I Didn't Want It To Come To This

I joined the eBay revolution on February 20, 1998.  Yes, I have been wheeling and dealing on the Internet for seven and a half years.  In that entire time I have received 100% positive feedback – the lifeblood of eBay.  That positive feedback is from over 120 transactions as a buyer and as a seller.  There was once that I received neutral feedback and that was an easily corrected misunderstanding.

To be sure, I have completed considerably more transactions than the 120 for which I have received feedback.  I am diligent about providing feedback for every transaction but not everyone reciprocates.  Most do, but not all.  There have only been two times that I can think of that I left neutral feedback.  I retrospect, I was inexperienced and probably should have left positive feedback.

How have I accomplished a 100% positive feedback rating?  I deal with the transaction as I would like to be dealt with.  Whether a buyer or seller, I try to put myself in the other person’s position and act as I would like someone in my position to act toward me.  I think you get the idea but I apologize if I’ve lost you.

All of that is about to change.  I think for the first time in almost eight years of online transactions, I will be leaving negative feedback for a seller.  I don’t feel any animosity toward the seller, I just never got what I paid for.  I tried to work with him but he has stopped responding – even to PayPal.  The last I heard from him, he was dealing with some family issues and was going to send my package two days later… it never arrived.  PayPal gives sellers ten days to respond and automatically judges in favor of the buyer if they don’t respond.  Tomorrow makes ten days.  If I get the refund, I’m going to have to leave negative feedback.  You just can’t leave a buyer dangling in the wind and not expect it.  I won’t be hateful but I have to do it.