Buyer Feedback Reluctance

[100milehowie]

I have a relatively new ebay account and look forward to building my reputation with each transaction by selling at competative prices, providing honest descriptions and packing carefully and shipping promptly.  I am finding that half of my sales do not result in any feedback unless I prompt the buyer with a message. I sold on ebay many years ago and feedback in those good ole days was a given. Is this common? If I had hundreds of positive feedbacks, I wouldn't really care.

[msau4301]

Yes this is very common! I would say about 60% of my buyers leave feedback. As long as you're not receiving negative feedback don't worry about the numbers, it just takes time. If someone wants your item it is unlikely they won't buy based on feedback numbers. I know it does feel good to get it though! You also can increase the number if you buy something and the seller leaves you feedback.

In my personal experience I notice that newer buyers rarely leave feedback...I don't take offence I figure they just are not used to it. eBay periodically sends reminders to send feedback, I'm not sure how many respond to that but maybe a few. Just keep doing what you are doing and don't dwell on the numbers too much and eventually they do creep upwards!

[reallynicestamps]

Although some buyers look at the seller's feedback, most only see the rating. So if you are rated 100, don't be too worried.

EBay does not use feedback to assess member accounts.

In addition to buying and leaving feedback, you can also leave feedback on shipment to encourage buyers.

It is also possible to put a physical thank you note into the shipment including a request for feedback (noting you have already left it.)

[ypdc_dennis]

Times have changed, as has internet buying.

Low feedback rates are very common, especially for easy to find stuff.

Buyers also tend to leave feedback if they are unhappy or when they are really pleased.

An okay purchase, not so much.

12 years ago my feedback was around 45% of sales.

My first 50 sales this year have 8 feedback (16%).

-;-

[reallynicestamps]

Errr--- buying stuff and leaving feedback for it . Just in case that was misconstrued.

[byto253]

If you are getting 50% feedback, that is really, really good.   Some come in long after delivery to, my last 2 were for a January and mid-February sales. 

Things have changed with so much online shopping, leaving feedback is really only a big thing on eBay vs. Amazon or other major platforms.   

[grandmas-great-items]

Yeah, buyers leaving feedback dropped significantly over the years. I just recently started selling again and I'm 2 out of 3 on the feedback received so far (that 3rd one can still come in as it's only been 2 1/2 weeks since shipment to USA), but I don't expect the rate of 2 out of 3 to continue. The only time I don't leave feedback as a buyer is if I haven't received the item within the 60 day feedback window due to being overseas shipment and I can't blame seller for delayed postal delivery. I'm still waiting for an item that says it's been in Canada since January 23.

Some sellers don't leave feedback or some will leave feedback for 1 of the items you bought on an order while ignoring leaving feedback for the rest. Perhaps a time issue and they decide to just leave it for one item on the order. If it is a time thing they should just set it to leave automatically on payment.

As a seller I leave feedback ASAP. I'm not sure why some sellers think not leaving feedback could be a benefit to them as I don't see any benefit to not leaving feedback.

But, just continue to provide the best buying experience for your buyers as you possibly can and you will gradually get the feedbacks. NO feedback is better than BAD feedback so you can take pride in not having any negative feedback.

[mrdutch1001]

very very common...I find maybe 20% of my buyers leave feedback...

[alacar-8]

Lets put it this way.  When you are at Wal-Mart, every transaction gives you the opportunity to leave feedback for the employees that you dealt with.  Really now, how many of those cards have you filled out?  Exactly.  I have not changed anything about my store, but have found feedback dwindling rapidly, and really?........