Protest the Ebay New Feedback 2.0 & Detailed Ratings

To eBay:

Many eBay sellers are very concerned regarding the new feedback system 2.0; as it is a buyer-favored system.

Some of the valid concerns of sellers are:

1. When a buyer leaves the detailed rating it clearly states "Rate the seller on the details of the transaction. Sellers will not see your detailed ratings below"
This does not allow a seller to address any issues with the buyer, due to the anonymous nature of the process. It also encourages a buyer with a less than honorable motive (ie: non-paying bidders, etc.) to attempt to destroy a hard-working seller's reputation unfairly.

2. Buyers are asked to rate "Shipping and handling charges".
Most sellers provide the costs up front in their ads, and so buyers are aware of this, prior to making a purchase. Also, the timing is very poor for this type of rating, due to the USPS rate increases scheduled for May 14; many buyers may not even be aware of this increase, and feel that the higher rates are going into the sellers profits.

3. Buyers are asked to rate "Shipping time".
This is extremely unfair; as sellers will obviously be rated on the overall shipping time, and of course, much of this time frame is dependent on the shipping service utilized; and what shipping method the buyer chose. Many buyers elect to have an item shipped via a slower, inexpensive method, when given a choice at the checkout; and then will rate a seller unfavorably, even though the buyer themselves chose the slower method.

4. Buyers are also asked to rate Item description and communication; these may or may not be an issue, but will most likely be, for the buyers who do not read ads thoroughly and bid irresponsibly. There are also buyers that many sellers have experienced, who do not have valid email addresses, or simply do not respond to, or read, communications.

5. The new system also displays the item name and price paid clearly under the feedback they have left.
This is a potential problem for both buyers and sellers; many buyers do not wish to have their purchases, and the amounts paid, made so obvious; and sellers feel this undercuts their sales also.

The whole focus with the new feedback system is definitely on the buyers bias; as it does allow any detailed rating for sellers to leave for buyers, which would be very helpful in making the eBay transaction more satisfying for all involved.

No buyer is forced to purchase on eBay, yet this system was obviously forced upon the entire community.

As a result, this is what is likely to occur:

1. Many sellers have stated they will not leave any feedback at all;

2. It will discourage new sellers, and therefore decrease competition; which is what the eBay market thrives upon

3. Smaller sellers will stop selling on eBay and sell online elsewhere.

4. Larger sellers will start/focus more business to their own online store, or sell elsewhere

We protest that eBay should reconsider the new feedback system 2.0 with the detailed ratings entirely, but if not possible, please make it an opt-in for a a seller to choose to participate in; or allow sellers to see the detailed ratings left by each buyer; this enables more communication and clears the way for potential improvement in the transaction for both buyer and seller. At the very least; change the "Shipping time" and "Shipping charges and handling"; to "Item shipped by seller as stated in ad", and perhaps "Care of packaging".

Please also consider allowing a 2-way detailed feedback rating, so a seller can rate the buyer on aspects that are also important in making a good transaction.

Please listen to the eBay sellers. There are many hard-working, honest and professional eBay businesses affected by this; and we are the backbone of eBay.