The feedback system on ebay is one of the most controversial areas of the auction site. It can be, and is, regularly manipulated by rogue traders.

I have already written a guide about uncovering fake feedback.

But what about the feedback that is there for all to see?

You have to learn to read between the lines.

Most people are probably aware about the danger of leaving negative. You tell the truth, only to be hit by a rude, hostile negative yourself, and very often an outright lie. I have been there so know how frustrating it can be.

The majority of sellers on ebay will not leave feedback until it is left for them. Sometimes this is fair so that the buyer communicates any problems, such as non-receipt.

However, most of the rogue traders do it to gain an edge. If you complain about your item, for example, you receive a fake when the listing GUARANTEED that it was genuine (all too common with mobile phone parts) then the seller will ONLY offer a refund if you leave positive. If you leave a negative (which he rightly deserves for lying) he will offer you the refund if you remove it or will leave you a negative & then start the mutual withdrawal process.

When you look at feedback before buying an item, make sure you look at the 'mutually withdrawn' feedback comments as well. These are normally the truth as the buyer saw it.

When reading positive feedback READ BETWEEN THE LINES. Buyers wary of leaving negative or neutral will leave comments such as;

Thanks  ------(Not really impressed or happy)

Good customer relations ------------ (Got a refund for the item which I complained about.)

Good comms & very friendly ----(As above)

Quick delivery ----------(But item probably wasn't what I expected)

Received OK -------- (Probably should have read the listing more carefully).

One of the best ideas that ebay have come up with is the "out of 5" scoring, or 'detailed sellers rating'

The buyer can leave this annonymously so he will be truthful. Look at the sellers scores on the right hand side of his feedback summary.

Item as described-- You would expect most ebayers to have at least 4.8, but preferably 4.9 (allowing for some idiots who use ebay for kicks after the pub on Friday night) or a perfect 5.

Anything less than 4.8 and don't be surprised at what you receive if you still bid.

P&P & dispatch time are also quite important. 

When the truth is no longer important, and traders can hide behind a monitor, you need to be vigilant. It's easy when you can spot fakes a mile away, but relying on someones honesty on ebay can be quite nieve.

We ONLY SELL NOKIA & can spot a fake cover, screen or packaging a mile away. There are at least 4 sellers that are selling GENUINE FAKE covers on ebay, and go out of there way to convince you that they are genuine. Please look at their feedback and detailed sellers ratings. If in doubt - email one of their buyers from last month, & ask them how their covers stood up to use!

This is always a good way to check out a seller who regularly sells the same things.

GOOD LUCK