You may be aware that recently there have been some significant changes to the eBay feedback system for evaluating sellers. These changes are partially reflected in the Detailed Seller Ratings (DSR’s) that appear in a seller’s Feedback Profile on eBay. Buyers may rate a seller on a scale of a possible 5 stars in four rating categories:
Item as Described
Communication
Shipping Time
Shipping and Handling Charges
According to the eBay instructions to buyers for rating sellers, buyers should leave feedback in conjunction with the DSR ratings that is completely open and honest about the buyers experience with that particular seller. The possible five stars relates a four star experience as equaling "Satisfactory". What the buyer may not be aware of is that
a 4 star rating, although called "satisfactory", is not satisfactory at all, and will in fact penalize a seller.
Sellers who earn only four stars are
not eligible to be Powersellers, will have their
listings given reduced exposure in the eBay searches and will
not be eligible for listing fee discounts. This either reduces the sellers profit, and / or increases the prices of the sellers products, both making it difficult to succeed.
All eBay buyers should be aware of the rating system and it's potential impact on sellers. Surely there have been many buyers who thought leaving a four star "satisfactory" rating would be the correct rating to express satisfaction, but not jubilation. Unfortunately the 4 star rating simply does not represent the buyers intended outcome. It means
not good enough to be a successful eBay seller.
Please when rating good sellers be aware that rating 4 stars or less will hinder the seller greatly. Certainly some sellers deserve to be penalized, but be aware that if you truly are "Satisfied" ,
please rate with a 5 star.