What is the point of feedback if sellers can remove it? (negative feedback removal)

[mandyderek2]

I bought some trees. When they arrived they were shorter than advertised. I left negative feedback. 

The feedback has been removed. I called ebay to find out why, they would not say for sure?, they said possibly seller can supress feedback?? I was told that it should reappear after a period of supression.??

The comments did not break any feedback rules. It was totally factual.

It is the first time this has happened to me, but I buy from ebay whith the confidence that feedback is free speech and make ebay a safer place. I am worried that ebay sellers can choose to prevent feedback being. 

Can ebay justify feedback removal. Can we trust ebay feedback. Is it fair that we buy from sellers who have feedback scores and "look good" whislt behaving badly?

I have trusted ebay for 20 years. Now for the first time I feel disrespected and suspicious and unsafe.

I would love to know the full details in this instance.

[m25jet]

I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but is it really worth worrying about the height of a tree?  Even if the height of the trees were all spot-on when you received them they wouldn't remain at that height.  Unless they were several feet shorter than advertised in the listing then it's not really worth worrying about, as once you plant them and they get established they will soon grow to be much taller than they were at the time of purchase.  If they were several feet shorter than advertised then perhaps you should have requested a partial refund or tried to arrange for the seller to have the trees you received collected from you and replacement trees supplied that either matched, or were much closer to, the actual height stated in the listing.

One thing that would be worth remembering is that trees do not just remain at the same height forever unless you're constantly cutting the top out of them as they try to grow towards the light in a deliberate effort to keep them at the same height, and even if you were to do that the trees would then put most of their effort into growing wider due to being unable to grow taller.  Therefore, try not to let it get to you - just plant the trees, take care of them whilst they're still trying to get established and at some point the trees will get to the height advertised.  Out of all the things that you could possibly worry about at the present time, I would say that the height of a tree is the least of your worries!

[rusticrye]

Sellers cannot remove feedback. And Ebay will only remove feedback that breaks feedback rules or the law in some way, which yours must have done. You can't just say whatever you like in public feedback, no matter how factual you believe it is. You can't act as judge and jury. It can get you (and Ebay) sued for libel.  If you can remember exactly what you wrote, word for word, someone will be able to explain where you went wrong.

No idea why having your feedback removed would make you feel 'unsafe'.  Perhaps you can explain that, because it makes zero sense.

@mandyderek2 

[tsmgmd]

This reminds me of a Christmas episode of The Good Life when Margo returns a Christmas tree for been a couple of inches short..

A seller can have feedback removed by eBay if the feedback is against policy.

Regarding feedback been free speech I think every single seller will tell you " No way is feedback free speech"

[john1297576]

"I would love to know the full details in this instance."   So would we!!

As usual when a buyer complains that feedback has been removed, you have not quoted what you said, then we could tell you what shouldn't have said.

Also you complain about height, you don't even say what height they were adverised as being and what they actually were.

All a storm in a teacup and instead of complaining to the seller you go out of your way to harm his sellng record.

As m25jet says, what difference does height make, the important thing is that they are heathy and grow. 

[mandyderek2]

Thanks for your help. !
Not as described is quite simple.
Feedback removed. Simple

I don't see why you think this is right. When it is plainly wrong.
Cheers

[plpmr]

adding to pixiesen2012  advice -

there are feedback rules and for example another neg you left mentions eBay refund - that would have got the neg removed if the seller had asked

[pixiesen2012]

did you complete an item not as described case, or did you just leave negative feedback?

if you didn't give the seller a chance to sort out the problem the seller can ask ebay to remove negative feedback

[mandyderek2]

I contacted the seller, they did not help. I left neg feedback. It was deleted, Then I opened a case.
Other that abusive comments, I can't see any reason for removal of feedback?? Whatever the outcome.

[pixiesen2012]

you should have opened the case first, leaving feedback is the last thing you do,


because you hadn't opened a case the seller was able to get the feedback removed