Recently, eBay sent a survey to all of its users. In this particular survey, some radical changes were proposed to the eBay feedback system, that could have a major impact on how sellers give feedback. We’d like to ask you to consider the implications change could have on your business.

One of the changes they mention is the elimination of buyer feedback, something that has been circulating for quite some time as an idea for online sellers.

Why are eBay considering this change in policy?

Feedback is the focal point of success if you are selling on eBay, helping sellers decide whom they trust with their business. However, there are certain things that are not favored by eBay, like abusive language and feedback that isn’t relevant to the transaction.

eBay also prefer that buyers do not use Feedback in order to negatively impact seller performance ratings even when sellers have met satisfactory performance levels.

In cases where eBay think the feedback violates their policies, they will remove the entry altogether. Sellers are also able to report feedback that they think qualifies for removal.

See the guidelines on the type of feedback that may be removed.

Currently, buyers can give sellers either a positive, neutral or negative feedback rating. Buyers can also leave anonymous Detailed Seller Ratings for sellers. Should this potential change to the feedback policy be put into action, how will this impact your business?

Are you for or against the +1 increment system, for example? Is this a positive idea, or is it change for the sake of change?

Have you been impacted by malicious use of eBay’s feedback system previously, and were you reassured by how eBay responded to it? The relationship your business have with the customer is a fragile thing, and needs constant care, would this help you by making the potential for abuse lower, or would it remove useful feedback for you?