Leaving feedback Guide

Step-by-step guide: How to leave eBay feedback (for items you bought and sold) — and when to file a claim instead

Quick idea to remember

  • Feedback = rating the experience for other people to see.

  • Claim/Case/Return = fixing a problem (missing item, damaged, not as described, refund, etc.).

When there’s a real issue, handle the issue first — then leave feedback (if appropriate).

PART 1: Leaving feedback for an item you purchased (Buyer feedback)

Step 1) Know the best time to leave feedback as a buyer

Leave feedback when:

  1. The item arrives and you’ve checked it (condition, parts, works as expected).

  2. The transaction is complete (no return/refund needed).

Good timing: within 24–72 hours after delivery (after you confirm it’s okay).

Step 2) Leave feedback on the eBay app (Android/iPhone)

  1. Open the eBay app.

  2. Tap My eBay.

  3. Tap Purchases.

  4. Select the item/order.

  5. Tap Leave feedback.

  6. Choose:

    • Positive / Neutral / Negative

  7. Add a short comment (optional but recommended).

  8. Tap Submit.

Step 3) Leave feedback on a computer

  1. Sign in to eBay.com.

  2. Click My eBay.

  3. Click Purchase history.

  4. Find the order.

  5. Click Leave feedback.

  6. Select rating and write a short comment.

  7. Click Submit.

Step 4) What to write (buyer feedback examples)

Simple positive:

  • “Fast shipping, exactly as described.”

  • “Item arrived safely. Great seller.”

  • “Packed well, works perfectly.”

When shipping was slow but item is fine:

  • “Item arrived as described. Shipping took longer than expected.”

(If it was extremely late and caused a problem, see the claim section below.)

Step 5) When NOT to leave feedback yet (buyer)

Do not leave feedback if:

  • The item hasn’t arrived and it’s past the expected delivery window

  • You think it’s fake/counterfeit

  • It arrived damaged

  • It doesn’t match the listing

  • You’re in the middle of a return/refund

Handle the problem first.

PART 2: Leaving feedback for an item you sold (Seller feedback)

Step 1) Know the best time to leave feedback as a seller

Leave feedback when:

  1. The buyer has paid, and

  2. There are no major issues, and ideally:

  3. You’ve shipped (or the item shows delivered)

Best practice: leave feedback after payment and shipment, or after delivery if you want to be extra safe.

Step 2) Leave feedback as a seller on the eBay app

  1. Open the eBay app.

  2. Tap My eBay → Selling.

  3. Tap Orders (or Sold).

  4. Select the order.

  5. Tap Leave feedback.

  6. Choose a rating (usually Positive).

  7. Add a short professional comment.

  8. Tap Submit.

Step 3) Leave feedback as a seller on a computer (Seller Hub)

  1. Sign in to eBay.com.

  2. Open Seller Hub → Orders.

  3. Find the order.

  4. Click the dropdown/option for Leave feedback.

  5. Select Positive and add a brief comment.

  6. Submit.

Step 4) What to write (seller feedback examples)

  • “Quick payment—thank you!”

  • “Great buyer, smooth transaction.”

  • “Thanks for your purchase!”

Keep it short and professional.

Step 5) When NOT to leave feedback yet (seller)

Wait to leave feedback if:

  • The buyer hasn’t paid yet

  • The buyer is demanding something unusual (like shipping to a different address)

  • A return request/case is open and unresolved

  • The buyer is threatening feedback to get something for free

PART 3: When to leave feedback vs when to file a claim/case instead

A) If you bought something — when to file a claim/case

Use eBay’s resolution process (returns, “item not received,” “not as described”) if:

1) Item hasn’t arrived

File Item Not Received when:

  • Tracking doesn’t show delivered, and

  • The estimated delivery date has passed (and it’s not just 1 day late)

What to do first:

  1. Check tracking

  2. Message seller politely

  3. If no resolution quickly, open “Item not received”

2) Item arrived damaged

Open a Return/Refund request and include photos of:

  • Packaging

  • Damage

  • Shipping label

3) Item is “Not as described”

Examples:

  • Wrong size/model/version

  • Missing parts

  • Condition much worse than listing

  • Doesn’t work when listed as working

Open a Return (or claim) and be specific.

4) You suspect counterfeit

Open a claim/return and avoid altering the item. Document with photos.

✅ Rule: If you need a refund, replacement, or return — open the case first, then leave feedback later.

B) If you sold something — when to open a claim or take action instead

Sellers generally don’t “file claims” like buyers do, but you should take action when:

1) Buyer doesn’t pay

  • Use eBay’s unpaid item process (or cancel for nonpayment if available in your flow).

2) Buyer claims item not received but tracking shows delivered

  • Verify tracking shows Delivered to the correct location.

  • Respond in the case with tracking info.

3) Buyer opens a return

  • Respond quickly inside eBay.

  • Follow eBay steps (accept/decline if allowed, provide label if required, etc.).

4) Buyer requests shipping to a different address

  • Do not ship to a new address.

  • Ship only to the address on the order (protects you).

✅ Rule: Handle the case through eBay first. Don’t argue in messages.

PART 4: Simple decision guide (use this every time)

If you’re the buyer:

  • Item is good and as described → Leave feedback ✅

  • Item late, missing, damaged, not as described, counterfeit → Open case/return first ✅

  • Issue resolved fairly → Then leave feedback based on final outcome ✅

If you’re the seller:

  • Buyer paid and transaction is smooth → Leave feedback ✅

  • Nonpayment, return, case, threats, address change request → Don’t leave feedback yet; resolve first ✅

PART 5: Quick “safe timelines”

  • Buyer feedback: After delivery + inspection (usually 1–3 days after delivery)

  • Seller feedback: After payment + shipment (or after delivery for extra caution)

  • Claims/cases: As soon as you realize there’s a real problem (don’t wait until it’s too late)