Online auction site eBay has said its to edit its feedback system and will ban sellers from leaving negative comments about buyers. EBay said problems were occurring, and slowing down trade, when buyers left negative comments about sellers who then retaliated with their own views. From May, those selling on eBay will not be able to leave neagtive or neutral feedback about buyers. In a message, ebay founder Pierre Omidyar said: “By creating an open market that encourages honest dealings, I hope to make it easier to conduct business with strangers over the net.
“Now, we have an open forum. Use it. Make your complaints in the open. “Better yet, give your praise in the open. Let everyone know what a joy it was to deal with someone. Above all, conduct yourself in a professional manner.”

Critics of the changes argue that by taking away a seller’s right to complain about a problem buyer they will have very little recourse for action when a sale goes wrong.

Why This Change?

Because many buyers would not leave negative comments for fear that sellers would retaliate. As a result, buyers and sellers may not get a fair picture of what is actually happening between trading parties.

The changes aim to “improve the overall customer experience”, eBay said.