How to Build Your eBay Feedback Score as a Reseller

Reselling 101

By RC Staff

14 September 2025

So, what’s your eBay feedback rating? Every percentage point matters when buyers are deciding between you and the competition, especially on higher ticket items where trust makes or breaks the sale. It’s essential for resellers because it directly impacts search visibility, buyer trust, and sales conversion. To build feedback fast: start as a buyer, provide excellent service, follow up with customers, and leverage eBay’s new automated feedback system launching in 2025.

Why This Matters Now

The Fundamentals

eBay’s feedback system works both ways – buyers and sellers rate each other after every transaction. But here’s the catch: sellers can only leave positive feedback for buyers. This was changed years ago to prevent retaliation, which means your reputation is entirely in your buyers’ hands.

Your feedback shows up in two key places:

• Feedback Score: The percentage next to your username (you want 99%+ for serious money)
• Detailed Seller Ratings: How buyers rate your item description accuracy, communication, shipping time, and costs

The colored star next to your name shows your feedback volume – the more positive ratings, the higher your star level. New sellers start with no star, but you’ll climb through yellow, blue, turquoise, purple, red, green, silver, and gold stars as your positive feedback grows.

Common eBay Feedback Misconceptions

Required Tools

• eBay Seller Hub: Track your feedback metrics and detailed ratings
• Feedback automation tools: Services like eDesk or 3Dsellers for follow-up messages
• Template messages: Save time with professional, personalized follow-ups
• Tracking system: Monitor which customers left feedback and which need nudges

Building eBay Feedback, Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Build Your Foundation (0-50 Feedback)

Week 1-2: Start as a Buyer The fastest way to build initial credibility is buying before selling. Start by purchasing small, inexpensive items to quickly build your feedback score. Target items under $10-20 from different sellers, pay immediately, and leave thoughtful positive feedback.

Pro tip: Focus on items you can actually use or resell. Don’t just buy junk – grab phone cases, accessories, or small electronics that you can flip or use yourself.

Week 3-4: List Your First Items Start with lower-risk items to practice. Price competitively since you don’t have feedback credibility yet. Your first 10-20 sales are about building reputation, not maximizing profit.

Phase 2: Scale and Systematize (50-500 Feedback)

Master the Follow-Up The most effective way to get feedback is with an indirect request that doesn’t put pressure on customers. Here’s a template that works:

“Hi [Name],

Hope you’re loving your [item]! Just wanted to check that everything arrived safely and you’re happy with your purchase.

Your feedback really helps other buyers discover our store – if you have a minute, we’d be grateful for a quick rating.

If anything isn’t perfect, please reach out directly so we can make it right.

Thanks for choosing us! [Your name]”

Perfect Your Service

• Ship within 24 hours with tracking
• Package items like they’re gifts (seriously, presentation matters)
• Include a handwritten thank you note
• Respond to messages within 2-4 hours
• Exceed delivery expectations when possible

Phase 3: Automate and Optimize (500+ Feedback)

Leverage Automation Tools like eDesk Feedback can automatically send customized feedback requests at the optimal time after purchase, significantly increasing response rates. Set up sequences:

• Day 3 after delivery: “How’s everything?”
• Day 7: Gentle feedback request
• Day 14: Final follow-up for silent customers

Focus on Repeat Customers Creating email campaigns for returning customers and personalizing as much as you can encourages emotional response, leaving customers more likely to leave positive reviews. Returning customers are gold – they already trust you and are more likely to leave feedback.

Real World Examples

Example 1: The Electronics Flipper

Started with zero feedback selling refurbished phones. Strategy:

• Bought 15 phone cases for $30 total as a buyer first
• Listed first 10 phones at break-even prices to build feedback
• Hit 50 feedback in month 1, 200 by month 3
• Now sells 50+ phones monthly with 99.2% feedback score

Key move: Included printed return policy and setup instructions with every phone. Buyers felt confident and left detailed positive feedback about the “professional packaging” and “excellent communication.”

Example 2: The Clothing Reseller

Built feedback flipping thrift store finds:

• Started buying vintage band tees for personal collection
• Transitioned to selling with detailed condition descriptions
• Used automated follow-ups through 3Dsellers
• Reached 1000+ feedback in 8 months with 99.5% rating

Key move: Took multiple photos showing any flaws and over-described condition. Buyers were pleasantly surprised when items arrived better than expected.

Advanced Strategies for Building eBay Feedback

Feedback Revision Process

When you do get neutral or negative feedback, you have two options:

Option 1: Buyer Revision If you’ve resolved the buyer’s issue and they’re satisfied, you can ask them to officially change their original feedback. You get five revision requests per 1,000 feedback received in the past 12 months. Use them wisely.

Option 2: eBay Removal This is for feedback that explicitly violates eBay’s policies – like complaints about disclosed flaws or shipping delays caused by natural disasters.

Responding to Negative Feedback

Always respond professionally to negative feedback – your response is visible to all future buyers. Follow the formula:

• Show empathy: “I understand how frustrating this must be”
• Take responsibility: Even for things outside your control
• Offer solution: “Please contact us directly to resolve this”
• Stay brief: Long responses make you look defensive

The Social Proof Strategy

Having some negative feedback actually increases trust because it looks authentic. Don’t stress about maintaining 100% positive – 99%+ is the sweet spot where you look established but real.

Profit Impact Calculations

Let’s talk numbers. Better feedback directly impacts your bottom line:

Search Visibility: Higher feedback scores improve search placement, meaning more views on your listings

Conversion Rates: A 99% feedback seller typically converts 15-25% higher than a 95% seller on identical items

Price Premium: Established sellers with 1000+ feedback can often charge 5-10% more than new sellers

Example: Selling a $200 iPhone

• New seller (20 feedback): Might need to price at $185 to compete
• Established seller (500+ feedback, 99%): Can list at $200 and sell faster
• Extra profit per flip: $15+ just from credibility

Common Mistakes when Building eBay Feedback

Mistake 1: Begging for Feedback

Wrong: “PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! We need 5 stars!” Right: “Hope you love your purchase! Your feedback helps other buyers find us.”

Mistake 2: Getting Defensive

Angry, blaming or defensive comments can be more damaging than the negative rating itself. Stay professional always.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Detailed Seller Ratings

Focus on all four metrics: item description accuracy, communication, shipping time, and shipping costs. One low category can hurt your overall standing.

Mistake 4: Not Following Up

75% of satisfied customers won’t leave feedback without a reminder. You’re leaving money on the table by staying silent.

Mistake 5: Fake Feedback Schemes

Don’t even think about it. eBay’s detection systems are sophisticated, and the penalty isn’t worth the risk.

Taking Advantage of 2025 eBay Updates

Starting September 3, 2025, eBay is automatically providing feedback for successful transactions that meet specific criteria: shipped with tracking, arrived on time, no buyer complaints. This is huge for building feedback volume.

How to maximize automated feedback:

• Always use tracking (even on small items)
• Ship within your stated handling time
• Choose reliable shipping methods
• Monitor for any delivery issues

Leveraging Top Rated Seller Status

Top Rated Sellers get the Top Rated Plus seal on qualifying listings, which includes:

• Better search placement
• Fast handling commitment badge
• Free returns available
• Higher buyer confidence

Requirements:

• 100+ transactions in 12 months
• 98%+ positive feedback
• Less than 0.5% defect rate
• Top quality shipping and handling metrics

Strategies to Improve Your eBay Feedback

$100 Budget: Focus on Foundation

• Buy 10-15 small items as a buyer ($0.01-$10)
• List 5-10 items you already own ($0 sourcing cost)
• Invest in quality packaging materials (Packing tape, good quality boxes, bubble wrap)
• Set up basic follow-up templates ($0)
• Goal: 10-15 feedback in first month

$300-500 Budget: Build Systems

• Source 20-30 flip items
• Expand to multiple niche categories
• Goal: 100+ feedback in 3 months

$1000+ Budget: Scale Operations

• Bulk inventory purchases
• Automate Feedback and Create listing template
• Goal: 500+ feedback in 6 months

eBay Feedback FAQ

Final Thoughts