Bob:
You are doing the right thing. Remember that now that eBay is enormous, 1% of an enormous number of eBayers is more significant to any individual random transaction.
You did your homework, and went forward from there. It's a matter of determining what's legitimate FB, and what should be ignored.
The raw numbers usually aren't nearly as important as the details behind them, but they can be a huge red flag. That's why I do my own research, and re-calculate a new percentage (or just decide to move on and not bid at all) based on my interpretation of the raw data.
Greg Parker Ann Arbor, Michigan
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 17:52:32 EST From: BobHoveyGa@aol.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Now: eBay ratings Was: Chater-Lea cranks
You're right, Ken... there are a lot of loonies out there and the more you sell on eBay the greater your chances of running into a few. I make it a habit not to go by the percentage of positive feedback but to actually check the feedback itself. A case in point... I recently almost passed up bidding on an item because the seller had 98% feedback (on 50 transactions). After checking his feedback, the one negative was from a newbie who had only four transactions. What was his reason for leaving a negative? Because the seller had charged him five dollars shipping and the postage on his package when it arrived was $3.58!
Bob Hovey Columbus, GA
In a message dated 1/7/2005 4:47:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes: Chuck
I disagree strongly!!!
99.2 is better than 99 out of 100 satisfied.
What if you had made 40-50 trouble-free sales and them you meet up with an ass-hole who gives you a bum rating. Or someone who demands NOS when you specified good condition!
Sometimes called 'rating blackmail'
That, unfortunately is why many reputable sellers will not give feedback to buyer before item is delivered and customer is "satisfied"
Ken Sanford
Kensington, MD