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In addition to leaving a general rating of positive, neutral, or negative for a seller, buyers can get more specific by leaving detailed seller ratings (DSRs).
Because detailed seller ratings are anonymous, sellers can't see which buyer gave them which rating. This means that buyers should feel free to be honest and open about their buying experience, and sellers can get a more complete picture of their performance.
How to leave detailed seller ratings
You can leave detailed seller ratings right after your transaction, or at a later time, up to 60 days after the transaction. If you choose to leave detailed seller ratings, you must leave them at the same time you give your overall Feedback rating and comment.
To leave detailed seller ratings:Click the Leave Feedback link on the right side of the page.
Rate your overall experience as positive, neutral, or negative. After you’ve selected your overall rating, you’ll be able to add a descriptive comment and leave detailed seller ratings.
Click the stars to indicate your detailed seller rating.
Five stars is the highest rating, and one star is the lowest.
What you rate |
Tips for rating |
How accurate was the item description? |
Review the item title and description to see if they match the item you received.
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How satisfied were you with the seller's communication? |
Recall if the seller addressed any questions or concerns that you had, and did so in a professional manner. Consider only business days when evaluating the timeliness of the seller’s communication (sellers might not check email on weekends and holidays).
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How quickly did the seller ship the item? |
Rate the seller on the time it took to mail the item, not the time it took you to receive the item. Don’t hold sellers responsible for delays in mail services, international custom delays, or for the time it takes for your payment to clear. If the item is for local pick-up you won't be able to specify this rating.
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How reasonable were the shipping and handling charges? |
Remember that sellers may charge for the cost of the actual packaging materials, along with a reasonable handling fee to cover the seller’s time and direct costs associated with shipping. Keep in mind that for international transactions, buyers can be expected to pay duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees as required by country laws. If the seller offered free shipping, you'll see a note indicating a 5-star rating is appropriate.
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Note: Transactions in motor vehicle categories aren’t rated on shipping time and shipping and handling charges, because vehicle shipping is typically arranged by the buyer.
Where to find a seller's detailed seller ratings
To find a seller’s detailed seller ratings, click the number in parentheses next to the seller’s user ID. On the seller’s Feedback Profile page, you’ll see the detailed seller ratings in a table on the top right.
Tip for sellers: Visit your Seller Dashboard to see how your buyers have rated you. You’ll see your ratings and find out how they compare to those of other eBay sellers.
How detailed seller ratings are calculated
The detailed seller rating system is based on a one- to five-star scale. Five stars is the highest rating, and one star is the lowest. Detailed seller ratings don’t affect a seller’s overall Feedback score.
Average ratings are computed on a rolling 12-month basis and appear only when at least ten ratings have been received.
Buyers can leave Feedback for a seller for more than one purchase. But, to make sure that the additional Feedback is calculated, each item must be purchased in a different week. For Feedback purposes, we define a week as Monday through Sunday, Pacific Time.
Improving your detailed seller ratings
Use these suggestions to help you maintain high seller ratings:
 | Item as described: Describe your items accurately.
Write descriptions that include the relevant details about your items. Be accurate and mention all defects. Write as if there were no pictures, so you leave no doubt in buyers’ minds about what they’re getting. Don’t describe reconditioned or refurbished items as "new." When buyers see the word "new," they expect new, not "like new." Use pictures and show your items from multiple angles. If you’re listing a used item, include a picture of the actual item, not a generic or stock photo. Fill out item specifics as much as possible and include important details like size, weight, color, and quantity. Format your description so buyers can read it easily. Use bullets, bold headings, and simple paragraphs.
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| Communication: Let your customers know you’re there for them.
In your listings, spell out your policies and how buyers can reach you. Tell your buyers how quickly they can expect a response, and follow through on the expectations you set. Create automatic communications to let buyers know you’re there for them. For example, in Selling Manager Pro and other selling tools, you can create an automatic message, such as "Thank you for the order and the quick payment. Your item shipped today!" Respond to emails and phone calls quickly. Include answers to frequently asked questions in your listings to head off routine inquiries. Stay calm and keep an open mind in all your communications with buyers. When treated with courtesy and consideration, even the most disgruntled buyer can become a loyal customer.
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| Shipping time: Ship as quickly as possible.
Ship items as soon as possible after you receive payment. Specify your shipping policies in the shipping details section of your listing. Let buyers know when you ship after receiving payment. Be specific about the shipping services you offer, including delivery time for each service. Offer a shipping service that provides tracking numbers. Use PayPal Label Shipping to pay for shipping and print labels from your computer. Your buyer will automatically receive an email with the date you shipped the item and the tracking number. Even though it's not required, we recommend that you purchase shipping insurance or use a shipping service that offers loss and damage protection. You can add the cost of the insurance to the handling fee or item price.
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| Shipping and handling charges: List with reasonable shipping charges.
Specify details such as service and cost in the shipping details section of your listing. Offer free shipping. You might attract new buyers, and your listings can receive more visibility in search. Provide details about any handling or packaging costs in the item description. If you provide free shipping, buyers will see a note when they are rating your shipping and handling charges that a 5-star rating is appropriate. No detailed seller rating can be given for local pick up items.
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Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
