Feedback Privileges and Power Sellers

I recently (today) encountered an unpleasant experience with eBay in a chat. I learned some things eBay buyers may want to know. Especially those who buy investment type coins.

I had an incident with an eBay seller selling numismatics in the way of old coins. This seller has a reputation of using stock photos and not disclosing it in the description. The coin I received did not fit the description and I returned the coin. This was not a trouble free task. I had to leave work 10 minutes early, make a 10 mile round trip out of my way to return the coin. I live in a rural area. There is no "nearest post office."
I left the seller neutral feedback citing that they used a stock photo without letting me (the buyer) know and that the coin did not reflect the description.

Then, suddenly my feedback disappears. I contact eBay who tells me that I could not leave the seller anything but positive feedback because the seller refunded my money. And because I left neutral feedback, it was removed. The seller also purposely deceived me and caused me an inconvenience. In addition, the seller has a reputation for using stock photos and using bait and switch tactics (something I was not aware of at the time of purchase.) I thought the purpose of feedback was, among other things, to let other potential buyers know how the seller does business. I was told to report the seller instead. Okay, I did. Guess what?

The seller now has whited out all the background in all his photos so you can no longer tell that he is using stock photos. Previously, the background was a white coin holder with writing all over it and a stock number. Not any more. Complete white out.

The issue is that this seller is a power seller making eBay money. The fact that I could not leave anything but positive feedback when the situation was not positive, appalls me. The idea that I reported the seller (at the suggestion of eBay no less!) and all the seller had to do was white out the background of all his photos and carry on business as usual is disturbing. It is disturbing because what he is selling are considered investments. This is American money he is selling. And he is using deceptive tactics and eBay is allowing it. But the icing on the cake, is that some buyers like myself, are prevented from leaving feedback reflecting our experience!

appalachianjane

228 View listings

Posted 2 years ago·Last reply 2 years ago

4 comments

lakefor94

·2 years ago

122 View listings

@appalachianjane

Problem sellers normally get left enough negative feedback to identify them as such.

They don't get all of them removed, but some are removed.

As a buyer, I can sniff out a problem seller with ease and always leave it to other buyers to test the water with new sellers. Buy from long term sellers after vetting.

Just because some negs are removed does not mean a seller cannot be vetted appropriately.

Better luck on future buys.

moretreasures4you

·2 years ago

11111 View listings

Also, the Powersellers program was eliminated a couple of years ago.

chevymontecarlo88

·2 years ago

1991 View listings

@appalachianjane wrote:
This was not a trouble free task. I had to leave work 10 minutes early, make a 10 mile round trip out of my way to return the coin. I live in a rural area. There is no "nearest post office."

I am assuming you opened a INAD case and the seller provided a shipping label back. If that is the case, you can schedule USPS to pick up your package (using the same packaging the seller sent you) from your home. Just log on to USPS to open a free account to use. You can also order some FREE shipping supplies from USPS once your account is set up. (USPS Priority boxes ect.)

Assuming you have USPS home delivery, be able to print the label and use the packing material that was sent to use to send back.

This may not address your frustration with the feedback removal but maybe will help with future returns you encounter.

-Good luck

tinsoldierunderground

·2 years ago

641 View listings

It's been that way for a while. If you opened a case for NAD, and got refunded, ebay will remove negative or neutral feedback. They are especially fond of power sellers - good or not so good.