I'm seeing more and more items listed as 'private' in the feedback of 'big' sellers on Ebay. Not naughty or medical/health items but ordinary stuff. Annoys me when I can't find out if an item I want to buy is rubbish or not. For instance, I bought a couple of watch straps yesterday and the Sellers feedback is 'private' for all sales. Quite a few negative feedbacks but what were the specific straps? He only sells watch straps by the way. Only reason I can think of is they don't want people knowing item details when items are bad. Ebay say 'Private' listings are only to be used for valid reasons to protect the purchaser's 'Privacy'. God forbid I'm found out as a watch strap fetishist
Unfortunately, no matter how much Ebay preach fairness and openness they always give people a way round the rules. Their only interest is making pots of money and they take little or no notice of the actions of the big sellers and ebay shops even if you complain. That is one reason why I cancelled my ebay account...I was getting far too many problems mostly from the big sellers. Private sellers are usually pretty decent.
At the end of the day ebay is just a sales website and the fact people bid on items is irrelevant. Ebay do not have to conform to any of the auction house rules as they are not selling your stuff. They just take a cut from you of everything they can think to take a cut from, for the privilege of using their website to sell and buy your gear.
Whenever I left feedback on ebay I would often mention what the item was, especially if I was leaving neutral or negative feedback.
I wouldn't buy from anyone who's feedback is private.
I got in trouble with a £700 laptop a little while ago. Never received, no response from seller. Ebay did refund but it takes a few weeks to get the money back. Thread about it was on here.
I only purchase from one seller who keeps his feedback private, based on the recommendation from many others who had made satisfactory purchases from him.
DK
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I too always mention in the feedback what the item actually was, as it actually makes life easier for me if I am trying to find where I have bought similar items before.
Ebay is definitely falling short these days in my opinion - ridiculous amounts being charged for postage/delivery, private feedback and too many items only listed at a Buy It now price on what is supposed to be an auction site. Paypal fees for sellers on top of the Ebay charges are also making selling a problem.
Theres a bit of confusion here, private feedback and private listings are two seperate things, the op is posting about private listings, if you're a seller you cant have private feedback. I agree with the op that it would be nice to know how good previous items sold are, private listings are best for personal or one off items but no need for multiple sales. That said the feedback system is not as useful as it was, many buyers just dont bother leaving feedback anymore and sellers can only leave positive for buyers so there isn't a true picture from either side anymore.
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Topic: Ebay private listings?
