As a seller, I have been experiencing a sudden rise in manipulation of the feedback system. In the past few months this is how the feedback weponization game is now being played. A buyer becomes disgruntled. Despite all efforts to help the buyer, (including actually providing a full and immediate refund) he waits until day 59 to leave negative or neutral feedback. Obviously retribution is the motive. But this is permitted under eBay's policies. Then there also is the escalation game. The buyer leaves a neutral. The seller does the 'request revision' routine, and explains to the buyer why his comment is inaccurate or less than deserved and politely requests revision or removal. Then the buyer immediately doubles down and refuses to remove the neutral feedback. Then there is escalation that is purely vindictive: The buyer complains about a used item they bought that was tested and proven to be good before shipment, but the problem lies in the buyer's ignorance to realize that the problem is not with the item. After my explaining their problem and trying to help them solve it, they go incommunicado and never ask for a return . They retain the item for 59 days, then blast you with negative feedback that is technically factually true, (that it "didn't work" for them) but obviously malice is their intent. So you again politely ask for revision or removal of the feedback. Then they double down and refuse, out of spite and vengeance. Yes, I can and do respond and state my feedback rebuttals factually and succinctly. I also block future transactions with them. But eBay's feedback policy is aiding and abetting slander/libel, and cares not one bit about potential damage to a seller's previous longstanding reputation. (Mine for over 20 years mostly was 100%, until the past few months.) Fortunately, more savvy prospective buyers might see through this vendetta game played by bad buyers. But not all potential buyers can or will. Is this feedback weaponization a new or increasing trend now?
