Is this feedback extortion? What should I do?

[patrick9810]

I sold an item and the buyer had a problem with the condition and said this.

10 minutes later he says he is just going to leave negative feedback. At the same time I sent my first response to him offering a solution. He left a negative before he read my message & wants to get the partial refund i offered him, but says nothing about removing the feedback. I reported him for feedback extortion. I’ve had a negative expunged by calling ebay regarding feedback extortion before. Can i still call or do they only handle that through the report a buyer tab online now? Do you think this is feedback extortion?

[dtexley3]

Sounds like this could be construed as feedback extortion.

Sounds like he's not looking to be satisfied so I would say "return for full refund" and not even bother with the partial.  It really sounds like he's shaking you down for a post sale discount.  Since he already left the bad feedback, rescind your offer of a partial and say after me "Return for a full refund".  (hehe).

[chrysylys]

@patrick9810 wrote:

I sold an item and the buyer had a problem with the condition and said this.

Is their evaluation of the item condition correct?  Should you be focusing on customer satisfaction and listing accuracy rather than FB cleansing?

[zzydny · Accepted solution]

Yes, it could be seen as feedback extortion.  But it also appears that he is trying to hook you for an after-market discount--in other words, a partial refund.  A number of buyers are attempting this dodge lately.  Do NOT fall for this.  All you need to say is "Return for refund."  Don't say anything else; repeat as often as necessary.  If he's fishing for a discount, he may give up.  If he wants a refund, accept it.  Add the guy to your BBL.  Keep the messages in case you need to deal with feedback extortion later.

[*eponymous*]

No.  The buyer stated their options, and they are correct:  work something out or leave negative feedback.  They chose to leave negative feedback.

That is the buyer's opinion, and feedback no longer counts against you.  eBay needs to sunset that policy.

eBay feedback extortion policy says they will remove the text but leave the rating IF they find in your favor.

You can advise the buyer to simply open a case for "not as described", and use the label provided and funded by you to return the item for a full refund.

[chrysylys]

What does the member's 'Feedback Left for Others' look like?

Do you see indications of revisions or similar comments?

[patrick9810]

he has left 5 negatives or neutrals within the last 70 or so he’s left. 3 negatives. only one has a comment which is that a refund was offered but declined. i don’t see any revisions though

[*eponymous*]

he read my message & wants to get the partial refund i offered him, but says nothing about removing the feedback

If you conditioned the partial refund offer on removal of the neg, that is feedack extortion by seller.

[patrick9810]

exactly. which is why i didn’t and wont do that. also because i wouldnt trust him anyways

[turquoisetulips]

Yes, it could be seen as feedback extortion.  But it also appears that he is trying to hook you for an after-market discount--in other words, a partial refund.  A number of buyers are attempting this dodge lately.  Do NOT fall for this. zzydny 

I agree ,, I had one a few weeks ago in fact . I sold a necklace with a new 925 % pure silver chain. I had fully described the locket and chain  in the listing ,, and included photos as well . The buyer contacted me after she received it saying she didn't think the quality matched what she paid, she said there was something wrong with the chain . I replied by telling her the chain was brand new  but  still asked her to begin a return and she would be refunded in full . She then replied there was actually nothing wrong with the chain ,, she simply didnt like it ,, but still wanted to keep it for half the price . I told her I don't do partial refunds  but she was still more than welcome to return the necklace for a full refund . Never heard back . In all actuality the chain by itself was worth more than she paid for the entire necklace ,, and I think she knew that . I was in error when I underpriced it in the first place .

[coolections]

Extortion would have to be something the person wants in exchange for something to make you happy. It sounds like the buyer decided to just give the neg and move on. If true, it is not extortion.

[baantiques]

It would be nice if you could say "revise the feedback and  I'll consider a refund", but you can't.

If he hasn't filed any dispute with ebay, just put him on your black list and let it go.  You're always going to have mentally unstable people buying from you and sometimes you get the short straw and they go off on you.

If he's asked for a return, accept the return and then if he hasn't shipped it back by the end of the I think it's 5 days, call Ebay and have them close the case in your favor.  This will also get the negative expunged.