Does the exchange of feedback officially mark the end of the transaction? (Assuming both feedbacks were positive)
Sorry, I meant is it "kosher" to return an item after leaving (positive) feedback? As both a buyer and seller on ebay, this information would be helpful in the future
Well, IMO, that would depend on the condition of the return. If the seller allows returns and you want to return it within the rules the seller states for a return and the item is returned in same condition as it was when it was sent, I think it's OK.
I would think the transaction is "officially" ended when both parties are satisfied with the deal. That is the buyer paid in a timely manner, the item was shipped as promised, and arrived as expected. Why would you leave feedback before the item arrived, or before the item was accepted by the receiver? I used to think that the seller should leave feedback as soon as payment was received, as that completes the buyer's end of the deal, but now believe the transaction isn't over until the buyer acknowledges satisfaction with the item, given return policies. Why a buyer would leave feedback before examining and deciding to keep the item is beyond me. But then, it's also beyond me why anybody would use eBay with all the negative comments generated here and on other forums. I don't use the service since it has gone beyond the "sell your garage sale junk to a wider audience" venue to the retail business it has become today. Don't get me wrong, as far as eBay this is just personal, I would rather go to a live auction and see the item first hand, then see who's bidding against me. As far as retail pricing, I go to these looking for bargains. If I want to pay retail prices, I would go to retail outlet.
My rule of thumb: I leave no feedback, no matter how much begging the seller does, until I receive, inspect, and I'm satisfied with the item. Only then will I leave feedback for the seller. Sellers should operate this way as well.
I will point out that if a buyer receives an item in a timely manner that was accurately described and undamaged that even if they decide to return it under the seller's return policy for whatever reason that they should leave positive feedback. If the seller did what was promised the buyer should leave positive feedback regardless of the return. JHMO
The return would be part of the transaction, so, in light of everything else going well, the seller balks at the return or refuses, then positive feedback would not be warranted. I say that with slight reservation, as how many returns are made because of buyer's remorse, rather than actually a fault of the seller (yeah, I know, we can make all kinds of excuses to return an item, taking the gamble and falling back on eBay policies when convenient). eBay gives everyone the ability to be big time buyers and sellers, regardless of their actual knowledge and experience.
