eBay and Their "Improvements" . . .

This is something that has been bugging me for a while, that is, eBay and their constant "improvements". I have certain categories bookmarked for ease of access, and with eBay mucking around with this and that, half the time the pages aren't found, or I end up in some other category than what is bookmarked.

So really, in the great scheme of things, that isn't such an issue, but what really annoys me is the insanity of that Detailed Seller Ratings box (the thing with the 5 stars) they've added to our feedback pages. I'm sure eBay think it's a wonderful idea, but in all fairness to sellers, I think it's the single MOST ridiculous thing they've implemented in a long time.

And why do I feel that way, you may ask? I mean, it's always handy to know those sorts of details, whether an item is the way it is described, shipping times, etc. But what REALLY REALLY bugs me about it is that it's simply NOT indicative of the true nature of the seller's performance. As an example, I always ship in a timely manner - usually the same day or very first thing the NEXT day after receiving payment, but how is it my fault what happens to the parcel after its left my hands? All I can do is post the item in a timely fashion - how long it takes to reach Australia or the US or anywhere else for that matter is outside my control.

And the same thing goes for the shipping costs - I charge the absolute minimum for international shipping that I possibly can - as a matter of fact, I actually don't charge the full price for shipping AND I charge nothing for packing materials. And let's not forget that I'm one of the few international lampworkers (and the only Australian seller I know of) who offers free worldwide shipping on any and all auctions that end at or above US$100. And yet, I notice that I have slightly less than a 5 star rating for shipping costs.

I know this shouldn't irritate me, but it does. I simply do not think it's fair that people can rate me on these two areas, when BOTH of them are outside my control. I have always, and WILL always, go the extra mile for my buyers because I appreciate every single person who has ever purchased from me, but what people who leave me less than 5 stars are ACTUALLY "ranking" is the postal service. I don't set the postage costs that Australia Post charge, and I don't deliver the mail personally, and yet I'm the one whose being ranked down!

Oh well, I guess the old saying is true - "You can't please all the people, all the time". *SHRUG*