Contacting buyer to request feedback - is this cool?

[jpwest13]

I have quite a few sales over the last couple months for which I have not received feedback. As a relatively new buyer, I really want to get my feedback score up.

Is it OK for me to contact these buyers and ask them if the transaction was satisfactory and, if so, request that they leave me positive feedback?

[coastaltechsolution]

You can but I would not recommend it.

Only a small percentage of buyers will leave feedback and sometimes they will wait almost the 90 days to leave it (if they decide to do so) 

[stainlessenginecovers · Accepted solution]

It is 'ok' as in 'ebay legal'... but not advisable. Sometimes people aren't as 'positive' about a transaction as you thought they were so you could be inviting neutral or negative feedback from those that simply don't typically leave feedback. 

Plus, asking for it will either fall on deaf ears as many newbies don't know what feedback is or a 'message' and others may find it simply annoying to fill up their 'in box' with those type messages. 

Best to leave it be. 

[gracieallen01]

As feedback is strictly voluntary, many will suggest not requesting it.  If a person is happy and in the mood, they will leave feedback.  If the person is less than thrilled, they may not leave 'excellent' feedback.  Some people really dislike being 'bugged' for feedback and will not take kindly to being asked.  And, there are those for whom 'poking the sleeping bear' is not wise.

It isn't against policy to ask a buyer for feedback.

[redmodelt]

Sometimes it is better to let sleeping dogs lie. I have found as a seller, that if I leave feedback for the buyer, they might too, but I stopped asking a long time ago. While some sellers say it does not mean anything, then may be the same ones that turn around and ask if the buyer checked the feedback before buying. LOL

[Anonymous]

Many threads on this subject, general consensus being that it's ill advised to do so.

One of the more recent ones...

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/No-feedback/m-p/31768909

[mtgraves7984]

"... I really want to get my feedback score up."

@jpwest13 

After a time, your number will tick up (by one) per each successful transaction even without your buyer's feedback.

[sandi7766]

Be careful what you ask for...

[natoman777]

I used to do that years ago and found that often those who don't leave feedback end up telling you of some small problem they had with the sale.  Instead of getting feedback I would end up with having to deal with an issue that they otherwise wouldn't have brought up.  Feedback is important, but I would advise to just let it come from those who have the motivation to do so. 

[Anonymous]

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@natoman777 wrote:

I used to do that years ago and found that often those who don't leave feedback end up telling you of some small problem they had with the sale.  Instead of getting feedback I would end up with having to deal with an issue that they otherwise wouldn't have brought up.  Feedback is important, but I would advise to just let it come from those who have the motivation to do so. 

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Yep. If they're on the fence, asking will push them off.

[*madison]

 A seller came to the boards seeking advice because she asked a buyer to leave feedback.

The buyer replied to the seller and told her that she feels the item isn't as described, and the buyer also left the seller negative feedback.

And this story isn't an isolated incident either, it's happened often.

So, it's up to you if you want to ask for feedback, but not many people here will advise you to do it. 

[gjs_16]

Speaking as a buyer, you probably don't want to do that with me.

I changed my feedback to private specifically because of this nuance.

Don't ask me for feedback, I will leave it if and when I feel like it.

[shag182]

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@jpwest13 wrote:

I have quite a few sales over the last couple months for which I have not received feedback. As a relatively new buyer, I really want to get my feedback score up.

Is it OK for me to contact these buyers and ask them if the transaction was satisfactory and, if so, request that they leave me positive feedback?

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In a NUTSHELL, it's NOT COOL to request FBs.

But if you're THIRSTY for FB's just message the buyers:

For a typical MALE buyer:

For a typical FEMALE buyer:

😎

[kennys-kollectibles]

Here's some perspective.  

I have almost 10,000 feedbacks and I have never asked for a single one. 

Be patient....they will come.  Not everyone feedbacks, perhaps about 50%, but

it's no big deal anyway, as the feedback system as it is, is no longer a valid thing. 

It's not a level playing field.   The percentage thing is really misleading and is not valid as well. 

Feedback is strictly voluntary, so no need to solicite feedback. 

Myself , I sell so much stuff that it's not convenient to do feedback one at a time.  

So, I do a bunch at the end of the month.  And of course feedbacks take twice the amount

of time they used to, because of ebay progamming incompetence.   It used to be so

efficient.

[releasethekraken_1]

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@mtgraves7984 wrote:

"... I really want to get my feedback score up."

@jpwest13 

After a time, your number will tick up (by one) per each successful transaction even without your buyer's feedback.

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No, it won't. The feedback count is moved when feedback is given, not for a successful transaction.