Actually, Wheels, I thought THAT particular note was quite well presented.
It gave clear guidelines on how to rate their service without giving explicit directions such as 'please give us 5 stars'. I get annoyed when I receive a 'please give us 5 stars' request - but that one I found much less affronting.
As for sellers having to go to these lengths, I am not surprised. My personal opinion as to why includes these points:
- The unbalanced feedback playing field has resulted in buyers worrying more about their feedback than about even giving sellers ANY feedback. This just means when a Neg comes through, it will not be representative of a sellers true performance and will have a much greater effect on percentage calculations than it should. For example: 20 sales. 10 feedback including 1 neg. Actual percentage = 95%, Ebay calculated percentage = 90%.
- Poor education about DSR scores and buyer perception. A 3 is NOT 'ok service'!
- A reminder to buyers to leave feedback - or maybe even informing them that it is available. In the early days, people were 'introduced' and led through the steps - or worked their way through carefully, learning the lay of the land. However, eBay has become such a 'household name' that people will join up and buy, not knowing (or caring) about the 'full experience'. EBay's push to attract buyer money has exacerbated this no end.
- Buyers become disassociated from the seller because of eBay's huge presence and 'caring' for the humble buyer. Sellers are portrayed in a neutral light at best, and often in a poor light. Such notes at least introduce the concept that there IS some poor soul at the other end of the transaction who is real and who are trying to do their best.
I could go on, but these are the first ones from my thoughts...
