eBay buyers are very smart consumers who have not been well informed regarding the feedback rating system – DSR’s.
Based on the above definitions, it would mean that:
- the description was accurate
- you were satisfied with the communication
- you felt the item was shipped quickly at a reasonable cost
Unfortunately, the reality is that any rating lower than 5 
‘s can have a significant negative impact on sellers and the eBay community as a whole because eBay has structured the system to reward sellers with over a 4.5 average, and to penalize sellers with under a 4.5 average.
Yet from the wording of the allowed ratings a buyer would never know this and most would naturally assume that a 4 star rating is a very good rating. After all, staying in a 4 star resort is considered to be very good in the real world and 5 star resorts are rare (and extremely expensive).
If a seller has a 4.6 or lower rating, eBay will penalize that seller by disadvantaging that seller’s items in search, and they will lose any eBay fee discounts they may have previously enjoyed.
What does this mean to you, as a buyer?
Unfortunately, what this can mean is higher prices. The more fees eBay sellers pay, the more they must charge for their items. When a seller’s items are disadvantaged in search, sales slow and prices increase.
Sellers understand they must earn your positive feedback and want to hear from you if you feel that the transaction was less than a positive experience. We strongly encourage you to email the seller with any problem and allow them the opportunity to resolve your issue. People are basically good and that most problems can be worked out amicably between the two parties.
Did the seller:
- Quote the shipping price in the original auction listing?
- Ship using the method stated in the auction?
- Pack the shipment safely, using appropriate packing materials?
- Charge a reasonable shipping price, compared to other online sellers?
The answers to these questions should guide buyers toward the correct star rating.
eBay’s Performance Reports helps you to find out the areas of improvement. The charts gives you insight of what actually is going on and where you should target your improvement.
Low ratings trends chart shows the percentage of low ratings (1s and 2s stars) over total ratings for the past 12 months. If low ratings are increasing, take action. If low ratings are decreasing, you’re doing the right thing.
Areas for improvement chart shows groups of similar comments by buyers when they leave Feedback. If you see a high number of the same comments, you’ll be able to address this area.
Low ratings vs. sales prices chart shows which price range receives the highest percentage of low ratings.
Low P&P ratings by region chart shows if low ratings are unique to a particular region in the UK. If so, you may want to use a different postal method, or communicate that there may be delays to these buyers.
Low ratings by category chart shows the distribution of low ratings by item categories. If you’re receiving low ratings in a certain category, you may want to investigate your processes in these categories to find the problem.
You are now in control of your performance. The quicker you take action the quicker you get benefit. You need to remember that the changes to be require lot of time but it worth the result
eBay Top-rated sellers receive the following privileges and benefits:
Priority customer support
Up to a 30% discount on final value fees
A badge on listing pages
- Improved search standing for fixed price listings in Best Match search result
There is tool called DSR Selling Report which gives you last 30 days. After making changes keep an eye on the ratings chart or DSR Selling Report to check if your recent action helped or not.
