Negative / neutral feedback for not combining postage

[nakeyjakey]

A buyer purchases and pays for 2 items from 2 eBay sellers.

Both items are sent the same day, no problem.

When the packages arrive they both have the same return address.

The buyer complains that combined postage wasn't offered.

It is explained to the buyer  that although the return addresses are the same the items were bought from 2 different people (seperate eBay accounts)  and was paid for through PayPal as 2 seperate transactions therefore 2 tracking numbers must be provided as you can not use the same tracking number for both purchases. It is further explained that this is because the seller would have no proof of postage if the buyer tried to claim for an item not received.

I believe (I am not positive) that the buyer has left negative or neutral feedback.

Could someone please tell me (as per the above scenario) is a buyer allowed to leave negative / neutral feedback for a seller if they don't combine postage? Also is there any way to have it removed if it has been left?

I am asking because I heard this happened to a friend and I am wondering if this could this happen to me? I personally have 2 different eBay selling ID's (and also this ID for occasional buying). Both selling ID's have the same return address however stock for each ID is held in a different location. When I opened the second selling ID I checked eBay policies and it said that you can have multiple accounts as long as they are in good standing.

Any advice is appreciated,

Cheers!

Jake.

[lyndal1838]

Two different IDs, two different items paid for as 000 transactions means 2 separate parcels.  If negative feedback is left then you have every right to expect ebay to remove it along with any associated bad stars and defects.

[kopenhagen5]

A member can leave neut/neg for no reason. Even if it is a perfect trans.

It happens sometimes that a buyer leaves a neg because they touched the wrong button on their smart phone.

The buyer may revise feedback if the seller does something to make the buyer happy.

But it's not grounds for feedback removal.

[lyndal1838]

But kopes, should a seller be expected to combine postage when the items are from different IDs.  They have every right to expect seller protection if a buyer buys from 2 different IDs.....ebay/paypal tells you that if the items are paid for separately then they must be sent as 2 parcels and that should be even more important when it is 2 different accounts.

[jensmanchester-australia]

It would depend on the wording of the feedback as to whether it could be removed or not.

[kopenhagen5]

I quite agree Lyndal but within ebay's rules I believe there are not grounds for removal.

Like Jen suggests, it depends on wording as the neg could be argued it's for the overall transaction.

And as you say one should have every right for it's removal in this scenario, but ebay err on the side of caution/inaction.

[jensmanchester-australia]

kopes - these days ebay are becoming far more sensible regarding unfair feedback and are more willing to remove it if they can see either via ebay messages or from the actual listing that the seller has not done anything wrong. My understanding is that there are supposed to be some improvements to the feedback system for sellers which are supposed tobe  announced in the Spring Seller Release. I guess we will just have to wait and see if this is true or not.

[brownowl-14]

I did have a simiar situation a while back (that never eventuated into negative feedback) but was referred to the following by ebay - 

Examples of Feedback extortion

The buyer can't threaten to leave negative Feedback or low detailed seller ratings if the seller won't:

• Accept a return and pay for return postage.

• Give a full or partial refund for an item.

• Lower the postage and handling costs.

• Refund payment before the buyer sends the item back to the seller.
• Send an extra item that wasn't part of the original listing. (This doesn't include a situation where a buyer requests a replacement for an item that doesn't match the original item description.)

This apparently includes combined postage (which is an offer of goodwill on the Sellers part and not obligatory).

I would therefore say that you have a very strong case to have negative feedback removed (should it arise) based on ebay's own policy.

[kopenhagen5]

Thanks Jen, that would be good news. (I have also noticed ebay has begun to become more focused on genuine improvements).

For decisions to be made on an individual case basis would be ideal although I realize is probably impracticable with ebay's volume.

However should ebay improve evaluation on disputes and feedback, it would potentially improve the site by a great margin.