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.