Have you ever made a sale to a buyer who was unreasonable in expectations, or who wanted to return an item because s/he did not read the description, someone whom you know broke your item and requested its return as defective, or who otherwise revealed that the buyer is someone you wish you'd never encountered - only to find that the buyer's history of feedback is full of obviously unwarranted praise of character, suggesting "AAA+++" attributes? Have you ever immediately posted positive feedback for a buyer's purchase, only to promptly receive an order cancellation for a bogus rationale (or with no explanation)? Some maintain the position that buyer feedback rating has been meaningless ever since ebay removed the seller's ability to post negative feedback. But, I argue that it can still be meaningful, but if, and only if, positive feedback is used reservedly to reward a deserving transaction or buyer.
I post positive feedback on successful transactions, something I do after the 30 days of return period from date of delivery, if buyer has not already posted + feedback. For those transactions where buyer immediately posts positive feedback I reciprocate immediately. I know that a buyer's posting + feedback does not prevent a subsequent request for return, but it usually correlates with a successful transaction. But, I have found that far too often, positive feedback from sellers automatically posted for every paid purchase does not correlate with a successful transaction or with the stellar, exemplary buyer that the feedback comments would suggest.
I do not knowingly reward undeserving buyers with positive feedback. In my positive feedback I do not post comments that praise a buyer beyond what I usually only know - that the payment was prompt, the item remained sold, the result was a smooth transaction. When I receive praise of the item or my service, I conclude the buyer was pleased. My two most used feedback comments are: "Prompt payment, smooth transaction. Thanks!" and "Prompt payment, smooth transaction. Glad you were pleased. Thanks!" I feel like, beyond those comments, I am projecting on to the buyer more than I know, more than I have a right to suggest about their character, more than you have a right to expect from the member in your transaction.
When a buyer has been especially patient with a delayed shipment or a less-than-perfect transaction, I often reward that demonstration of positive character or behavior with my grateful comments, just as some of my buyers make specific comments of their appreciation of my service or helpful expertise.
What warranted positive feedback comments do you use to accurately describe your buyer and your selling experience?
