Getting eBay Feedback Removed

What Type Of Feedback Can Be Removed

I recently received an e-mail from a reader asking about the topic of having feedback removed. Before we get into his question I just wanted to briefly touch on the types of feedback which can be removed.You can read eBay's policy on feedback removal here.

Now in eBay TOS they are pretty strict and pretty specific about what qualifies for feedback removal. Simply saying the feedback is not fair is not enough to have it removed, and technically speaking so long as they don't use profanity, mention your name, address, or other personal info, or  put a link in the feedback technically speaking it can't be removed.

Aside from that in my experience the only time feedback can be removed is if the customer in a message says something contrary to what their feedback says, or if the customer is doing feedback extortion which is something like saying please ship overnight for free or I'll have to leave negative feedback or something along those lines.

Now in reality I've managed to get feedback removed that fell outside of these reasons. One huge tip I can give you is carry yourself in a very professional manner. We all know eBay is full of unreasonable and stupid buyers. It comes across in their messages and when you continue to try to appease them and they continue to be difficult eBay reps will see this pattern of behavior in their review of a situation and its often a reason for getting feedback removed.

I had a specific issue where I sold a used item, it was clearly described as used. The customer threw a fit because it was used. I explained the title, description, and photos, as well as item specifics all clearly stated the item was used but none the less I was happy to accept a refund including shipping even though it was the buyers fault. The buyer continued on a tirade for about 3 more messages to the point of saying used items should not be allowed to be sold because they could have germs. Now keep in mind this was a collectible item think sports cards, so not even something that someone would put in their mouth or on their body. I pointed out the craziness of the messages to an eBay rep who also saw all throughout the process I was cordial, helpful and offering to make the situation right despite the buyer being at fault. eBay removed the feedback no problem.

My point is, try to keep your buyers happy. When they are not happy go out of your way to make them happy. Play the long term game not the short term game. So many people are unwilling to take a $3 loss for shipping, but don't realize that a negative feedback in the long term is going to hurt them and cost them more money than $3 in that it will cost them sales and hurt their rank in eBay.

At all times however carry yourself in a professional manner and do right by your buyers. eBay can and does see what's stated in messages and it's a big factor in having feedback removed.