Leaving negative feedback on EBAY
C Read, a 42-year old mechanic from Herne Bay is likely to face a lawsuit after he sent negative feedback comments on the popular auction website, eBay.
Read stated that he was stunned to receive legal papers saying that he would face legal action for posting negative feedback with respect to his purchase of a mobile handset from the website.
Read used the eBay platform to purchase a mobile handset, Samsung F700V, from J Jones, a Sufflok-based businessman who deals in used electronics goods.
In his feedback comment to the website, Read said, “Item was scratched, chipped, and not the model advertised on Mr. Jones’ eBay account.”
After posting the feedback, Read received Jones’ response through an email, alleging that the comments were affecting his business, and threatening lawsuit if Read didn’t withdraw his comments soon.
Upholding his decision of legal action against Mr. Read, Jones stated that the feedback was “unfair, unreasonable and damaging”, as he has already paid Read his money back.
Ebay has come under criticism in recent months following changes to its feedback policies and pricing structure. Many users have said that sellers, particularly smaller traders, are now left with little or no recourse when there are problems with the sale.
"Our feedback system allows buyers to make informed decisions about who they trade with based on the experience of other users," said Richard Ambrose, head of trust and safety at eBay.
"However, on the rare occasion that something goes wrong we always encourage users to contact the seller in order to resolve the matter amicably."
Read is refusing to back down and said he will fight any further action. 25/10/08 Didim Today
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