If you were to make a business decision about feedback, and you had the following choices, which would you pick?  (These are your ONLY choices.)

A.  Leave Positive Feedback for your Buyers immediately AFTER they make payment.

B.  Leave Negative Feedback for your Buyers after you piss off your Buyer because they end up leaving YOU feedback that bruised your ego?

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Here are the RESULTS of your Answers:

Answers

A - your positive comment would be viewed by MANY people whenever they looked at that Buyer's feedback.  Reflecting on YOU, it may prompt people to check out your Listings.  And, the "positive" experience would remind the Buyer to return to your eBay store in the future.

or

B - your negative comment would be viewed by MANY people whenever they looked at YOUR page AND the Buyer's page.  Some of your followers or gang clan may be able to relate to you, and know exactly why you left that negative nasty comment.  But, there are the Buyers who see it and label YOU as one of those "Retaliating Sellers'.

or

Refuse to answer and decide to justify some other view point and insist on ridiculing someone, pointing the finger at someone else, and having fun at someone else's expense (or so you are thinking).

Of all three of these answers, which do YOU think would make you more profitable?

(That's not an Essay question!)

Okay, NOW for the Essay Question you've been waiting for . . .

Go ahead, show the class what you're made of - free style Essay, the sky is the limit!

Sometimes it helps to know what type of background people have.

And, sometimes it gives you more insight as to where someone is coming from.

Of course, the haters out there will lash out at me and claim I am full of baloney, etc...

But, I thought it would be interesting for everyone to list ONE thing about yourself that most people don't know.

My ONE thing:  I went a year of being interviewed and recruited by the CIA.

What ONE thing do we not know about YOU, which would give us a little window into knowing who YOU are a little better?

Just an update . . .

I went into this Blogging thing originally just a few days ago, after I asked you people if it helps to "sell" your items.

An overwhelming amount of you told me it did, and I have to admit . . .

This is the first time that EVERY one of my items had a winning bid on them.  (One is just $5 away from an Offer being "accepted" so I'll consider that one sold too, since it has so many "watchers" and people makin Offers.)

Hopefully, the exposure has benefited all of you too.  I know that the Seller I have issues with had Thanked me publicly for the exposure because she saw an increased viewing trend since my Blogs.  So, you all must have been right!

It seems to pay off when the public knows your personality and they seem to especially appreciate when you don't let a group of thugs intimidate ya.

Happy Easter everyone, it has been a great day for me . . .

I hope you ALL can say the same!

And, thank you all for the personal, private e-mails and encouragement, notices, support!

[Note to anyone easily intimidated:  Don't let anyone take advantage of you!  You'll feel better about yourself, when you stand up for what you believe, and you'll get much more respect from the bystanders in your life who are too afraid to do the same.  Heck, sometimes you may even end up getting respect from the person/people who hate your opinion!  (And, vice versa.  ;-)]

I was just notified that an eBay member has posted a Blog (I have it saved in ".pdf" format).  Even more surprising, are the "followers" he seems to have attracted.  I will be forwarding it to the authorities and making sure to contact my attorney.

I don't think it is appropriate to have it posted in Blogs with threats made to my character, giving all the "followers" my personal information and steps to take to tarnish my reputation, etc...  (eBay seems to agree with this.)

I have reported this Blogger, and all the people involved. But, as we know, it can take up to 72 hours to get eBay to take care of this.  In the meantime, I will need to contact the authorities, and I want to make this public knowledge, should anything happen to me.  These people and anyone they are associated with should be the first suspects.  (This is NOT a "joke".)

I have not conducted Real Estate business with any of these people.  I have not even done any eBay business with these people.  As a matter of fact, many of them have publicly made it clear they were "blocking" me because I gave honest feedback about a Retaliating Seller that they all were defending in my Blogs.  I  never, however, gave out any personal information about anyone.  Nor would I ever work with any of these people in the Real Estate field.  I have a strict standard that I adhere to, and there are criteria that must be met, before I even meet people for Real Estate.  Their threats to contact my Broker, and The Realtor Association, are very disturbing.  They even are masterminding an attempt to get the FAX number at my Broker's office, to send my Blogs to her!

It's a sad thing when there are so many "followers" of people who ban together to attack someone who was voicing her opinion, asking for advice, and sharing her experience with another eBayer on her Blogs.  There were very few exceptional people who actually chimed in and backed me up.  This morning, I was made aware of this Blog first thing this morning from a concerned citizen who was very alarmed at what he read:

Beware of this realtor

Yeah, I'm setting myself up for THAT question, huh?  ;-)

I've noticed that people like to leave comments on people's Blogs that not necessarily refer to the subject matter, but instead to insult other members.

I'm wondering if this is someone reaching out for attention?  Or, are they just trying to make themselves look good to the public eye?

For a few days I have undergone some really nasty comments, insults and abusive attacks in response to a simple desire to share an experience with you all, get your comments and suggestions, and learn about other opinions.

Do people's parents teach their children to do name calling, and insult people?  Or, is that learned in school?

I'm completely at a loss to the people on these Blogs who appear to be adults, but act more like the children who take away their toys if another child doesn't let them win.

Why can't we just have a discussion on these Blogs and make your points logically, instead of resorting to name calling?

Don't you realize that you are advertising yourself out to the public to see what you are really all about?

I do understand that some of you need to "vent", so if you still have to call me names, insult me, threaten me, and block me, etc... Please, by all means, keep it up!

I'm here for you, just as Jesus was.  If you want to crucify me for having an opinion - go for it.  But, it may worry you to find out that I may be "resurrected" in the near future!

I'm curious, how much education do you Sellers have?

Not to be disrespectful, but I'm getting some really strange comments and arguments.

It would be interesting to know how many of you have any formal education?

Just curious . . .

I'm sure you Sellers would LOVE to chip in on the Feedback I got for the Seller who was holding feedback hostage until I left feedback.

No matter how direct I was, in letting her know that I would NOT leave "positive" feedback if she didn't leave feedback for me first (I didn't require my feedback had to be positive), she choose to not leave me feedback until I left her honest feedback.

I could have been nasty and left all three (3) comments as "negative" but that wasn't fair, because only one item was actually faulty.  So, I left 2 neutral comments, because she certainly wasn't a "positive" experience to work with.

And, as anticipated, she left me THREE (3) negatives for my feedback, in direct retaliation of leaving her two neutrals and one negative.

So, you Sellers who know that I am a very prompt payer, very direct and honest, and forthcoming about how I view feedback, make sure you "block" me, because you don't want me to spend money in your "stores".  Heaven forbid, you may be asked to leave feedback for me, after I make my payment.

And, worse, I may actually leave honest feedback, despite the possible retaliation that I know Sellers emotionally resort to when they don't get what they want.

Comments please, let me have it!

And, for the record, I'm not going to cowardly leave any Seller positive feedback, just because the fear of retaliation towards me.

If you Sellers think that a paying customer who makes extremely prompt payments, doesn't return items, just asks a simple request to have feedback (YES, it is "voluntary") after she makes her payment is bad for your business, you definitely need to BLOCK me.

Have a great Easter weekend . . .

1.  If someone sold you something that was scratched and used looking, despite the claims of it being "new", would you give "positive" "neutral" or "negative" feedback?

2.  If someone sold you something that didn't look as good as they did in the photos but included a "free" Tupperware container to keep them in, would you give "positive", "neutral" or "negative" feedback?  (No option NOT to leave feedback)

3.  If someone refused to give you feedback as a Buyer (despite the fact that you paid within minutes of winning the auction, AND you notifed them via e-mail that you received their package, AND despite the fact that you informed them that you ONLY gave "positive" feedback if they left feedback for YOU), would you give "positive" "neutral" or "negative" feedback?

Realize that the Seller is the same person for ALL of these items - all shipped together, etc...

Just curious as to what YOU would do . . .

It would be nice to say something "nice" today.

After all, it IS "Good Friday"!  :-)

What can YOU think to say today?

Share it here . . .

I am very happy to get so many responses and comments to my Blogs.

Thanks EVERYONE!  :-D

I proudly display the Sellers on eBay who have provided awesome service, great products, ship timely, communicate clearly, and leave feedback to Buyers after they pay, without holding their feedback as "hostage" until a Buyer gives THEM feedback.

I have absolutely no respect for Sellers who leave Buyers negative feedback, just because the Buyer complained about them in their feedback.

If you are one of them, and I have purchased from you - you can bet that I'll never purchase from you again AND I will never list you as one of my "favorite" Sellers or promote you to anyone I know.

Sadly, I was about to inform a friend of mine who was looking for a Mary Kay consultant, about Kim's eBay store.  But, after her enlightening responses to my previous Blogs, I changed my mind.  She seems like a very nasty person and her negative feedback from Buyers is proof positive about how she treats people.

I love to promote those of you who are good people, and I will continue to do so - whenever I see the opportunity.  :-)

Have a great weekend . . .

I love the feedback that I got from many of you about how you are "blocking" me.

And, the claims you made about me are very interesting.  I guess you haven't learned how to read the eBay information about people?  I've been a member since 1999.  And, I have sold items, actually some VERY high dollar items (over $1K).  But, mostly, I love to buy on eBay when the moment hits me.

It is very sad that people jump to conclusions about people, by reading only one side of the story.  How sad.

Obviously, I'm glad that many of you have limited my purchasing playing field.

Great job!  Thank you for saving me some money!  :-)

I still see no sense in any Seller holding feedback as "hostage" until AFTER I get my items.

If I pay timely, I should get positive feedback.

Sellers who hold feedback selfishly until after a Buyer leaves feedback is just asking me to give negative feedback.

Sorry about that.

I feel VERY strongly about it.

Customers do not get bad Credit History for complaining about the Sellers.

So, we on eBay should get positive feedback for promptly paying.

If you have an issue with us AFTERWARDS, you can leave a comment underneath.  We all see those.  We know if the Buyer was dishonest, etc... from what you say, regardless if it was a "positive or negative" feedback.  I read comments on Buyers and Sellers VERY carefully before doing business with them.

I'm amazed at how creative some of the Sellers are on eBay.

I've seen the following unique things to sell  . . .

Crocheted Hats (1920s style)

Downloadable animated Personalized graphics

Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade Cookies

Handmade Voodoo Dolls

Handmade Oragami

Victorian Clothing

Custom made Cake Toppers

Electronic sets of useful layouts for websites / eBay Stores, etc...

List the things that YOU sell which makes you stand out from the crowd of us typical Sellers.

I'm adding to this list and re-posting periodically when I see you people with those awesome ideas.

Please post on here as an advertisement to YOUR store/listings.  I'll check them out, even if no one else does!  ;-)

Okay, I need some advice from you Pros out there . . .

What do you do, when you get Delivery Confirmation, but the Buyer insists that he didn't get your package?

I have already asked for him to file a report with the PO and told him to give them the delivery confirmation information, etc...

And, I have asked him to give me the telephone number for the company that he had me ship it to, so that I can follow-up and ask the Receptionist if she remembers the package and who took it, etc...

Anyone have any OTHER ideas/suggestions?!

I often amazed at Sellers who complain about their Buyers.

First of all, we as Sellers have to remember that the Buyers are the reason we are making money Selling in the first place.

Second, if we want good responses from our Buyers, we need to give them something to be happy about.

Third, you should have a "check-list" to make sure that all Buyers are treated equally and fairly, no matter what they purchase, or how much they pay.

Here's a handy Check List for Sellers who want Good Buyers:

1.  As soon as the auction ends, thank the Buyer for winning your item.  Send them an Invoice, so they know exactly what the total amount due is.  Confirm the address that you believe they want the item shipped, so they can make any necessary adjustments or requests for correction BEFORE you ship it out.

2.  Some Buyers pay immediately, before even getting an Invoice.  Make sure that you give feedback for your Buyer, acknowledging that you received the payment and praising for their timeliness.  (We as Sellers won't be able to do this after May, so take advantage of it while you can!)

3.  When you ship the item out, send your Buyer an e-mail to let them know it was shipped.  There is nothing more annoying to a Buyer than wondering and waiting for something to be delivered.  Buyers are always more patient, when they know it is being handled and they get updates.

4.  If you haven't heard back from your Buyer with either Feedback about the item, or a response in e-mail that they received your item, make sure that you follow-up with the shipper you used, to find out if it has been delivered timely.  If it has, e-mail your Buyer and let them know that they should have received their package(s) by now, and you want to make sure that they received it.  If it has NOT been delivered yet (and should have), try to research and find out why, so you are equipped with an answer for your Buyer.  It is always better to inform someone BEFORE they contact you, so that they know you are on top of things.

5.  If you never get a response from your Buyer, don't fret it.  At least you did YOUR part.  If you DO get a response, it opens up the door to find out if they liked the item, etc...  (if they volunteer the information)  Always keep your communication "up beat" and make sure that the Buyer knows you are sincerely interested in their satisfaction.

6.  When it comes time for the  Buyer to leave feedback, if they haven't left any, ask them nicely to leave you feedback about the item they received.  If they don't respond, just leave them alone.  Some people are not computer savy and they don't want to hassle with any more than they already know. 

Following these steps should get you Positive Feedback from your Buyers.  And, repeat Buyers too!

(DISCLAIMER:  I am not a professional eBay Seller, I am mostly a Buyer.  This information is MY opinion ONLY and is to be used with your discretion and understanding that I am NOT liable for any negative feedback that you may receive despite following these simple steps. I'm only human, and I'm trying to give you human advice.)

Please feel free to add your OWN ideas and input to this Blog, to help Sellers generate Good Buyers . . .

After a Buyer pays, they have performed their duties.

It is our responsibility, as a Seller, to immediately leave them feedback so that when they get their product, they can leave feedback for YOU (the Seller).

Sellers who hold off and wait until AFTER a Buyer leaves feedback tends to be the type who is revengeful and childish, if the Buyer leaves a negative or even a neutral feedback.

I have experienced this several times.

Most recently, a Seller NEVER responded to my e-mails, took forever to ship out the item (I had to babysit it) and when it was received, it was in a cheap box without any filler or protection.  I even tried informing the Seller that I was waiting for the feedback that was due me, and I was waiting to find out if she was going to leave any feedback for me.  After a couple weeks of not getting ANY responses whatsoever (none, zilch, nada, nothing - EVER), I decided to leave an honest feedback for that Seller.

You can see how she responsed to me, she left ME "negative" feedback, even though all you Sellers know that I pay immediately after I win my bids (unless I'm waiting for more of your items).  Her reasoning was because (she felt) that I was "mad because she didn't respond fast enough".  That wasn't entirely true.  I didn't have any respect for her, because she NEVER responded to ANY of my e-mails EVER, but she also was very slow at shipping and she failed to put any type of protection in the box to protect the item I purchased.

I would have actually left a positive feedback for this Seller, if she was just considerate enough to leave me feedback, especially after I asked for it SEVERAL times.  I would have found SOMETHING positive about her.  But, since she didn't respond to ANY of my e-mails, she was slow at shipping, and she was extremely poor at packing, I had more than enough reason to leave her "negative" feedback instead.

Hopefully, this gives motivation to other Sellers to promptly give Buyers feedback.  After all, without Buyres on e-Bay, we wouldn't have a reason to be selling anything!  ;-)

I've said my peace/piece, please add your comments and opinions . . .