In June 2005, we announced a number of changes to eBay's Feedback that we believe will address some of the top concerns members have had with the feedback system. This September, we launched the first change -- removing all feedback from users who are indefinitely suspended within 90 days of registration (read the announcement).

Here are two more changes that are now live:

1. Requiring new members to complete a tutorial before leaving neutral or negative feedback.

   Members who have 10 or less feedback will now be required to complete a brief tutorial before leaving their first neutral or negative feedback. The tutorial will educate new members about the feedback system as well as ensure that they are aware of the various communication tools available to them prior to leaving feedback for their trading partner.

   In addition, we have updated the page that all members see prior to leaving neutral or negative feedback. The updated page will emphasize the importance of communicating with your trading partner on eBay prior to leaving feedback. It will also urge members to make sure they have given their trading partner enough time to fulfill their obligations.

2. Removing feedback ratings (not comments) left by buyers who don't participate in the Unpaid Item process on eBay for an item.

   We will automatically remove feedback ratings left by buyers who do not respond to the Unpaid Item process (UPI) on eBay. This means the rating (whether positive, neutral or negative) will no longer affect the recipient's feedback score, although the feedback comment itself will remain. An administrative note from eBay will be added to the comment, indicating that the feedback rating was removed because the member did not participate in the Unpaid Item process on eBay. This will address the concern pointed out by sellers of users, who do not pay for their item nor respond to the Unpaid Item process, rating the seller. This is a global change and will affect all eBay sites.

   The new policy only applies to unpaid item claims filed on or after Tuesday, December 6th (except for those that were filed on or after December 6th and were closed before the change was fully implemented on December 9th). Eligibility is based on the Unpaid Item filing date, not when the feedback was left.

To comment on any of the recent changes, please visit the Discussion Boards and always remember to read the Announcement Board for any future changes we may make to the feedback system.

Regards,
The eBay Team