Can sellers be financially penalised for neutral or negative feedback?

[kiwicanuck06]

A seller recently left this as part of their message with their 'thankyou for purchasing' email and i was wondering how true this is - i have no reason for any negative or neutral feedback however i would be disappointed if this isn't true...

'eBay now financially penalizes sellers that receive LESS THAN 5 STARS, NEUTRAL OR NEGATIVE feedback. (which then raises selling prices)   
If you have any problems with your order, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE LEAVING ANY FEEDBACK.  We would like the opportunity to fix any issues first.'

I don't understand how ebay would financially penalise a seller for a neutral response.

Any thoughts?

[beautiful_times · Accepted solution]

If the seller is top rated too many negatives and low DSR ratings can cause the seller to loose their status which gives them a 20% discount on final value fees.

Other than that there is no way for ebay to financially penalize a seller.

[piterpater005 · Accepted solution]

Other than that there is no way for ebay to financially penalize a seller.

Except of course for limiting their number of items for sale...or banning them from ebay altogether.

[piterpater005 · Accepted solution]

Forgot one...hindered in search which hurts sales.