Suggestions

[kev182-014]

What should I do when someone decides to attack me, leave false information, and use upsetting language to hurt me? I have a case for defamation of character that I could pursue. 

[wooden_flower]

@kev182-014 

Do you mean the negative feedback? I see nothing that violates policy or defames your character - the buyer stated his option.

Your first neg hurts, no matter how long you have been selling.

[glorybells]

Where is there an attack in what they said?  They just gave their opinion on the transaction, which they have a right to do. My last negative was about 5 years ago, because the buyer didn’t like the color of the dress they bought once they received it and saw it in person.  I offered for them to return for a refund.  They said that was too much trouble, and they would just take it to Goodwill, then left the negative.

It hurts, but it’s just business.  Currently I drive for Uber and Lyft.  I had a perfect 5.0 on both platforms, until someone came along recently and gave me 4 stars.  It was annoying, and I felt like they did it to mess with my 5.0.  But at the end of  the day, I have to remind myself that it’s not personal.  It’s just what can happen when you deal the general public, on any platform.

Editted to add:

 buyer had messaged me first.  I think she was fishing for a total refund + be able to keep it, based on her messages.  When I kept repeating “return for a full refund “, which is eBay policy.  When that wasn’t forthcoming, she left this gem:

[gosimus]

@kev182-014 

< I have a case for defamation of character >     

You may feel insulted, but a case – if you mean a court case – for defamation is unlikely to prevail.  For the court to award any compensation, you would have to prove damages.  What that means in layman's terms, you must demonstrate to the court's satisfaction that somehow the feedback was the direct cause of your suffering a loss of business, i.e., money.  You need to figure out what kind of proof you intend to offer before you proceed, or you'd just be spinning your wheels; worse, you might even get countersued for the defendant's expenses.  What type of actual proof would be available to you.  

[kev182-014]

Thank you for your response and the thoughtful advice on this matter. Defamation of character is indeed a complex and serious issue, requiring substantial proof in a court of law. The topic this individual addressed is highly sensitive, and it’s critical to emphasize that such statements should never be made, not even in moments of anger or hatred. 

[gosimus]

@kev182-014 

< such statements should never be made >    

I'm not insensitive; I do understand.  You're a relatively new seller, it's your first negative, and worst of all, it's demonstrably unfair.  The buyer complained about the size of the sticker, and its dimensions are stated in the listing.  This makes the buyer sound like an idiot, which may be accurate, at least operationally.  Your best bet at this time, I believe, is to just shrug it off.  I know, you're thinking "Easy for you to say." and, of course, you are right.  Really, there's nothing else to do, except maybe to rebut the comment with a feedback reply, but many responders in the forum, responders smarter than me, often recommend not to reply to negative feedbacks. 

[wooden_flower]

@kev182-014 

You didn’t mention that this feedback is from a buyer who is also a seller that you left neutral feedback for.

If you are going to buy and sell on the same ID, you should block any seller after you leave less than positive feedback. Better still, open a second ID for buying so there is no question of retaliation.

You might be able to get CS to remove the feedback as retaliatory, it can’t hurt to ask.

The easiest way to do this is to post a private message on social media. www.facebook.com/ebay  https://x.com/ebay

To speak to customer service, use the link on this page “have us call you” - https://www.ebay.com/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

If you don't see 'have us call you', click chat.  Then type contact an agent.