eBay Seller Unable to Respond to Buyer Feedback

by: mjr55

Huh? Go to the follow-up on feedback link....
Another case of an Ebay seller not knowing the site.

by: unsuckEBAY
Web Site

''I received a negative feedback for an item I canceled because it is no longer available.''

1/ You sold an item you no longer had available
2/ You cancelled the transaction
3/ Your buyer left you a neg
4/ And your gripe is that you're unable to give (presumably negative) feedback in return?

Mistakes happen, but take ownership for the error.

No buyer likes having a seller cancel an item, especially without taking responsibility and offering an apology with a reasonable effort to 'make things right'.

Sellers like to complain about buyers, but apparently some sellers haven't a clue either.

As far as this example is ''Another case of eBay abusing sellers''?

Sorry...not even close enough for horseshoes or hand-grenades.

by: Lightning

This reported incident is woefully light on details.  A lot of variables.  Did the seller offer an apology, or a future small discount for the error?  Did the buyer jump on the Neg button before any action could even be taken?  Does the seller just wish to explain what happened on the negative feedback entry, but can't add any text for some glitch reason?  We don't know many facts here.

The OP seems familiar with the process that is usually available, mentions ''respond to feedback'', so it's possible it couldn't be done at the time.  I have seen that happen, and you just have to wait for it to UN-glitch.  As far as leaving feedback for the buyer, you can't leave a negative anyway, and not many people even look at a buyer's feedback, just their money.  Although some look if they have the time, to see how the buyer treats other sellers.  That way they have their guard up.  

But the whole incident probably could have been avoided.  Before cancelling an order, it is best to send a message to the buyer alerting them to the problem, apologizing, and THEN explaining that you have to unfortunately cancel the transaction.  That might assuage the buyer, rather than a cold, slap-in-the-face eBay message that the desired item got cancelled.

As unsuckEBAY says, sometimes you just have to take responsibility for the error, and move on.  An eBay conspiracy against sellers?  Likely not (this time, for a change).

by: DingDong

@unsuckebay  "Mistakes happen, but take ownership for the error"

I have 2 items that only had 1 each and sold the month before and was eBay relisted them. I refunded and sent a note why I refunded for the items. I received defaults even after talking the Customer Service several times and showing the original listings and when they sold.

I also refunded for a purse that while packing it, I scratched the surface. I refunded and sent a note that I scratched it while packing it. (and I have photos of my error). This item was in stock/ but eBay only shows that you refunded it because of being out of stock option.

by: GotToGetOut

unsuckabay, if you scratched the item before you could ship it -- that was your fault and you deserve a negative by the buyer.  Who cares what the reason was?  

If Ebay made a mistake in a listing and double listed due to their fault (not because they automatically resist an unsold item) then you shouldn't pay.  However, you probably canceled the order and FORGOT to put in DO NOT RELIST when you canceled.  This is a very annoying practice on Ebay's part but it is their process.  You need to check the box, do not relist when you cancel.  I agree, though, this process should be changed by Ebay.  

by: comments

You gave your buyer a bad buying experience. That is exactly what the feedback system is for. Don't be upset that a buyer held you accountable for your mistake. Just be more careful in the future. If you are reselling from another marketplace that was sold out then you should know you are breaking the rules and thats why there is such a rule in place.

What do you want to reply? Hopefully it is a humble apology.

by: mcposty

Hogwash..ebay will remove negatives from big brands but hold everyone else accountable

Until ebay is an even playing field dont EVEN lecture sellers about trying to mitigate negatives any way they can

by: Moonwishes
Web Site

I am also having a hard time understanding why a seller wants to respond to feedback for an item that was canceled.  How many items do you have up that you aren't aware that a couple got relisted? One of the things when processing a sales is always double-check how many you have left and be sure your count and eBay's matches and if you are at zero, make sure it is no longer listed on eBay. I see no seller abuse here at all.  

by: Tiffee Jasso

When you cannot deliver or fix a problem you created, expect a negative or a neutral. It goes with the job. The times I have had that problem, I give my buyer back their money immediately, apologize and explain the problem, then send them a gift item of equal value. They are happy, I am happy, and they come back knowing that I will do my best for them.