First, let me provide some background. We created the feedback solicitation policy to prevent members from artificially enhancing their reputations on eBay by selling, buying, or trading feedback. (This behavior is also called "feedback padding".) Under this policy we prohibit sellers from soliciting feedback within a listing description or title. For example, including language like "Build your feedback score quickly" in the listing title of a very inexpensive item is prohibited.

As the eBay Community has grown, unfortunately some members have become increasingly sophisticated at building up a false reputation on eBay. Some of their feedback manipulation patterns are not covered by the existing feedback solicitation policy. For example, a member might sell ten items with a Buy It Now price of only $.10 each, and even offer free shipping. After accumulating positive feedback in this way, they might immediately begin selling more expensive items such as plasma televisions. We needed a policy that would address such situations.

Feedback is the foundation of trust on eBay. Manipulating feedback undermines the integrity of the feedback system and decreases overall trust within the eBay marketplace. Our new feedback manipulation policy will enable us to take action against members when we identify a pattern of behavior consistent with feedback manipulation. Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions including listing cancellation, limits on account privileges, account suspension, forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings, loss of PowerSeller status, and feedback removal.

To read the complete policy, please visit the feedback manipulation policy page.

You'll also find more information on why we're making this change in our frequently asked questions about the policy. And I hope you can join the Trust and Safety team for an online workshop on feedback manipulation policy, scheduled for October 7th, at 11.00 a.m. PT.

The feedback manipulation policy is now in effect on eBay.com and will be in effect on all eBay sites in the next few weeks.

Sincerely,
Brian Burke
Senior Manager, eBay Marketplace Policy