You’re thrilled to get a sale on eBay! Who wouldn’t be? Each sale is a win for any eBay seller. But the bigger question is: How long does negative feedback stay on eBay if you have an unsatisfied buyer?
Every item sold is a result of your hard work and persistence in using an eBay product research tool, marketing, and maintaining customer relationships.
However, your work does not end there – and neither does your relationship with a buyer! In fact, the after-sales process is the most critical one because of the eBay feedback system.
Will you be getting positive feedback or negative feedback? You won’t know for sure until your buyer has left a comment on your eBay store.
So, if you do get some negative feedback, does it mean the end of your eBay career? Could it mean that you won’t be able to sell again because no buyer will want to buy products from you?
Fortunately, the answer is NO. We have everything you need to understand the feedback system on eBay and how it impacts you as a seller.
Key Takeaways
Understanding eBay’s feedback system and managing negative feedback effectively is vital for sellers to maintain their reputation and customer trust.
Before You Get Started
Know the types of feedback on eBay, and familiarize yourself with eBay’s policies on feedback removal and dispute resolution.
A Brief Overview of the eBay Feedback System
eBay is one of the first ecommerce sites to innovate the feedback percentage system in its platform. It only makes sense that they implemented this system.
It’s risky to trade online with a complete stranger. You are giving them your hard-earned money in the hopes that they will give you the item that they promised.
Most sellers are truthful and buyers are happy with the items they purchased. But there are some instances when the buyer is not satisfied, and so they have the option to leave a negative rating and explain why they were unhappy.
The feedback percentage is one of the ways that a buyer can assess the trustworthiness and reliability of a seller. The seller rating is placed right under the seller’s name, so it is difficult for a buyer to ignore when buying from the platform.
If you have a feedback percentage of over 99%, it tells the buyer that it is safe to purchase from you.
For sellers, the feedback rating is also an indicator of how well you are doing on eBay. If your feedback score is low, it could very well be that your other metrics are taking a hit.
Therefore, it prompts you to check what is wrong and so you can improve and get positive feedback.
How Can I Remove Negative Feedback on eBay?
Now it’s time to move on to the gist of this article – finding out how to remove a negative rating on your eBay seller account.
There are four methods with which you can have that negative feedback removed.
Method 1: Automatic removal through eBay
The first option for removing negative feedback is automatically through eBay. There are a few circumstances that enable you to remove the feedback from a buyer on your eBay sites where it is not warranted.
The most common way for eBay to remove that negative rating is when there is a pending Unpaid Items Case. A buyer who hasn’t paid for an item cannot leave a negative rating on the seller.
Therefore, if they have left any, it will be removed from the seller account upon the resolution of the Unpaid Items case.
Another scenario where this applies is when a buyer filed for an eBay Money Back Guarantee, but upon the investigation that the case was found in your favor.
Method 2: Manual reviews through eBay
There is also a manual review conducted by eBay upon your request to remove the negative feedback on your profile. The review applies to limited scenarios, such as when there is a failed delivery attempt or when the buyer used profanity or other inappropriate comments along with their feedback.
Method 3: Using an independent service
The third option for removing negative feedback on your eBay store is by tapping an independent service like NetNeutrals. They can resolve disputes in exchange for a fee.
They will submit their findings to eBay to help improve your case. eBay will then decide if it will remove the feedback from your account or not.
Unfortunately, hiring NetNeutrals and other independent services is beyond the budget range of most sellers on eBay. Therefore, use their services only when dealing with high-value orders that could seriously impact your seller rating.
Method 4: Asking the buyer
The final way that you can get negative feedback removed is by asking the buyer. You can submit a feedback revision request and communicate the issue with them, and offer accepted solutions.
If you express sincerity in resolving any issues that resulted in the feedback in the first place, most would be happy to accommodate your request.
Download this eBook now and learn how to sell on eBay like a pro.What to Avoid Doing
✘ Avoid ignoring customer complaints or negative feedback, as this can further harm your seller reputation.
How to Prevent Issues
Proactively address buyer concerns and provide excellent customer service to minimize the risk of negative feedback.
eBay Feedback Extortion Policy
Sellers should be aware of the eBay feedback extortion policy, which is one of the ways that you can protect your business as a seller.
Feedback extortion is when a buyer threatens to leave a negative comment or feedback on your store if you refuse to give in to their demands, such as a refund or item return. On the flip side, they will promise to give you positive feedback if you give in to those demands.
eBay does not allow this approach based on the site’s feedback extortion policy. No user, whether buyer or seller, can use feedback as a leverage to get something in their favor.
If you are a seller, you could get suspended for using this tactic.
Protect Your Ratings with Smart Selling
One bad review can hurt your credibility, but better product choices can prevent it. Use the eBay competitor research tool to find trending, reliable items that ship fast from your competitors and match buyer expectations. When your listings meet demand, your chances of earning 5-star reviews go way up. Stay ahead of disputes by selling what buyers want, faster and with fewer issues.
Frequently Asked Questions on How Long Does Negative Feedback Stay on eBay
Here are some frequently asked questions about negative feedback on eBay:
Do negative reviews go away on eBay?
Negative reviews on eBay do not automatically go away. They remain visible unless the buyer voluntarily revises or removes them, or eBay determines the feedback violates policy. Sellers can request a feedback appeal, but otherwise, negative ratings stay permanently.
How long until negative feedback falls off eBay?
Negative feedback on eBay does not expire or automatically fall off over time. It stays on your account permanently unless removed through eBay’s dispute process, successfully appealed, or revised by the buyer. Your recent feedback percentage, however, emphasises ratings from the past 12 months.
Can a buyer leave negative feedback after 30 days?
Yes, a buyer can leave negative feedback after 30 days. eBay allows buyers to post feedback up to 60 days from the transaction date. After this window closes, no feedback can be left. Sellers cannot block feedback but may request revisions if eligible.
Does eBay ever remove feedback from a buyer’s profile?
Yes, eBay can remove feedback from a buyer’s profile, but only in specific cases. Feedback may be removed if it violates eBay’s policies, contains offensive language, reveals personal information, or results from unpaid items. Sellers can also request removal if eBay finds sufficient grounds.
Can negative feedback be retracted on eBay?
Yes, negative feedback can be retracted on eBay, but only if the buyer chooses to revise it after the seller sends a feedback revision request. Alternatively, eBay may remove it if it violates feedback policies. Otherwise, negative feedback remains permanently on your account.
Can you dispute negative eBay feedback?
Yes, you can dispute negative feedback. Sellers may contact buyers directly to resolve issues and request a feedback revision. Alternatively, they can appeal to eBay if the feedback violates policies, is illegitimate, or relates to factors outside their control. Approval depends on eBay’s review.
What if eBay buyer accidentally left negative feedback?
If a buyer accidentally leaves negative feedback, they can revise it within 60 days of the transaction. Sellers can send a feedback revision request through eBay’s system. If the buyer agrees, the comment changes. Otherwise, eBay rarely alters feedback unless policy violations occur.