eBay changes feedback system

Popular auction website eBay has made changes to the way its member feedback system works.

eBay, which was founded in 1995, has always invited buyers to rate the service they have received from sellers to enable its members to make an informed decision about making purchases.

It now plans to introduce a system, which it is calling 'Feedback 2.0', that will enable buyers to give more detailed assessment of their experiences. They will now be able to rate different areas of the transaction, such as the item's description and how long the item took to arrive.

"We have made a number of significant changes to the current feedback system, specifically to the Leave Feedback flow and Feedback Profile page, in order to increase transparency, improve a buyer's ability to accurately rate a transaction, and enable our best sellers to stand out," said a message on eBay's website.

Rather than using the percentage system that eBay has traditionally used for member feedback, there will be a star rating in four different categories. Buyers will be able to give the seller a mark out of five in each of these areas.

eBay has made improvements in the past to how the feedback system works, including preventing sellers who would not make feedback from previous buyers available to other potential buyers from listing any more items.

However, eBay felt that a more comprehensive rating system was needed to protect its community.

"The fact is, it's a great system, but it needs some refinement to keep pace with our marketplace... Feedback 2.0 will add a new dimension to the current system, allowing buyers to rate transactions on item description, communication, shipping time, and shipping and handling charges," said Bill Cobb, president of eBay North America.

"It's a simple system that rewards sellers by recognising and spotlighting the things they do to ensure customer satisfaction," continued Cobb.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/

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