Problems with Xenon dealer?
#51
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
"BigBadBob" <themightymutt2000@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LJadnb8TmfnHQWrcRVn-hw@sedona.net...
>I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts online.
>Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on customer
>feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
>looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
>reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
>because all 3 of their FBs were positive.
The problem with Pricewatch and other such review sites is that the feedback
they report is totally independent of the actually buyer-seller transaction.
It is collected on a voluntary basis from a very small, insignificant number
of buyers. Those that do leave feedback are often very polar in their
opinions. On the other hand, feedback on Ebay is an integral part of their
entire system of connecting buyers and sellers in an auction environment.
Feedback is not just collected for sellers, but for buyers as well. Since
many transactions are single-item auctions, it is important that the buyer
have a good rating so the seller knows he will be paid timely and as
required. Of course the buyer wants to buy from a seller with a good rating
so he knows he will get what he pays for. Every transaction that occurs
there is "expected" to result in feedback for both. Of course there is no
"requirement" that either leave feedback for the other, but it is such an
ingrained part of the system that it does happen most of the time.
I buy and sell on Ebay and have a 100% rating. As a buyer, I always pay
quickly. As a seller, I always accurately describe my merchandise, I pack
it well, ship it as quickly after payment as possible, and I communicate
with the buyer to thank them for their business and supply shipment tracking
information. I am not a power seller; I simply sell "junk" that I no longer
need. I do expect that I will deal eventually deal with some nut-case buyer
that will ding me for something stupid. I have also purchased merchandise
from sellers that have had less than a 100% rating, but only after I read
some of the comments to see what others say.
The bottom line is that Ebay feedback is a key part of the business
conducted there, unlike the unsolicited feedback on Pricewatch and other
"independent" review sites.
--
- RODNEY
news:LJadnb8TmfnHQWrcRVn-hw@sedona.net...
>I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts online.
>Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on customer
>feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
>looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
>reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
>because all 3 of their FBs were positive.
The problem with Pricewatch and other such review sites is that the feedback
they report is totally independent of the actually buyer-seller transaction.
It is collected on a voluntary basis from a very small, insignificant number
of buyers. Those that do leave feedback are often very polar in their
opinions. On the other hand, feedback on Ebay is an integral part of their
entire system of connecting buyers and sellers in an auction environment.
Feedback is not just collected for sellers, but for buyers as well. Since
many transactions are single-item auctions, it is important that the buyer
have a good rating so the seller knows he will be paid timely and as
required. Of course the buyer wants to buy from a seller with a good rating
so he knows he will get what he pays for. Every transaction that occurs
there is "expected" to result in feedback for both. Of course there is no
"requirement" that either leave feedback for the other, but it is such an
ingrained part of the system that it does happen most of the time.
I buy and sell on Ebay and have a 100% rating. As a buyer, I always pay
quickly. As a seller, I always accurately describe my merchandise, I pack
it well, ship it as quickly after payment as possible, and I communicate
with the buyer to thank them for their business and supply shipment tracking
information. I am not a power seller; I simply sell "junk" that I no longer
need. I do expect that I will deal eventually deal with some nut-case buyer
that will ding me for something stupid. I have also purchased merchandise
from sellers that have had less than a 100% rating, but only after I read
some of the comments to see what others say.
The bottom line is that Ebay feedback is a key part of the business
conducted there, unlike the unsolicited feedback on Pricewatch and other
"independent" review sites.
--
- RODNEY
#52
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
"BigBadBob" <themightymutt2000@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LJadnb8TmfnHQWrcRVn-hw@sedona.net...
>I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts online.
>Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on customer
>feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
>looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
>reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
>because all 3 of their FBs were positive.
The problem with Pricewatch and other such review sites is that the feedback
they report is totally independent of the actually buyer-seller transaction.
It is collected on a voluntary basis from a very small, insignificant number
of buyers. Those that do leave feedback are often very polar in their
opinions. On the other hand, feedback on Ebay is an integral part of their
entire system of connecting buyers and sellers in an auction environment.
Feedback is not just collected for sellers, but for buyers as well. Since
many transactions are single-item auctions, it is important that the buyer
have a good rating so the seller knows he will be paid timely and as
required. Of course the buyer wants to buy from a seller with a good rating
so he knows he will get what he pays for. Every transaction that occurs
there is "expected" to result in feedback for both. Of course there is no
"requirement" that either leave feedback for the other, but it is such an
ingrained part of the system that it does happen most of the time.
I buy and sell on Ebay and have a 100% rating. As a buyer, I always pay
quickly. As a seller, I always accurately describe my merchandise, I pack
it well, ship it as quickly after payment as possible, and I communicate
with the buyer to thank them for their business and supply shipment tracking
information. I am not a power seller; I simply sell "junk" that I no longer
need. I do expect that I will deal eventually deal with some nut-case buyer
that will ding me for something stupid. I have also purchased merchandise
from sellers that have had less than a 100% rating, but only after I read
some of the comments to see what others say.
The bottom line is that Ebay feedback is a key part of the business
conducted there, unlike the unsolicited feedback on Pricewatch and other
"independent" review sites.
--
- RODNEY
news:LJadnb8TmfnHQWrcRVn-hw@sedona.net...
>I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts online.
>Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on customer
>feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
>looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
>reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
>because all 3 of their FBs were positive.
The problem with Pricewatch and other such review sites is that the feedback
they report is totally independent of the actually buyer-seller transaction.
It is collected on a voluntary basis from a very small, insignificant number
of buyers. Those that do leave feedback are often very polar in their
opinions. On the other hand, feedback on Ebay is an integral part of their
entire system of connecting buyers and sellers in an auction environment.
Feedback is not just collected for sellers, but for buyers as well. Since
many transactions are single-item auctions, it is important that the buyer
have a good rating so the seller knows he will be paid timely and as
required. Of course the buyer wants to buy from a seller with a good rating
so he knows he will get what he pays for. Every transaction that occurs
there is "expected" to result in feedback for both. Of course there is no
"requirement" that either leave feedback for the other, but it is such an
ingrained part of the system that it does happen most of the time.
I buy and sell on Ebay and have a 100% rating. As a buyer, I always pay
quickly. As a seller, I always accurately describe my merchandise, I pack
it well, ship it as quickly after payment as possible, and I communicate
with the buyer to thank them for their business and supply shipment tracking
information. I am not a power seller; I simply sell "junk" that I no longer
need. I do expect that I will deal eventually deal with some nut-case buyer
that will ding me for something stupid. I have also purchased merchandise
from sellers that have had less than a 100% rating, but only after I read
some of the comments to see what others say.
The bottom line is that Ebay feedback is a key part of the business
conducted there, unlike the unsolicited feedback on Pricewatch and other
"independent" review sites.
--
- RODNEY
#53
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
"I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
"I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
"I have never used eBay before, but I order a lot of computer parts
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
online.
Pricewatch.com list the ratings of different companies based on
customer
feedback. I have found that the % rating is rather meaningless without
looking at how many people have posted feedback and what the commonly
reported shortcomings are. A dealer could have a 100% rating, but only
because all 3 of their FBs were positive."
I agree, which is why it's silly to say that a vendor with a feedback
rating of 97.5, like the OP bought from is unacceptable. If you look
at feedback, you'll see enough negatives, including for things that
were beyone the sellers control, like shipping problems, that a rating
of 97.5% is pretty damn good. And as you pointed out, you need to make
sure there are enough feedbacks so that the rating has relevancy to
begin with.
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
#57
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
#58
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
validity. But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
wrong, they are far more likely to do so. If you look at the feedback
at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
considered a decent vendor is crazy.
I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
crappy vendor too.
#59
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
<trader4@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1106771481.776656.63640@z14g2000cwz.googlegro ups.com...
> That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
> contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
> know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
> vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
> validity.
That's true and I believe Bizrate is probably a better gauge than Pricewatch
and others. Bizrate generally surveys the buyer right after the order is
placed, and then again after enough time for the product to have been
delivered. This can help separate problems with shipping from problems with
placing the order. Then again, most companies that use Bizrate are the
larger commercial e-tailers, where a lot of business on Ebay is transacted
through individuals and small "part-time" operations.
> But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
> participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
> on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
> wrong, they are far more likely to do so.
True, but I have found, in my Ebay dealings, that feedback is left about 85%
of the time, and if you don't get it, asking nicely will usually result in
about 95% of all transactions receiving feedback. Leaving feedback on Ebay
is very quick and easy, and for those that fully utilize the "My Ebay"
screen, it actually prompts you to do it. Feedback on Ebay is limited to a
"good/bad/indifferent" rating and then a short text message. Bizrate is an
online survey, which takes several minutes to complete. Bizrate often
appears as a pop-up. I am sure this hurts their completion rate, but then
again, if it is a totally random sample of enough participants, then the
information would be valid.
> If you look at the feedback
> at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
> classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
> they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
> considered a decent vendor is crazy.
>
> I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
> It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
> crappy vendor too.
I totally agree that expecting only a 99% score would be ludicrous. I don't
know that I could even put a number on my buy/no-buy threshold. I think it
would depend on what the comments were. For example, if I found a seller
with a 99% rating, but all the negatives were from buyers who never received
their merchandise and never got any response from the seller, I might be a
little wary. If the rating was 95%, but it was a bunch of rantings like
"found it cheaper" or "box delivered crushed", then I would be less
concerned.
By the way, as an Ebay seller, I usually look at buyer's ratings, too. If I
have a bidder with a low rating, I read the comments and often communicate
with them before the close. I won't refuse anyone's bid unless they are
just a total deadbeat.
--
- RODNEY
news:1106771481.776656.63640@z14g2000cwz.googlegro ups.com...
> That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
> contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
> know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
> vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
> validity.
That's true and I believe Bizrate is probably a better gauge than Pricewatch
and others. Bizrate generally surveys the buyer right after the order is
placed, and then again after enough time for the product to have been
delivered. This can help separate problems with shipping from problems with
placing the order. Then again, most companies that use Bizrate are the
larger commercial e-tailers, where a lot of business on Ebay is transacted
through individuals and small "part-time" operations.
> But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
> participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
> on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
> wrong, they are far more likely to do so.
True, but I have found, in my Ebay dealings, that feedback is left about 85%
of the time, and if you don't get it, asking nicely will usually result in
about 95% of all transactions receiving feedback. Leaving feedback on Ebay
is very quick and easy, and for those that fully utilize the "My Ebay"
screen, it actually prompts you to do it. Feedback on Ebay is limited to a
"good/bad/indifferent" rating and then a short text message. Bizrate is an
online survey, which takes several minutes to complete. Bizrate often
appears as a pop-up. I am sure this hurts their completion rate, but then
again, if it is a totally random sample of enough participants, then the
information would be valid.
> If you look at the feedback
> at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
> classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
> they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
> considered a decent vendor is crazy.
>
> I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
> It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
> crappy vendor too.
I totally agree that expecting only a 99% score would be ludicrous. I don't
know that I could even put a number on my buy/no-buy threshold. I think it
would depend on what the comments were. For example, if I found a seller
with a 99% rating, but all the negatives were from buyers who never received
their merchandise and never got any response from the seller, I might be a
little wary. If the rating was 95%, but it was a bunch of rantings like
"found it cheaper" or "box delivered crushed", then I would be less
concerned.
By the way, as an Ebay seller, I usually look at buyer's ratings, too. If I
have a bidder with a low rating, I read the comments and often communicate
with them before the close. I won't refuse anyone's bid unless they are
just a total deadbeat.
--
- RODNEY
#60
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Problems with Xenon dealer?
<trader4@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1106771481.776656.63640@z14g2000cwz.googlegro ups.com...
> That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
> contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
> know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
> vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
> validity.
That's true and I believe Bizrate is probably a better gauge than Pricewatch
and others. Bizrate generally surveys the buyer right after the order is
placed, and then again after enough time for the product to have been
delivered. This can help separate problems with shipping from problems with
placing the order. Then again, most companies that use Bizrate are the
larger commercial e-tailers, where a lot of business on Ebay is transacted
through individuals and small "part-time" operations.
> But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
> participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
> on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
> wrong, they are far more likely to do so.
True, but I have found, in my Ebay dealings, that feedback is left about 85%
of the time, and if you don't get it, asking nicely will usually result in
about 95% of all transactions receiving feedback. Leaving feedback on Ebay
is very quick and easy, and for those that fully utilize the "My Ebay"
screen, it actually prompts you to do it. Feedback on Ebay is limited to a
"good/bad/indifferent" rating and then a short text message. Bizrate is an
online survey, which takes several minutes to complete. Bizrate often
appears as a pop-up. I am sure this hurts their completion rate, but then
again, if it is a totally random sample of enough participants, then the
information would be valid.
> If you look at the feedback
> at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
> classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
> they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
> considered a decent vendor is crazy.
>
> I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
> It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
> crappy vendor too.
I totally agree that expecting only a 99% score would be ludicrous. I don't
know that I could even put a number on my buy/no-buy threshold. I think it
would depend on what the comments were. For example, if I found a seller
with a 99% rating, but all the negatives were from buyers who never received
their merchandise and never got any response from the seller, I might be a
little wary. If the rating was 95%, but it was a bunch of rantings like
"found it cheaper" or "box delivered crushed", then I would be less
concerned.
By the way, as an Ebay seller, I usually look at buyer's ratings, too. If I
have a bidder with a low rating, I read the comments and often communicate
with them before the close. I won't refuse anyone's bid unless they are
just a total deadbeat.
--
- RODNEY
news:1106771481.776656.63640@z14g2000cwz.googlegro ups.com...
> That may be true of Pricewatch, but Bizrate does the survey by
> contacting the purchaser right at the time of the transaction. I don't
> know whether they solicit feedback from all buyers from a particular
> vendor, but if the sample size is large enough, it should have some
> validity.
That's true and I believe Bizrate is probably a better gauge than Pricewatch
and others. Bizrate generally surveys the buyer right after the order is
placed, and then again after enough time for the product to have been
delivered. This can help separate problems with shipping from problems with
placing the order. Then again, most companies that use Bizrate are the
larger commercial e-tailers, where a lot of business on Ebay is transacted
through individuals and small "part-time" operations.
> But I do agree, they are more likely to have someone
> participate that had a bungled transaction. But that's somewhat true
> on Ebay too. Not everyone leaves feedback, but if a transaction goes
> wrong, they are far more likely to do so.
True, but I have found, in my Ebay dealings, that feedback is left about 85%
of the time, and if you don't get it, asking nicely will usually result in
about 95% of all transactions receiving feedback. Leaving feedback on Ebay
is very quick and easy, and for those that fully utilize the "My Ebay"
screen, it actually prompts you to do it. Feedback on Ebay is limited to a
"good/bad/indifferent" rating and then a short text message. Bizrate is an
online survey, which takes several minutes to complete. Bizrate often
appears as a pop-up. I am sure this hurts their completion rate, but then
again, if it is a totally random sample of enough participants, then the
information would be valid.
> If you look at the feedback
> at Bizrate for the CC, BB. etc, a lot of the negatives are bogus. A
> classic example is: "Found the item later for less somewhere else,
> they ripped me off!" Which is why expecting 99% positive to be
> considered a decent vendor is crazy.
>
> I just pulled up the Ebay rating for Sears Ebay Store. Guess what?
> It's 95.9%. So, by MJ's 99% golden standard, Sears is an unreliable,
> crappy vendor too.
I totally agree that expecting only a 99% score would be ludicrous. I don't
know that I could even put a number on my buy/no-buy threshold. I think it
would depend on what the comments were. For example, if I found a seller
with a 99% rating, but all the negatives were from buyers who never received
their merchandise and never got any response from the seller, I might be a
little wary. If the rating was 95%, but it was a bunch of rantings like
"found it cheaper" or "box delivered crushed", then I would be less
concerned.
By the way, as an Ebay seller, I usually look at buyer's ratings, too. If I
have a bidder with a low rating, I read the comments and often communicate
with them before the close. I won't refuse anyone's bid unless they are
just a total deadbeat.
--
- RODNEY