Keeping eBay a safe and well-lit place to trade?

by Bob Crabtree on 1 November 2006, 13:53

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On-line sales portal eBay has made what looks to be a very a significant change to the conditions under which sellers operate. From now on, they can't sell if they keep their feedback profiles hidden from view.

The change, originally announced on October 4, but only implemented from today, was explained in a posting which says,

Feedback is the cornerstone of trust on the eBay marketplace. A seller's Feedback provides buyers the opportunity to make informed decisions about their bids and purchases. It helps instill buyer confidence, and it helps protect the marketplace against fraud.

We believe that buyers should have access to a seller's complete Feedback record before choosing to trade with that seller. For this reason we are restricting selling activities for members who have private Feedback. This is a global change and will affect all eBay sites: this change will come in to effect at the end of October.

Elaborating, the announcement also says,

eBay offers the ability for members to make their Feedback private as an option when they have significant concerns about a comment. They can hide their comments in this way until they are able to resolve the issue. (Read about Mutual Feedback Withdrawal).

Buyers should have all the information available about their prospective sellers' past trading histories. This helps them make knowledgeable choices about doing business with that seller. Prohibiting members with private Feedback profiles from listing items will ensure we help maintain a safe and well-lit marketplace.

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, your Feedback Profile is a valuable asset that helps earn the trust of other eBay members. We strongly encourage members to keep their Feedback profiles public so everyone in the marketplace can benefit from the Feedback other eBay Community members have left them.


But does this really make eBay a safe and well-lit place to trade? Check out the announcement in full on page two, then let us know your thoughts in this thread in the HEXUS.lifestyle.news forum.

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External.links

eBay - Restricted Use of Private Feedback
eBay - Mutual Feedback Withdrawal