I got two negatives from sellers and would like to explain what happened. But first up: in both cases the seller got paid in full, yet insulted me and dragged my otherwise perfect feedback score down. And the auction was private to prevent others from investigating Case one: Minidisk player This $50 unit was dead on arrival. No user error: I've owned the same unit for a year and used it professionally for radio interviews. I emailed him several times to two addresses and got no response. When I submitted a negative feedback: minidisc recorder dead on arrival, didn't react to mails, total loss., Seller good_gadgets ( private ) , Jan-07-05 22:33 5726333592 I got this tell-tale response in feedback: FULL OF CRAP NEVER CONTACTED ME TOTAL LIAR!!! U SUCK, Seller good_gadgets ( private ) , Jan-08-05 10:22 5726333592 Case two: Microwave oven, $470 w/ shipping This very heavy unit arrived in a box that was unharmed but the unit inside was dented, obviously from having been dropped. Because this was an over the range model to be installed surrounded by cabinets I decided to keep the unit because the dented side would not be visible (and shipping it back would have cost another $50). Still, there was not a word in the auction listing about damage, AND, the manual says: Do not use if dropped. As our kitchen renovation got delayed it's still not installed so I hope it's going to work despite the discouraging claim in the manual. Here's the feedback. Note how the seller - who got paid in full instantly - claims that he is the injured party and suffered a financial loss: Martinus: sold as new but previously dropped w body damage: outer box undamaged: $470loss, Seller a-great-place-to-buy!( 558) , Oct-16-06 14:05 Private , Reply by a-great-place-to-buy!: YOU ARE A TOTAL LIAR. The $470.00 LOSS WAS OURS, NOT YOURS. HELLO Seller Beware. Sent Brand New Item In The Box. YOU ARE A TOTAL LIAR., Seller a-great-place-to-buy!( 558) , Oct-16-06 14:34 Private , Reply by martinus: Have no motive to lie: MY rating suffers w yr negative. priv. auction=red flag, Nov-21-06 08:47, At least I'm glad that the 'tone of voice' in those seller's feedback will raise flags with most readers. Still, it looks like my only recourse would be to mutually withdraw the comments to regain my 100% rating - but then the ebay community does not get their fair warning about these unscrupulous sellers. Advice: Don't ever engage in private auctions, it's for sellers who have things to hide Don't deal with sellers who SHOUT and insult in their feedback.