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Seeking advice: Seller left retaliatory, unprofessional feedback
Summary: kal478 shared a negative experience with a seller on eBay, highlighting the seller's unprofessional response to a condition inquiry before a book purchase. Despite leaving positive feedback with notes on poor communication, the seller responded aggressively on kal478's account. gosimus suggested that the initial feedback might have been perceived as passive-aggressive and advised kal478 to reference eBay's feedback guidelines when requesting the removal of the seller's reply. They recommended persisting with eBay support, citing specific policy violations.
Hi,
I am looking for some guidance on a recent transaction experience. Before bidding on a book, I sent the seller a polite question regarding the item's condition. The seller responded with a passive-aggressive comment, stating, "if 24 pictures are not enough for you, maybe buy from somebody else."
Despite this, I proceeded with the purchase, paid promptly, and received the item. When leaving feedback, I marked the transaction as positive but noted the poor communication in my comments. In retaliation, the seller left a public, unprofessional, and aggressive response on my account, attacking me personally. I feel this behavior is inappropriate and violates eBay’s community standards.
I have included the text of my original feedback and the seller’s response below for context. Given the circumstances, is this something I should report to eBay, and do I have any recourse to have the seller's retaliatory comment removed? Any objective advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
kal478
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My feedback to the seller
"The book arrived safely, exactly as described, and exceptionally well-packaged. Shipping was slightly high, but fair given the weight, and the overall value was great. Communication was fast, though the seller tanked when I asked a simple condition question and received a surprisingly passive-aggressive response ("if photos aren't enough, maybe find another seller"). Not the friendliest seller, but I appreciate the quick transaction and clean item."
This is the seller's reply
I WOULD NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS GUY AGAIN. shipping is media mail BY ACTUAL WEIGHT, there is absolutely NO flex on that. as far as pictures, i provided 24, that wasn't enough, he wanted more....for a $10 book that should have sold for 30. ez to see this guy obsessed over it and decided to say nasty things defaming my true character. who even leaves a comment like that? "kal478" that's who. I work hard making this work, and you can never please people like "kal478".
gosimus
MentorSep 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM · Edited@kal478
< received a surprisingly passive-aggressive response >
One of the examples in the internet definition of passive-aggressive is "Backhanded compliments: Offering praise that contains a hidden insult." Didn't you get into the same territory in the feedback you left? "Communication was fast, though the seller tanked when . . . "
eBay outlines how to leave a Reply on https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/leaving-feedback-buyers/viewing-responding-feedback-buyers?id=4102 and, while rules aren't explicitly described for Replies, I think that its location in 4102 implies that the same rules as for Feedback would apply.
Maybe your first request to have the Reply removed was denied because the customer service agent didn't realize you were requesting the removal based on its being a feedback violation. Who knows what goes on in their mind. I would try again, and reference the specific Help page.
kal478
OPSep 8, 2026 at 1:56 PMThank you so much! I did not request a removal, wanted to get feedback from others first.
Grateful,