Yes, eBay reviews can be removed in limited cases via feedback revision, policy-violation reports, or automatic removals under its rules.
Bad ratings sting, but you’re not stuck. On this marketplace, there are only a few legit paths to delete or change a buyer’s comment. Some paths rely on the buyer, some run through eBay, and some are automatic when a rule is broken. This guide lays out what works, when to try it, and how to avoid wasting requests.
Getting A Buyer Comment Removed On eBay — What Works
There are three real routes. First, ask the buyer to revise the rating using a built-in tool. Second, flag feedback that breaks site rules so a staffer can review it. Third, lean on automatic protections when a defect wasn’t your fault.
Quick Paths, Who Starts Them, And Timing
| Path | Who Starts | Time Window & Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Feedback revision request | Seller | Only on ratings less than 30 days old; 5 requests per year, plus 5 more for every 1,000 ratings |
| Policy-violation removal (manual or automatic) | Seller or eBay | Any time the comment breaks feedback rules; submit through Seller Help when not auto-removed |
| Defect removal tied to shipping or system issues | eBay | Protections run automatically in many cases; you can also appeal a defect if it remains |
The first route depends on buyer action, so it works best after fast, fair service. The second route applies when the text crosses lines, like threats for refunds, profanity, personal info, or off-topic rants. The third route addresses defects and late scans triggered by carrier or site problems; these can wipe the low star hit tied to the case.
What eBay Will Remove Under Its Rules
The site’s feedback rules ban a range of content. You can’t get a clean profile just because someone was harsh, but you can act when the comment or rating breaks policy. Here are common triggers eBay calls out:
Common Policy Triggers
- Threats of negative ratings to force refunds, extras, or discounts (feedback extortion).
- Profanity, hate, personal information, or images that don’t belong.
- Comments about things outside the transaction, like shipping price you never offered or a product review that should live on a brand page.
- Ratings from buyers who were later suspended.
- Feedback on orders that never finished, such as unpaid items.
When a note like this appears, eBay can pull the text, the stars, or both. Full details live in the site’s feedback policies. The policy explains automatic removals and when a manual review kicks in.
When A Buyer Can Change Their Rating
Sellers can invite a buyer to replace a harsh comment with an updated one. That invite is the feedback revision request. It lands by email, and the buyer clicks to accept or decline. If they accept, the old line disappears and the new one posts. Use this tool after you’ve fixed the issue and the buyer says they’re happy.
Limits On Requests
There’s a strict cap to keep the system fair. You get five requests each calendar year, plus five more for every 1,000 ratings you earn in that year. You can only use the tool on ratings that are less than a month old. These limits live on eBay’s guide to viewing and responding to feedback.
How To Send A Feedback Revision Request
- Open Seller Hub > Feedback.
- Find the line you want changed and select “Send feedback revision request.”
- Pick a reason and add a short, polite note that reminds the buyer what you fixed.
- Send it once. Don’t spam extra messages while you wait.
Keep the note short and specific: what went wrong, what you did, and how you’ll prevent it next time. Buyers respond to clear fixes and a calm tone.
How To Flag A Rule Break In Feedback
When text crosses policy lines, your job is to file a clean report. Staff can remove the words, the stars, images, or all of it. Here’s a simple path that gets results:
Steps To Report Problem Feedback
- Screenshot the feedback and the order page. Save any messages that show threats or demands.
- Go to Seller Help and choose the feedback removal flow.
- Paste the item number and quote only the terms that break the rule.
- Reference the rule name, like “feedback extortion” or “personal information.”
- Submit and wait for the review. If denied, you can ask again if you have fresh proof.
Don’t pad the claim. Quote the rule and show proof. Staff can also find buyer patterns you can’t see from your side.
Protections That Wipe Defects And Hidden Hits
Not every low mark starts with buyer text. Some hits show up in your metrics due to carrier delays, late scans, or outages. The platform removes many of these on its own. If one sticks, there’s an appeal path. Read the official page on appealing a defect or late shipment for what qualifies and how fast removals run.
Carrier And System Issues That Often Qualify
- Weather or network events that delay scans.
- Service outages on the site or label tool.
- Ship-by and delivery windows hit on time, but the scan posted late.
When a defect gets wiped, the stars tied to that case can fall off your record.
What You Can’t Do
There are hard lines that no seller can cross. You can’t edit buyer words yourself. You can’t pay for removal. You can’t send unlimited revision requests. And you can’t file copy-paste reports with boilerplate claims. Those patterns get flagged and make later, valid requests harder.
How To Respond Publicly Without Adding Fuel
A short public reply can calm skittish shoppers while you work on removal or a revision. Keep it factual and short. Skip blame. Invite a private thread to finish the fix.
Public Reply Principles
- Lead with the fix: “Replaced with express shipping the same day.”
- Skip emotion. No all caps. No sarcasm.
- Offer a direct contact route so the buyer can wrap it up.
Public replies sit on your profile for a long time. Future buyers read tone as much as facts.
Prevent The Next Bad Rating
The best removal is the one you never need. A few low-tech habits cut risk across all categories.
Before The Sale
- Set ship-by and handling times you can hit even on busy weeks.
- Use clear photos and list common flaws. Buyers forgive honest detail.
- Answer presale questions with short, clear bullets.
After The Sale
- Ship fast and upload tracking right away.
- Send one concise message with the tracking link and a thank-you.
- Offer a simple fix path: refund, replace, or parts credit on small issues.
Common Scenarios And What To Do Next
Use the table below to pick the right path without burning a request. These are the cases sellers run into week after week.
| Scenario | Best Action | Where To Click |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer admits the issue is solved | Send one feedback revision request | Seller Hub > Feedback > “Send feedback revision request” |
| Buyer demands a partial refund with a threat | Report as feedback extortion with screenshots | Seller Help > Feedback removal flow |
| Carrier delivered late due to storms | Check if the defect auto-removed; file an appeal if not | Performance > Service metrics > “Appeal” |
| Comment includes profanity or personal info | Report for policy breach; request removal | Seller Help > Feedback removal flow |
| Order never paid | Open the unpaid item process; ask for removal after closure | Orders > Cancel or Unpaid item assistant |
| Harsh tone but no rule break | Reply publicly with the fix; ask for a revision after service | Seller Hub > Feedback > “Reply” |
Frequently Missed Fine Print
The Window Is Short
The revision tool works only on rating lines less than a month old. If you wait, you lose the option. Move fast right after you fix the problem.
The Cap Is Real
Burning multiple requests on one stubborn buyer drains your yearly pool. Save them for clear wins where the buyer already agreed to change the line.
Policy Beats Style
Staff won’t remove a note just because it sounds harsh. They will act on rule breaks. Quote the rule name and attach proof. That’s what gets a yes.
Step-By-Step Game Plan
Right After A Bad Rating Posts
- Read the text for any rule breach.
- If you spot one, gather proof and file for removal.
- If not, fix the issue and ask the buyer if a change would feel fair.
- When they agree, send the single revision request.
- Reply publicly with the fix so shoppers see your side.
- Review the order flow to prevent repeats.
After A Carrier Or System Issue
- Check your dashboard for auto-removed defects.
- If a hit remains, file an appeal on the defect page.
- Watch for the update and refresh your metrics.
You can read more on the official defect removal page. Pair that with the feedback policy page linked earlier and you’ll know when a removal is realistic.
Seller Checklist
- Only send a revision when the buyer already agreed.
- Save requests for fresh ratings and clear wins.
- Report threats, profanity, off-topic lines, or doxxing.
- Track storms and outages; watch for auto removals.
- Reply in public with the fix, not emotion.
- Audit listings after each case to plug the root cause.
Bottom Line
You can get ratings pulled or changed, but only through the right doors. Use buyer revisions for solved cases. Use policy reports for rule breaks. Lean on protections for carrier and system errors. Keep messages short, fixes fast, and requests rare. That mix protects your profile without burning goodwill.