buyer feedback drying up

[lane-ends]

Used to run at 80% or so buyers left feedback. Last few months and it has dropped to around 50%..Whats causing that, is it a buyer attitude thing or is it the way the system is laid out..?

[lyndal1838]

If buyers read these boards they know they are being judged on the feedback they leave and have left for them.   Anyone with something to hide might just decide to leave none at all, which often means sellers will not leave any for them either.

[collect247]

I'm not to sure why buyers don't feel like leaving feedback apart from it's not compulsary,but I have many return buyers that have never left any feedback ever, although I'm more glad that they have purchased rather than not.

[transport-posters]

Exactly the same story here, about half of my buyers leave feedback now.  It's a shame as my true selling record is probably one third more than what it says on my feedback profile.

It could be that people just aren't so courteous anymore.  For example, w/hen letting a car through a crowded suburban street, I used to get a wave from the other driver.  These days it's quite rare.

[mccrae2007]

Mine is the same, a great percentage of buyers do not leave it anymore.

I wonder if it is the technology used now. 

Its all easy when I am at my desk top computer, but when I am on my iPad its a different view altogether. Feedback is not so visible. 

[thecatspjs]

I think it partially relates to the device most regularly used by buyers.

I do most of my buying via mobile app, but have very rarely left feedback via same device - time consuming for me when compared to desk top computer set up. 

[springyzone]

I'd say you are right there. I use a computer and I always leave feedback. I've got a huge screen, it is easy to see etc so I do it. I am guessing those on phones etc have a harder time accessing or noticing the feedback sections.

Just musing here but the thing that hits me in the eye every time I log into "My ebay" is that bit down the bottom that shows past purchases with a massive button that says "Return this item."

No matter if I have given positive feedback a month ago, that button is still showing.

I know ebay is keen to promote a more professional, shop-like image but I'm guessing anyone new to ebay might conclude that returning an item was a given & their automatic right.

It's a worry.

If I were selling a lot I wouldn't be too concerned about customers not giving any feedback, I'd be more worried about that little 'Return this item' button.

[cathyjoyjoy]

Absolutely spot on ......... I was just looking at my "return this item" buttons, still there after a long time ...... perhaps even easy to press by mistake, but yes a constant reminder that I can return the item seemingly rather easily.

[cezm]

I buy almost everything except groceries online and sometimes purchase items off ebay.

I know I have to remind myself to come back and leave feedback as it is expected here but not required on other sites I purchase from.

The main reason I come back to leave feedback is because I know it can be valuable for a seller. I can understand why many buyers wouldn't bother.

[Anonymous]

I know what you mean, I've recently had on 4 out of 18 buyers bother to leave feedback. I used to always leave feedback for every single seller as soon as I recieved the item and checked that is was as described. Seems leaving feedback is just not the done thing any more