posted on March 26, 2001 06:34:40 PM
I agree with what the original point was here! It is terribly tacky to ask for feedback. While I do things differently than cin131 does, I also believe that she did not deserve to be jumped all over here. The point (which she tried repeatedly to re-emphasize) was missed almost entirely.
I do my feedback as soon as I receive payment. This is what works for me, but it is not for me to say how someone else should conduct their business and, BY THE WAY, what ever happened to being able to just vent or ask opinions here? Nowdays people jump all over someone with an opposing point of view! Geez!
posted on March 27, 2001 05:28:26 AM
meow - that's why I stick with buyers that I know. I wouldn't want to put a penny into someone with that attitude. It's feedback, part of the process. Just do it, stop complaining because they ask. They shouldn't have to ask.
And waitresses shouldn't have to ask for a tip, but how would you feel if one did?
"here's the food you ordered, can I have my tip now?"
You are exactly right noone should have to ask for feedback. Noone SHOULD ask for feedback.
THe point here is not whether or not I want to or will leave feedback. I shipped the package only FIVE days previous including the weekend. It was shipped on a Wednesday, I got this email Monday Morning. I like to at least wait long enough to ensure that they've recieved it, and are satisfied, although most every here seems to think that's stupid too. I ALWAYS leave feedback. I just think it is horribly tacky to ask someone for it.
I'm with you on this one. We also do feedback in bulk. I can do 50 or 75 feedbacks in less than 5 minutes.
And yes, almost all problems with sales (other than non payment) happen AFTER the package is mailed. Leaving feedback before the buyer has the product is IMHO the wrong time to do it. (Unless you like one out of every 200 buyers threating you with negative feedback just to scam money out of you [read that "demand a partial refund, but keep the product]. 1 out of 200 is a small %, but trust me on this one, one out of 200 WILL try to scam you if they already have a pos fb.)
posted on March 27, 2001 09:17:44 AM
I go into the feedback forum, and click on "see all pending transactions", then use a cut and paste (something like "Good Buyer, fast payment, good communications" )and hit all the auctions that need feedback (they are listed 25 to a page). Like I said, I can do about 75 in less than 5 minutes like this.
Edited to kill a smiley face where it shouldn't be.
[ edited by Microbes on Mar 27, 2001 09:19 AM ]
posted on March 27, 2001 11:30:36 AM
Feedback isn't a 'tip" and ebay isn't a restauarant. Feedback is used to determine how a seller or buyer has performed.
I think the point here is always missed.
Bidder satisfaction + bidder confidence = more bids and bidders.
As a good seller, selling on ebay, that is my goal and I wish it were the goal of every seller. It sure would make it a lot better.
I don't think it is tacky to email and ask for feedback (especially one that has already been earned and if the email is polite). I think the seller could have sent a polite email explaining that he posts feedback at such and such a time or maybe just go post the feedback and keep the buyer happy - you never know, he may be someone that will bid again. I have many repeat bidders. My goals on ebay are to sell the best merchandise I can and get the best prices and to make my buyers happy. They make me happy with every bid.
Maybe feedback should be mandatory. I know how I feel when I do buy something on ebay and get the payment right out and email to let the seller know that I received it and I'm happy and then leave feedback and I am left with not even the courtesy of a feedback in return. For sure I will never bid with that seller again.
posted on March 27, 2001 11:43:26 AM
Geez, I guess I'm really screwing up on ebay. I rarely even look at my feedback, let alone have the ba//z to ASK for it. Stupid me. I guess from now on, I too, will beg and grovel for feedback. Hi, you sold me this, would you please tell everyone what a great person I am to do business with? Please let everyone know how wonderful I am. My self esteem sucks and I need compliments.
And once again, I will point out, I DO LEAVE feedback on ALL transactions. I mailed the PACKAGE on WEDNESDAY, and this email in my box early Monday morning; for those of you who beg for feedback, do you give the other person less than 5 days????
posted on March 27, 2001 11:50:55 AM
To add another vote to what nobs said:
My goals on ebay are to sell the best merchandise I can and get the best prices and to make my buyers happy.
I had a group of auctions that ended last night and one of the winning bidders was a buyer whose check had just arrived yesterday for a previous purchase. In my EOA notice for the just-ended auction, I told him to send a check for the bid amount, and I'd send it out with his other item right away, no additional postage required.
Within an hour of that EOA notice (and within two hours of their listing) that buyer bid on three of my new auctions.
i'm sorry if you felt jumped all over, when you only came here to vent. i didn't mean to do that, just to state my take on it. i personally don't think it's tacky to send a polite email reminding someone to leave feedback. we all get busy, sometimes forget. but if you do, well you do and it's perfectly understandable why this email would bug you. and yes, i agree, she didn't give you much time. i do see yer points
yes, i have had a problem arise after the sale, after i've left positive fb. i'd *prefer* the buyer email me when s/he receives the item and let me know it's arrived and they're pleased, and then leave feedback for them.
the conundrum for me is, if some buyers feel offended by my waiting to give them feedback until i hear back from them that all is well, feeling that their part is done when they've communicated well with me and paid quickly, i don't want to offend my buyers and have them feel i'm holding their feedback over their heads. on the other hand, i truly wish i hadn't left that positive for that one buyer, leaving me open for a neg. i don't know what the answer is. for now i'm leaving their feedback when i ship, unless i get a funny feeling from them. [this policy open to revision until i leave a positive for someone i didn't get a 'funny feeling' from, who then holds me fb hostage, lol.]
posted on March 27, 2001 12:12:21 PM
If you feel comfortable in your decision, cin, then why all the mischaracterizations and embellishments about your buyer's polite request?
They didn't grovel, beg or demand, however they were polite and direct. What's the big deal?
I didn't mean to insinute that they did, I'm sorry (for that too). I was just really suprised at the number of people who felt it was OK to ASK for feedback. Despite what others have said, I feel it is like asking for a tip or compliment.
As it stands right now, I'm sorry I ever even said a word.
posted on March 27, 2001 12:39:38 PM
As a buyer, I never ask the seller for feedback, mainly because I don't do a lot of buying so it isn't that important to me to build up feedback as a buyer.
However, as a seller, I send out the following notice a couple of weeks or so after I ship the items (only to those who haven't already left feedback):
I hope you received XXXXX in the condition as promised. Please let me know if you have any problems. I thank you very much for your business.
Please take a moment to send feedback to [Insert Auction Site here], if it is convenient for you. I have already left feedback for you. I value your comments and I hope to see you at more of my auctions in the future.
Here is a link to the auction for your reference:
etc.
Oh well, guess that makes me crass, tacky, whatever....
I've found that only about 50% of buyers leave feedback. When I send out these notices, about half of the ones who didn't leave feedback do so. The remaining 25% never do and that's fine, that's their business.
posted on March 27, 2001 12:42:18 PM
Don't forget, cin, some sellers have feedback "requirements" for taking checks, or maybe your buyer is just trying to build up her rating so she can start selling with a good amount of references.
At least she was polite about it and tried to tread carefully so not to seem like a burden.
posted on March 27, 2001 03:19:36 PM
I consider myself a pretty classy dame (private schools, Seven Sisters college, properly engraved wedding invitations from Tiffany and Co.) -- but I don't understand why it's "tacky" to send a seller a politely worded e-mail asking for positive feedback.
At the very worst, it could be characterized as "assertive," or maybe "overanxious." But crass? Please.
This is a business context, after all -- it's not like your poor buyer was asking for anything unreasonable.
posted on March 27, 2001 06:08:17 PM
Not that it is one persons' responsiblity but I guess most people in the world of eBay or in general feel like they need to have their egos stroked on a regular basis so they constantly ask for validation as opposed to just letting their products stand on their own merits.
posted on March 27, 2001 06:35:45 PM
This post was about a relatively new buyer requesting feedback...not a seller looking for strokes. When I started as a buyer, it was important to me too - and now, with so many sellers rejecting "0" or even low feedbackers, or personal checks from people under "x" amount, etc., etc., I can see why a new bidder would want to amass all the positives they could in a hurry! Also if they want to begin to sell. They often don't realize that people have this as a "job" and that although they have a couple purchases, a seller may have lots of auctions per day. I don't see asking politely as a bad thing though - new bidder info tends to look like 1)bid, 2)win, 3)contact, 4)pay, and 5) leave feedback.
posted on March 29, 2001 09:16:45 PM
Personally I am trying to get my 100 positive feedback just for the new color star. So I am very proactive in requesting feedback.
posted on March 30, 2001 07:33:10 AM
perfect solution...have ebay turn all those griping about feedback turn their feedback back to the big fat zero - 0 - zilch..nada, no feedback on this seller.... wait 3 - 4 weeks, then repost how you feel
not a newbie here, mostly a seller, sometimes a buyer, feedback getting close to 300, all positive, but I remember "back when"....
Feedback is not only business etiquette but also a reference for everyone...do I want to buy/sell from this person? Guess I have to read these boards to determine who I'd rather not buy from since this attitude only seems to come from those who "already got theirs"....so ask ebay to take you back to zero..guaranteed to change your attitude
I started out with zero feedback, and I never asked anyone to leave positive feedback for me. As I have stated earlier, I seldom even look at my feedback. If I was set back to zero feedback, I would do business as I always have. My business ethic is to treat others as I would want to be treated. And no, I have not, would not, will not ever, ASK for kudos, feedback, strokes, compliments, rewards or tips.
posted on March 30, 2001 08:51:29 AM
I have the read the initial post at least 5 times and I still fail to see anything rude, tacky etc., etc. about the buyer's email. It was exceptionally polite and he/she said in the email they left fb for you, so obviously they are happy with their purchase. If it really came across that bad to you, you could have answered with: I am glad to hear you received your item in a timely manner and good condition. I generally do my feedback in bulk at one time and I will be sure that you receive yours at that time also.
Mercy! At least the buyer was nice and very upbeat, something you don't find very often anymore. I have received requests for feedback that have been downright threatening and to make matters worse, feedback had been left for them weeks before they asked for it, they just never bothered to check before asking.
I totally agree with your business policy to leave feedback when you choose, it is your business and you should run it as you see fit. But I cannot understand why you look on someone so disdainfully just because they aren't aware of your policy and they request something in a polite manner.
I received your payment of $00.00 for the _____________________.
Your package will be mailed to you on March 29 via priority mail with delivery confirmation to the address below.
Jane Doe
5555 something rd
Eden, NY *****
I will post positive feedback regarding this transaction for you. I would really appreciate it very much if you did the same when you receive your item.
posted on March 30, 2001 09:51:34 AM
Aramatha: You are RIGHT ON! It IS a business reference, and everybody who has "already got theirs" should consider how they'd feel if they were starting from zero.
It must be true that the less feedback you have already, the more you want and need it.
I have to add that sometimes, when I think of myself as just a rank amateur at ebay selling, I review some of the unique feedbacks I've gotten (not boiler-plate). It usually lifts my spirits. I'm not an emotionally-needy person, just a human being who welcomes feedback in ALL of life--not just in ebay. It helps show me how I can improve in all my relationships. ~Adele
posted on March 30, 2001 11:11:22 AM
I personally agree it's a little tacky to ask for feedback. I view feedback as being pretty much the same as saying "thank you" after a transaction at a brick & mortar store. It's common courtesy, but I'm not going to follow a customer out into the parking lot shouting, "Hey!! You didn't say THANK YOU!!!" or call for the manager if a cashier doesn't thank me.
That said, I think the buyer in this instance is following a procedure that many sellers I've dealt with, and many sellers who post to this board, prefer. They don't want to leave feedback first. They want to be sure that the transaction is COMPLETE (i.e., they have a happy customer) before they leave their FB. I've gotten many EOAs from sellers that say, "Please let me know when you've received your item so I may leave feedback for you." Even if cin131 hasn't told the buyer this is his/her system, so many sellers work this way I think it's understandable for the buyer -- especially a newbie -- to make the assumption that this is the correct procedure to follow.
Also, the buyer's email was very friendly and politely-worded. I guess I wouldn't agree that he was off-base here or tacky in this instance.
[ edited by triplesnack on Mar 30, 2001 11:14 AM ]
posted on March 30, 2001 07:09:56 PM
How this bidder's email could possibly be construed as tacky is beyond me. I LOVE it when I get emails like this. I don't have to wonder about the customer's level of satisfaction. It takes maybe 30 seconds to leave feedback. What's the big deal?
posted on March 31, 2001 12:08:58 AM
hi triplesnack,
i've got a comment on your comment
feedback on ebay really does have a lot more importance than a 'thank you' at the end of a transaction at a store. as a buyer, there are sellers who won't sell to you if you have, say, less than 10. as a seller, there are buyers who will pass on your auctions if you have low feedback. so it isn't just a courtesy, it can and does have real impact on your ability to buy and sell effectively on ebay.
i nearly always leave feedback - both as buyer and seller. i view it as the last part of the transaction. the only instance in which i haven't left it was with a seller who, only with great reluctance and no grace, finally made good on an auction in which she'd made a mistake. due to the circumstances, i thought it was a fluke, didn't want to neg her, or even leave a neutral. so i left nothing.
posted on March 31, 2001 12:59:06 PM
As a person who only posts a few items a week, I always leave feedback the moment I receive payment. The buyer has done their part, so they deserve it. I realize that full time sellers have much more on their plates auction-wise, so this probably not a realistic option.
I work full time at in investment firm, and when I sometimes get frustrated with the number of client requests, I remind myself that although I come in contact with hundreds of other clients, I am one of only a few financial professionals they deal with, so the way I treat them and respond to their requests holds a higher degree of importance to them. It is the same for auction sellers.
Although the quantity of feedback you receive may not be that important to you now, I'll bet it was in the beginning when you were trying to establish your well-deserved positive reputation. Some buyers are just trying to do the same, and as silly as it may seem, your feedback may just make their day. So follow whatever feedback works for you, but why not go ahead and leave feedback upon request for someone who deserves it?
[ edited by cats0eye on Mar 31, 2001 01:01 PM ]
