Why do you NOT leave positive iTrader feedback?

[on_the_edge]

I get that positive iTrader feedback is no guarantee of a positive experience with someone. I also understand that the system itself and how it may be implemented (e.g. when you can leave negative feedback for someone) is less than perfect. Still, when someone is new here, having positive feedback is IMO better than having no feedback. And even if you are an established member here with lots of positive feedback, having recent positive feedback is better than having positive feedback from a long time ago.

I strive to leave positive feedback for every single positive sale, purchase, or trade that I have. If nothing else, I feel it is the courteous thing to do, sort of like saying "you're welcome" when someone says "thank you".

So when someone has left you positive feedback, why does one not reciprocate? I can think of a few reasons, i.e. the system is flawed, too busy, too lazy, don't know how the system works, etc. IDK...did I leave anything out?

ETA: The poll is anonymous and permits the option of selecting more than one choice, so don't be shy. You will remain anonymous!

 

[Lycosa]

I'm guilty of not using iTrader because it's a pain, so I use the GB&U.
rolf

 

[dynamicmoves]

Always leave once I've received the knife if I'm buying.
If I'm selling and I don't hear from the buyer I don't leave feedback.
And trading is a combination of the two.

 

[El Bandit0]

Honesty is everything around here.
I have a personal policy of giving honest feedback for all transactions, good or bad. So far I have been lucky to only have dealt with good folks on here. We owe it to each other to call out bad transactions as a future warning to others. I have had a number of folks neglect to leave feedback for me after I have left them feedback but "it is what it is".

 

[Dawkind]

I figure my business is just that....mine, between me and the Seller.

I do comply to the iTrader thing if someone hits me with it. Once in a while I'll have someone ask me to leave them good feedback....I think about that for a while before I do.....or don't.

My $.02

 

[RayseM]

I surely understand the privacy aspect of your reason for hesitation and I would say that GB&U is better than nothing but here are my thoughts on the subject:

1) At least as I understand it - the feedback details other than the review itself - are all unavailable to the public. We only get to see that you had a transaction with another member and you are satisfied /or not.

2) GB&U requires a search of a members name BEFORE you engage in a transaction or you are dealing with someone in the dark as to their credibility as sellers/traders. Yes - buyer beware - but the iTrader allows instant feedback before you go into the fray with a member on a potential deal. That is a qualified "instant feedback" but it does provide a base line for trusting.

3) I very much value the iTrader - It is a valuable summary of how any particular BF member behaves as a seller/trader in a number of areas - accurate description, timely mailings and payments, forthcoming with information etc. Also provides a history of good will and consistency. 2 transaction with a 100% positive feedback tells you that you are still in the guinea pig range of buying from this member whereas 20 or 100 or more 100% positive feedbacks sets a different comfort level going in. Someone who has a less than 100 % allows you to see that you might need to ask more questions - do more research.

For some of you guys with 43,000 posts , or 6,000 or 8,000 posts - admittedly your credibility - your success as a member of this community is well established and you are not likely to torch it for a knife sale or trade but for those of us with only 100 posts or 2,000 posts who are not that well known by all of BF iTrader tells the rest of us that this person is stand up.

All this allows for a pretty safe buy/sell/trade experience here on BF. Not foolproof by any means, nonetheless the iTrader offers a valuable service to the community.

I do leave feedback for everyone I deal with. I ask them to reciprocate. Two or three times in all of my transactions, I have dealt with folks who just would not leave feedback. Pick a reason from the poll because I don't know why. Maybe I did something that didn't quite satisfy but not so bad that they were willing to torch me or maybe they are just types who move on real fast and don't look back for silly things like feedback. No matter - I value iTrader and I am very glad it is a feature of BF. I would not be so eager to participate in selling/buying/trading without it.

Thanks for asking.

Ray

 

[cda555]

I really like the system and wish other forums would use something similar.

 

[-Corey-]

Always leave once I've received the knife if I'm buying.
If I'm selling and I don't hear from the buyer I don't leave feedback.
And trading is a combination of the two.

Same here. I always let the seller know I've received the knife and if I'm satisfied with it, then leave feedback. I think there's a couple times I didn't because the seller didn't communicate all that great (no acknowledgement of receiving payment or no tracking #, etc.) As a seller I wait until the buyer tells me they are satisfied with their purchase and leave me positive feedback.

However, some sellers leave feedback as soon as they receive payment. Some of those folks might be expecting sellers that they deal with to do the same for them. So if that guy/gal buys a knife from me, and I don't leave them feedback upon payment, they might think I stiffed them on some feedback, so then they don't leave me feedback. In that instance, two people that would normally leave feedback would not, even if the transaction was flawless otherwise. I don't ever get bent out of shape about not getting feedback, just one of them things where 2 people have different ways of thinking.

 

[Andy the Aussie]

I try to do it 100% of the time and believe I have. If I have missed one it is inadvertent. I have received about 75% of what I have left.

 

[Hard Knocks]

I just took a look at my feedback page. I've been left feedback 28 times, and have left feedback for others 43 times. As far as I know, I've left feedback for every transaction that bladeforums rules allow (can't leave itrader on deals done by PM behind the scenes for example). It would be nice to have those additional 15, but I can only do the best I can on my end.

I remember having zero feedback and member SilverBullets taking a chance on selling to me. I always appreciated that. I also appreciated getting that first positive, sure looked better than a goose egg lol.

Thanks for bringing it up for conversation Chris :thumbup:

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Scotcha]

IMO feedback should be left. I recently purchased a high value knife from a member, received the knife and was happy with the transaction.

Even after I emailed the member and left positive feedback never heard back or was left feedback. Although I was happy with the knife and the transaction in general will never buy from that person again.

Shows lack of courtesy and a "could care less" attitude towards this community.

 

[coinbuysell]

Great post, I have completed over 45 transactions and have a feedback score of 14...I realize the iTrader system is not the best but I don't understand why someone who completes a deal cannot take the time to leave feedback. It is the system that is employed by BF so why not use it?

 

[Sonnydaze]

I always leave feedback, and request feedback. Once you learn the rules, it's easy and helpful.

 

[RayseM]

IMO feedback should be left. I recently purchased a high value knife from a member, received the knife and was happy with the transaction.

Even after I emailed the member and left positive feedback never heard back or was left feedback. Although I was happy with the knife and the transaction in general will never buy from that person again.

Shows lack of courtesy and a "could care less" attitude towards this community.

I didn't say this in my post above but I pretty much agree with you Scotcha. My response in the few times I wasn't left feedback after a good transaction was to cross that person off any future deals too. If he couldn't care less I can't find more time for him either. Too many other folks enthusiastic all the way to play with

 

[Fanglekai]

I always leave feedback. The deal isn't done for me until feedback is left. So far everything I've purchased has been great and the transactions were smooth. It's important to let others know who the stand up sellers and buyers are. It fosters a better exchange. It takes me longer to walk to my mailbox and open a package than it does to leave feedback, so I don't have any excuses for not leaving it.

 

[HappyDaddy]

I have left it in the few deals I've done. That said, I'm torn on the subject. There are so many flaws with itrader that I almost feel badly about helping perpetuate it. When someone can have perfect feedback and still be a giant PITA to deal with, or even a crook, there's a serious problem with the system.

 

[on_the_edge]

I have left it in the few deals I've done. That said, I'm torn on the subject. There are so many flaws with itrader that I almost feel badly about helping perpetuate it. When someone can have perfect feedback and still be a giant PITA to deal with, or even a crook, there's a serious problem with the system.

I can understand and accept the imperfections with iTrader. Nothing in life is perfect and there are certainly very few, if any, guarantees. But how many of us really choose to not do something simply because of imperfections or the fact that there are no guarantees? Should I give up fishing or hunting simply because the weather may not cooperate or I may come back empty-handed? That honestly seems a little silly to me.

This forum has had an occasional bad apple with previous very good iTrader feedback. That has not stopped me from buying selling and trading knives here.

 

[benchwarmer380]

I have left it in the few deals I've done. That said, I'm torn on the subject. There are so many flaws with itrader that I almost feel badly about helping perpetuate it. When someone can have perfect feedback and still be a giant PITA to deal with, or even a crook, there's a serious problem with the system.

I don't see how you leaving Positive feedback for your positive transactions perpetuates any flaws. If you were honest then they are accurate representations of your transaction.

One thing that helps exacerbate the flaws in the system is when people neglect to leave the proper feedback that is deserved.

Neutral feedback should be used more often for those situations where it was not smooth or the other member was a PITA for one reason or another, yet in the end both parties were satisfied. Neutral does not detract from one's Feedback % but whatever their issue was will still show on their iTrader page.

Negative feedback for the worst offenders. With the recent rule changes, one should not fear leaving an honest feedback good or bad.

Regarding crooks and thieves, once they show their true colors they will get the banhammer.

 

[benchwarmer380]

This forum has had an occasional bad apple with previous very good iTrader feedback. That has not stopped me from buying selling and trading knives here.

Nor I because that is generally not something that you can foresee without being a clairvoyant. It's sad to say but trust precedes the knife in the back.

 

[Danke42]

I leave positive feedback for positive transactions. What I don't get is why members don't reciprocate when they get a positive.