I've been thinking about this for awhile. After having sold and purchased many items in the exchange over the past few months and reading through the feedback section, I think we are much too reluctant to leave negative feedback.
I know we do this to keep things civil and to avoid confrontation, but I feel that it misrepresents our feedback rating because almost everyone has positive feedback. Yet there are always people complaining in the GBU section. Also, not leaving any feedback when you're dissatisfied doesn't help either.
Prior to getting screwed over by people not honoring their "I'll take it," I was in agreement with most members that if no actual transaction has taken place, no feedback should be given. After having been victim to that (a couple times), I now feel it's a totally legitimate reason for a negative rating. I wouldn't leave a negative rating out of spite, but because others should know if a member has a history of doing this. It's unfair to both the seller and other potential buyers.
Inaccurate descriptions on the condition of the knife should also be grounds for an instant negative rating, regardless if the problem was worked out after the sale, whether it be a return, partial refund, or an apology. Again, other members should be made aware. I recently purchased a knife that was "NIB" and it looked pretty good externally, but after taking it apart to clean and oil it, there was clear evidence of it having been used. I shrugged it off as I got a decent deal and I simply chose not to leave any feedback, but again, it might benefit others to know this.
I've had at least two trades where the knife was no where near the condition described. Thankfully I had them ship first due to my more established feedback. When they were confronted about the condition of the knife, they were initially defensive and stood by their word but they've always backed down and come clean about the knife's history after some simple prodding (it seems that "I just got it from a friend, he told me it was new...I thought they were all like that" is a common excuse). In all of these cases, either the trade was adjusted accordingly or canceled completely. Again, no feedback was given as the trades ended up working out, but this info is probably valuable for other potential buyers/traders.
All of the members in the above examples have flawless records. Surely there are others that have been in my situation(s) before.
I know it's not the end of the world when these problems are encountered, but neither is a tiny frown on your iTrader profile.
Like I said, even when things get worked out, I feel negative feedback is warranted. In the feedback summary, just explain that the problem is resolved but document the initial issue.
edit: Or perhaps we under utilize the "neutral" rating.
I know we do this to keep things civil and to avoid confrontation, but I feel that it misrepresents our feedback rating because almost everyone has positive feedback. Yet there are always people complaining in the GBU section. Also, not leaving any feedback when you're dissatisfied doesn't help either.
Prior to getting screwed over by people not honoring their "I'll take it," I was in agreement with most members that if no actual transaction has taken place, no feedback should be given. After having been victim to that (a couple times), I now feel it's a totally legitimate reason for a negative rating. I wouldn't leave a negative rating out of spite, but because others should know if a member has a history of doing this. It's unfair to both the seller and other potential buyers.
Inaccurate descriptions on the condition of the knife should also be grounds for an instant negative rating, regardless if the problem was worked out after the sale, whether it be a return, partial refund, or an apology. Again, other members should be made aware. I recently purchased a knife that was "NIB" and it looked pretty good externally, but after taking it apart to clean and oil it, there was clear evidence of it having been used. I shrugged it off as I got a decent deal and I simply chose not to leave any feedback, but again, it might benefit others to know this.
I've had at least two trades where the knife was no where near the condition described. Thankfully I had them ship first due to my more established feedback. When they were confronted about the condition of the knife, they were initially defensive and stood by their word but they've always backed down and come clean about the knife's history after some simple prodding (it seems that "I just got it from a friend, he told me it was new...I thought they were all like that" is a common excuse). In all of these cases, either the trade was adjusted accordingly or canceled completely. Again, no feedback was given as the trades ended up working out, but this info is probably valuable for other potential buyers/traders.
All of the members in the above examples have flawless records. Surely there are others that have been in my situation(s) before.
I know it's not the end of the world when these problems are encountered, but neither is a tiny frown on your iTrader profile.
Like I said, even when things get worked out, I feel negative feedback is warranted. In the feedback summary, just explain that the problem is resolved but document the initial issue.
edit: Or perhaps we under utilize the "neutral" rating.
