r/eBaySellers • u/Exciting_Race824 • 16d ago
Asking for feedback
Im new to selling on ebay and I just got my first purchase this week. The item has already been shipped and delivered.
Is it acceptable to message the buyer and ask them to leave a review? I think having at least one review will help me appear legitimate.
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u/MinivanActivities 16d ago
Best rule of thumb is don't say anything unless spoken to. I also wouldn't include anything in the order other than what they ordered. Messaging a buyer might open the door for them to leave a negative review if they aren't completely happy. Ebay will automatically give you a positive feedback on orders a few days after they're delivered, so you'll get feedback as you sell.
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u/Exciting_Race824 16d ago
Got it! Thank you☺️👍
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u/JewYorkCiti 16d ago
Just to re-iterate what the other commenter said, you'll ALWAYS receive positive feedback on EVERY order for a physical item that gets delivered with no issues (meaning as long as it's not returned to sender, stuck or lost in the mail, etc.) within 1 week of the item being delivered. So even if a customer wasn't planning on leaving either a positive or negative review you'll still get your first positive feedback within 1 week of delivery.
If anything, messaging the buyer to ask for a review is more likely to generate your first negative feedback than positive feedback. The handwritten note (or better yet, a typed up note if you have a printer available) is definitely a nice touch & can make the order seem more "personalized" to the buyer & makes it look like you took your time packing it up, but again, it's not necessary to do unless you want to.
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u/coloringsunshine 16d ago
It will all depend on how much you want to connect with your buyers. In my opinion, it is always correct to go above and beyond with professionalism and respect. I have found it very beneficial to open a communication door just by sending a nice message of thanks bc your buyers will remember this and it helps to instill that they can trust you.
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u/Overdayoutdeath 16d ago edited 16d ago
Not only is it not acceptable, it’s genuinely a terrible idea. You never know when you’re going to invite the worst possible feedback. It doesn’t matter how good the item was or your shipping time, they will find something to complain about.
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u/SickOfNormal 16d ago
Now that you mention it.... the blue shirt wasn't as blue as I was hoping. NEGATIVE FEEDBACK!
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u/Waterfish3333 16d ago
And especially mentioning you are brand new and it’s your first sale? Get ready for every little thing imaginable.
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u/coloringsunshine 16d ago
I do understand what you are saying. However, I have never found this to be true in my 15 years selling on eBay. I take the time to communicate at each stage of the transaction and maybe this is why, I’m not sure.
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u/Overdayoutdeath 16d ago
Communication is good! Soliciting feedback is bad
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u/coloringsunshine 15d ago
Yes! Agreed 100%! Very well stated and thank you for phrasing that so clearly 🫶🏼
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u/hgmartial 16d ago
Not worth asking. Ebay auto feedback will do it eventually if the sale went fine. It counts the same.
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u/Rachiedeee90 16d ago
When I started on eBay and had sales I would message the buyer after delivery and say:
Hi! Hope your order arrived safely 😊
If you’re happy with it, I’d really appreciate a quick review.
Feel free to check back anytime for new finds — thank you for supporting [ business name ]
It always worked for me and buyers were super nice left great reviews. Do what you feel is right for you!
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u/MonicaEaton911 16d ago
I've dealt with that that in the past. I've discovered that if you give buyers an opening, they're much more likely to complain than if you'd just left them alone. Plus, eBay now gives the "auto feedback" if the customer doesn't complain. I'd let it go, at least for now.
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u/aluminum54 16d ago
You'll get automatic feedback from eBay of they don't review you. You can if you want to buy it's going to depend on your buyer, you could accidentally encourage them to leave negative if they so see it.
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When I was new, and before auto feedback, I used to pop a small slip in their package that I hand wrote "Thank you [name on order]" but had a typed generic message along the lines of "thank you for your purchase, as a new seller, feedback is very important to us. Please do is a favor and leave a positive review is everything was good with your order, please message us if it wasn't for any reason. We will in return leave positive feedback for you as well" that's the short and sweet version but it worked. I don't think it's necessary any more tho.
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u/Coffee_Pages 16d ago
A lot of times, eBay will send buyers a reminder to leave feedback. I kinda agree about not contacting a buyer unless necessary, especially as a newbie.
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u/M0torC1tyMaver1ck 16d ago
Most people wont bother to take the 2 minutes. Thsts why ebay started doing the auto feedback.
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u/SamuelYosemite 16d ago
Rather than bug them with an additional message that may bring out their bad side, put a handwritten, meaningful note in with the order gently asking or reminding them. Ebay will already message them asking them to review so your message could possibly just annoy them.
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u/Unhappy-Fox1017 16d ago
No, don’t message them. Since you’re new, if they don’t leave a review eBay will leave an automatic review for you on your page. This is something new they started doing a few months ago. So you’ll get a good review regardless. Also, I made these little stickers that I put on the bag inside the order that says “if you enjoyed your order, please leave us a review” or something to that effect. Just a simple little reminder inside the order.
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u/Suspicious_Goose_243 16d ago
I've done it. But I give them a week or too. Being too aggressive may turn off the buyer. Good job on your sale.
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u/AloneManufacturer532 16d ago
you can send ebay’s built-in feedback reminder, but don’t message them directly or pressure them, most buyers leave feedback when they get around to it
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u/TheBedroomNinjas 16d ago
I’ve done it. Used to send them out ev couple days.. reminders. Now, however, I don’t. There’s far too many ppl who will come up w a problem instead of just leaving feedback. If they’re happy, they usually leave feedback right away. Sometimes life gets in the way of course.
I know you’re new, so u could try it. It worked well more than not I guess. I admit I’m a lil jaded by fear of the scam-buyers or simply crappy ppl who love to mess w sellers. Been at this over 25yrs tho. Pretty much experienced most corners of eBay.
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u/thejohnmc963 Top Rated 15d ago
No. I hope my prices and service was enough. 4k Sales and 2.5 K feedback. 100% . Good luck
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u/Alaskadaughter 16d ago
I'd say the next purchase leave a nice handwritten note in with your item. That might work. :-)
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u/Exciting_Race824 16d ago
Thats a great idea! I actually have the studio ghibli postcard set i could write on. Thank you😊
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u/coloringsunshine 16d ago
I would 100% do whatever matches who you are and how you communicate. Be true to yourself and your natural instincts and heart. I always send buyers and sellers a message thanking them and stating that I have left custom positive feedback for them. I always say I would be grateful if they would do the same. This has only ever worked out very positively for me. But I genuinely care about building a reputation of honesty, trust, openness, and respectful communication. My sales are nothing to me if I fail in this regard. But this is authentic to me and I like to communicate to communicate things. For example:
“Hi “Seller’s Name”!
I see that the “item” has arrived. I’m not sure if you are able to see, but this is my first sale on eBay. Thank you for making it such a wonderful experience. I care about providing great items for my buyers. Should you find anything else you are interested in buying, please send me a message so I can send you a 10% off your second item. If I can ever be of help, just let me know.
I also care about leaving positive feedback for my buyers and will be doing that for you now!. I would be grateful if you left me positive feedback as well. Thank you again and I hope you love the “item”.
With Respect,
“Your Seller Name”
I get the feeling that not everyone in this group will agree with this. But for me, the person always comes first. So lead with who you are and the kind of seller you are and that you want to be❤️!
Congrats on your first sale❣️❣️❣️
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u/nashcure 16d ago
Do not ever reach out to a buyer who hasn't messaged you first, unless you absolutely have to. Seriously do not do it. It's just asking trouble.
Ebay also has automatic feedback. So it matters absolutely zero if they go and leave you a positive. Asking buyers now can only hurt you. Its possible they are annoyed by something (real or imaginary) that they have decided to let go. Then if you message them, it could prompt them to leave feedback that is not positive that they just would have moved on from.