All feedback policy information is now located on our updated Feedback policy page.
Based on the information we have, we'll automatically adjust your performance ratings in some situations. You can also request a manual adjustment if you have additional information, such as tracking data showing that an item was delivered, that illustrates that you weren't at fault when something went wrong. For more details on when we adjust ratings, please see our full policy guidelines below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure my seller performance?
We measure seller performance using data from your seller account on your defect rate, late delivery rate, and cases closed without you resolving them.
For full details of how performance is evaluated, please read our Seller standards policy and Service metrics policy.
What kinds of defects can be removed, and how?
We automatically remove defects in certain situations, including where we find the buyer was at fault, if the problem was caused by an eBay site issue or programme error, or if there was an issue outside of your control like postage service delays, or items being delayed because of an extreme weather event.
Read our full policy
Seller performance and defect removal policy
Most sales go smoothly. When you follow selling best practices and make sure the items you list are in stock, you work with a customer when an issue arises, and you post within your stated dispatch time, your buyers will have a great experience and are more likely to buy from you again.
Occasionally, there may be an issue with a transaction. When certain transaction problems happen, you can track them in your seller dashboard.
This policy outlines when we adjust your performance evaluation.
How is selling performance measured?
Seller performance standards focus on what matters most to buyers: getting the item they ordered on time, and effective customer service to respond to any requests for help.
This is measured using 3 metrics:
- Defect rate
- Cases closed without seller resolution
- Late delivery rate
For full details of how your seller level is evaluated, please read our Seller standards policy article and Service metrics policy.
Can defects or late deliveries be appealed?
We automatically remove defects and adjust your late delivery rate in the instances described in the guidelines below.
What are the guidelines?
Automatically removed
We automatically remove defects and adjust your late delivery rate when:
- The buyer didn't pay for an order and you cancelled it using Buyer hasn't paid as the reason
- The defect or late delivery was the direct result of an eBay site issue or programme error
- The delivery estimate shown in the listing was shortened and tracking shows the item was delivered by the carrier's longest delivery estimate
- We take action against a buyer for violating the Abusive buyer policy
- We take action to close an eBay Money Back Guarantee case or appeal request in favor of the seller
- We instruct you to hold a delivery or take action to cancel the transaction
Not eligible for removal
The following scenarios aren't eligible for removal:
- Late delivery appeals for transactions without tracking available to verify on-time order fulfilment or delivery
Manual review
There are some circumstances where a defect or late delivery can be manually reviewed. Sellers may appeal in these cases and must make the request within 90 days of the transaction.
Examples include:
- You upload tracking, prior to the defect occurring, that confirms the item was dispatched within the dispatch time or the item was delivered by the latest estimated delivery date, and the late delivery rate wasn't automatically updated because the tracking information isn't integrated with eBay
- In cases where there is an attempted delivery, we consider this to be delivered for the purposes of adjusting the late delivery rate
Why does eBay have this policy?
We adjust seller performance metrics when we have objective information available in our system, or by using carrier tracking information that shows the seller fulfilled all elements of the transaction and the defect or late delivery was not accurate.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to resolve any incorrect defects.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.