How can I leave feedback following a dispute or claim resolution?

[transientspec]

I recently bought an item which arrived damaged. I contacted the seller and he promised to send a replacement. I filed a case awaiting the package. It never arrived, so I escalated my dispute to a claim, which was quickly resolved to my favour.

This whole process has taken 2 months. Now, I see no way to leave feedback - the transaction has been archived and there is no feedback option available.

Bear in mind that right until I first contacted the seller, everything was great - shipping was fast, the service commendable. I am very patient and understand many things can go awry that go beyond a seller's control, so I don't rush to leave feedback (especially a negative one) until a transaction has been fulfilled. But when a transaction falls through and a case is opened, how do you properly leave a feedback that reflects the seller's handling of a dispute or claim? Is it possible to leave a feedback earlier on and later revise it, if necessary, depending on how a case is addressed?

Thank you

[dmil8030 · Accepted solution]

You have 60 days to leave feedback and, for better or worse, it is not negotiable.  You've probably seen this link about it, - a page full of more links pertaining to all questions relating to feedback:

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/feedback/allaboutfeedback.html

If it takes longer than 60 days to resolve the transaction (not unusual, given international post), if it has gone horribly wrong there is not much a person can do in terms of feedback.

It is possible to leave a follow up to any feedback you may have already left, and you can add a comment to any which may have been left for you.  Still, it's not quite the same, is it. 

If the seller behaved admirably it might be nice to send a considerate note of thanks and appreciation, applauding the seller for her outstanding decency and goodness.

If, on the other hand, the seller fell short of commendation   unless you are able (or willing) to add a comment to any feedback already in existence, all you can do is add the seller to your list of Saved sellers and include a note to yourself outlining - in whatever manner you wish - why you must be sure to not buy from her again.

You seem well aware that you have only 45 days in which to file a claim for 'Not as Described' or 'Not Received'.  Fortunately you had the good sense not to wait or be delayed with empty promises.

It is unwise to ever agree to a replacement.  They almost never arrive.  It's a delaying tactic.

Seller's aim to delay you past day 45 when you can no longer open a claim, and then past day 60 when you can no longer leave feedback.

If you use a credit card for purchases, cards have longer deadlines for chargebacks, -- but that still doesn't help you with feedback.

You are unable to revise your own feedback, and you ought not to leave positive for an uncompleted transaction because positive cannot be revised at all.  The link I posted explains all this.  You, the buyer, cannot change your feedback, only the seller can send a Request for Feedback Revision if you have left a neutral or negative.

60 days should be sufficient for feedback if you follow the guidelines and refuse to be delayed.  If you cannot get satisfaction, the following link provides ebay's official position on what to do:

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/item-not-received.html

Console yourself with this, - if the seller is wonderful she probably has lots of other feedback telling of her kindness.  If she is wicked, she will surely have lots of feedback pointing this out as well.

[transientspec]

Thank you for the extent and thoroughness of your response.

First and foremost: It is important to recognize that, like you pointed out, many scams in Ebay use the 'delay tactic': sellers promise quick resolution when problems arise, but all the while, let time lapse by until it is too late for the buyer to realize it and file a claim. It must be stated, however, that not all sellers are crooks. I have resolved disputes where the seller has actually sent replacements for damaged goods. You seem to favor refund, and that may perhaps be the better option. Either way, the key here is communication. Notwithstanding, one should not be hesitant to file a dispute, before the 45-day deadline, as this gives leeway for recourse should things fall apart down the line. A dispute is not a declaration of war, but rather, it is the means by which a buyer may exert his standing regarding a particular transaction.

You seem to corroborate what I presumed, unfortunately: Ebay does not provide enough flexibility to rate transactions. The possibility of 'following up' on feedback is a useful tip, however, even though it must be stressed that this only applies to neutral and negative feedbacks. Alas, this falls short of expectations, indeed.

As for consolation, I feel I am doing a disservice by failing to point out untrustworthy vendors and feel they are getting away with murder. While I find the feedback system to be a bit of an annoyance, I do recognized its importance for the community and I try to give an honest appraisal of my experiences if it helps buyers (and sellers alike) steer away from dubious merchants and disreputable individuals. So I do bother, especially so when I don't have the tools needed to.

Once again, I thank you for your input and hope this truly helps others become better buyers.