Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the weaponization of seller feedback.
Today I received a negative eBay review that blindsided me. Not because the item was defective. Not because I failed to communicate. And certainly not because I didn’t try to make it right. I bent over backwards — offered solutions, provided proof, stayed polite — and still, the buyer hit me with a big fat negative…without even attempting to work it out first.
This is a growing trend. Some buyers use feedback like a weapon, not a tool. It’s no longer about honest experiences — it’s leverage, punishment, or just plain laziness. And unfortunately, platforms like eBay and Etsy have enabled this behavior for too long.
Sure, we get it: buyers are important. They deserve protection.
But sellers? We are your backbone. We are the reason your platform even has inventory. We are the reason your customers keep coming back. If you let your seller base get abused and demoralized, we will eventually leave.
Just take a moment and scroll through my feedback. The words are right there. I’m not perfect — I’ve made mistakes. But I’ve fixed them. And every single time, I’ve treated others how I hope to be treated. I don’t expect perfection from others either — only that if you mess up, you own it and make it right. That’s what builds trust. That’s what makes this whole system work.
But when a buyer ignores every good faith effort, leaves a scorched-earth review anyway, and the platform shrugs it off? That’s not just unfair — it’s unsustainable.
There are more options now. Alternative platforms are emerging, and many of us already cross-list elsewhere. If eBay or Etsy want to keep their status, they must do better. Here’s what we need:
Fair mediation before public feedback is posted
A chance to resolve the issue before judgment is passed
Stronger seller protections for obvious abuse
A real look at buyer behavior over time, not just seller performance
We’re not asking to be above reproach. We’re asking for balance.
Because when you let the scales tip too far, eventually the side holding you up will walk away.
Final Thought:
You don’t keep your bread and butter by burning the toast.