay' spot as well. It's only an impression but a seller who posts reasonably quickly crosses the t's, dots the i's-they inspire confidence. You may not agree with me but it is how a lot of buyers see it, you aren't going to change human nature, so just go with the flow.

[cq_tech]

Not only is it a common courtesy to acknowledge a buyer's payment and thank them for it, when I leave feedback for a buyer I also specify the date on which their item was posted so that there can be no argument if they claim I was late in posting it. IOW, it's additional evidence that the date I marked their item as posted is correct. Ultimately, however, good manners cost nothing.