Rudey: Hello. I had a question. If I pay for an item I win, is a seller allowed to withhold leaving feedback until I leave positive feedback for him? I feel that my end of the bargain was completed.
Edward R.: Hello, I'm Edward and welcome to Live Chat. Please give me a moment to review your concern.
Edward R.: Leaving feedback is actually not required by either party, and some sellers do require feedback be left by the buyer first, as a personal rule.
Edward R.: It's by no means required to leave feedback, it's a courtesy between members to reflect their experiences. I understand some sellers have had issues with buyers leaving feedback prematurely, so some of them do ask for feedback to be left first.
Rudey: what happens if I pay and get a bad item. If I leave negative feedback, they can retaliate and leave negative feedback for me even if they were in the wrong. How do I react in that situation?
Edward R.: That is a possibility, but keep in mind that feedback is meant to be opinions only, so the buyer and seller can reflect their own buying/selling experiences with other members.
Rudey: So basically I can have my ratings hurt even if he was the one at fault?
Edward R.: Yes, but we are instituting changes soon, later this year, and early next year, that will negate feedback left by users who do not participate in our dispute resolution options.
Rudey: I see. OK. Thank you.
Edward R.: Did you want a link detailing those upcoming changes?
Rudey: yes please
Edward R.: Just a moment while I get that, please.
Edward R.: Sorry for the delay, I'll just be another moment.
Rudey: OK
Edward R.: Here's the link for you:
Edward R.:
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200509061621372.html
Edward R.: Is there anything else I can assist you with or answer for you today?
-Rudey
--There you go.