Buyer left negative feedback after I cancelled order due to error in the listing

[birmi.2015_personal]

So I sold an item recently that was forced to use the eBay Simple Delivery postage option. For context, it was a joblot of 4x Sony PlayStation 4 controllers. They weigh about 0.2kg each, totalling roughly 1kg, so I chose 2kg to play it safe. Turns out that the 2kg option parcel dimensions are too small for 4 controllers, and what I really needed was 5kg (medium parcel).

I explained to the buyer:

"hello, I'm having trouble posting the item as ebay recently forced all buyers to do it under their "Simple Delivery". I'm unable to fit the dimensions for the prepaid label they have given me, and I can't add my own tracking number if I sent it with a different option so I'm going to have to cancel the order. I'll relist it at some point though and can drop you a message if you're interested in the controllers? Apologies for this"

And so I cancelled the order. However they never responded in messages, and subsequently left a scathing negative feedback:

After ordering the seller messaged me that the 4 ps4 controllers I purchased were too large for the postage and they cancelled the order and said that they were going to relist them & that I can make an offer?? Presume they didn't expect it to be purchased so quickly for the price they listed. From my buyer experience I can't recommend then to fulfil orders so I don’t recommend them.

All they had to do was wait a couple hours for me to get to my computer and relist the item correctly. I've actually relisted said item (now with the correct postage option) for the same original price, so their accusation of me being greedy is completely false and should exonerate me.

Obviously I've added them to the blocked buyers list as I can't stand hot-headed buyers who are quick to leave negative feedback.

Is there any way I can get eBay to remove the feedback? I've asked for a revision from the buyer but I doubt they'll respond kindly. I don't sell for a living, so I don't have much feedback, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

[klhmdg · Accepted solution]

This is the US .com forum.

Most here are in the US.

You are in the UK and should post this to your home site.

There can be and sometimes are different policies.

In the US the answer would be No. eBay will not remove the FB.

You made a mistake and canceled, and the buyer was annoyed. 

You could have (in the US) chosen a correct shipping method and ate the extra costs.

[kensgiftshop]

@birmi.2015_personal 

You made a mistake on the shipping when you listed the items and you're upset the buyer gave you negative feedback when you canceled their order.

It's a good idea to weigh the items how they will be packed so you can enter the correct information in the listing.

If you canceled the order as a problem with the buyers address, they should report you for using the wrong reason to cancel the order, it should have been out of stock.

[june_elizabeth1971]

eBay told me to never, ever cancel a purchase.  Always get the buyer to do that.  I've had a couple items that I sold that I couldn't locate and once I told the buyer the situation, they suggested canceling the order.  After they cancel they can no longer leave feedback.  eBay told me if I cancel an order without buyers approval, then I would get a sellers defect and after a couple of those, your seller fees go through the roof.   

[soh.maryl]

Not all buyers will be as compliant as that one.  You were fortunate.  

[soh.maryl]

After that reply you gave to that feedback, you really believe that buyer would agree to cancel their feedback? 

[glorybells]

---

@soh.maryl wrote:

After that reply you gave to that feedback, you really believe that buyer would agree to cancel their feedback? 

---

Agreed.  The response to the feedback was awful.

[jonathanbrightlight]

---

@soh.maryl wrote:

After that reply you gave to that feedback, you really believe that buyer would agree to cancel their feedback? 

---

I would have to assume their feedback left for the buyer was equally awful if not worse, since whatever comment the OP left for their buyer has been removed by eBay.

[soh.maryl]

Yes, lots of unfortunate stuff going on on both sides.