You can ask eBay to remove feedback, but you cannot change it directly yourself
eBay does not let you edit or rewrite feedback after you post it. Once you leave a rating and comments for a seller, that feedback is locked. If you want to change what you said, your only option is to ask eBay to remove the entire feedback entry — and eBay will only do this in specific situations, not because you changed your mind.
The situations where eBay will remove feedback are narrow: the seller harassed you, the feedback violates eBay's policies, or you and the seller agreed in writing that the feedback should go. Disagreeing with your own past rating does not may have access to. If you left one star and now think the seller deserved three, eBay will not delete it just because you ask.
If the seller left feedback about you that you want to remove, the rules are different — sellers can retract their own feedback about buyers at any time, and you can ask them to do so. But feedback you left about a seller stays unless eBay removes it.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot edit feedback after posting it; the only way to change it is to request removal from eBay.
- eBay removes feedback only if the seller harassed you, the feedback breaks eBay's rules, or you have a written agreement with the seller to remove it.
- Changing your mind about a rating is not a reason eBay will remove feedback.
- If a seller left feedback about you, you can ask them to retract it, and they can remove it themselves at any time.
- Feedback removal requests go through eBay's Resolution Center and can take several days to process.
How to request feedback removal through eBay's Resolution Center
Go to your eBay account and open the Resolution Center. Find the transaction tied to the feedback you want removed. Click on the feedback entry and select the option to report or request removal. eBay will ask you why you want it removed — choose the reason that matches your situation: harassment, policy violation, or a mutual agreement with the seller.
Be specific about what happened. If you claim harassment, describe the messages or behavior. If you say the feedback violates policy, explain which rule it breaks. If you have a written agreement, include a screenshot or copy of the message where the seller agreed. eBay reviews these requests and decides within a few days whether to remove the feedback.
Do not claim a reason that is not true. eBay can see your transaction history and messages with the seller. If your request does not match what actually happened, eBay will deny it.
When eBay will deny your removal request
eBay denies most removal requests because the feedback does not meet their removal standards. The most common reason for denial is that you straightforward changed your mind. You bought something, left negative feedback, and now regret it — but regret is not a policy violation or harassment.
eBay also denies requests when the feedback is factually accurate. If you left one star because the item arrived late, and it did arrive late, eBay will not remove it even if the seller has since improved their shipping times. The feedback describes what actually happened in that transaction.
If your request is denied, you cannot appeal it. Your only other option is to contact the seller directly and ask them to work with you — though they have no obligation to do so.
Asking the seller to retract feedback they left about you
If the feedback is about you (left by the seller), the situation is different. Sellers can retract their own feedback at any time, without eBay's permission. You can ask them to do so by sending a message through eBay's messaging system or by opening a case in the Resolution Center.
Keep the message professional and factual. Explain why you believe the feedback is unfair or inaccurate. If there is a misunderstanding about the transaction, clarify it. Some sellers will retract negative feedback if you show them the issue was resolved or if they realize they made a mistake.
The seller is not required to retract it, and many will not. If they refuse, you can ask eBay to remove it, but eBay applies the same strict standards — the feedback has to violate policy or involve harassment. A seller's honest negative review, even if you disagree with it, usually stays.
What to do before you leave feedback in the first place
Since you cannot change feedback after posting, take time before you submit it. Read what you wrote. Check that your rating matches your experience — if the item arrived damaged but the seller replaced it quickly, consider whether one star or three stars better reflects the full transaction.
If you are angry or frustrated, wait a day before posting. Feedback left in anger is harder to remove later. If there is a problem with the order, try to resolve it with the seller first through eBay's Resolution Center or messaging. Once the issue is fixed, you can leave feedback that reflects the outcome, not just the initial problem.
Remember that feedback is public and permanent (unless removed). It affects the seller's rating and their ability to sell. Make sure your feedback is accurate before you post it.
Feedback disputes and when to use the Resolution Center instead
If the seller left feedback about you that is false or retaliatory, do not wait for them to retract it. Open a case in the Resolution Center and report the feedback as a violation. Retaliatory feedback — negative feedback left because you left negative feedback first — breaks eBay's rules and eBay will remove it.
False feedback also qualifies for removal. If the seller claims you did not pay when you did, or says the item was not returned when you returned it, report it with proof. Screenshots of your payment confirmation or shipping label are evidence.
Feedback that contains threats, harassment, or personal information also violates policy. Report it when ready. eBay takes these violations seriously and usually removes the feedback within a few days.
How long feedback removal takes
After you submit a removal request, eBay typically reviews it within three to five business days. You will receive a message in your eBay account telling you whether the feedback was removed or whether your request was denied.
If it is removed, it disappears from the seller's feedback profile and from your transaction history. If it is denied, the feedback stays public. There is no appeal process, so a denial is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my feedback from negative to positive without removing it?
No. eBay does not allow you to edit feedback once it is posted. Your only option is to request removal of the entire feedback entry. If eBay removes it, you could leave new feedback, but there is no way to straightforward change the rating or comments on the existing feedback.
What if I left feedback by mistake — can eBay remove it?
If you left feedback for the wrong transaction or posted it by accident, contact eBay through the Resolution Center and explain what happened. Accidental feedback is sometimes removed, but eBay may ask you to provide details about why it was a mistake. Having a clear explanation improves your chances.
Can a seller force me to change my negative feedback?
No. A seller cannot force you to change or remove feedback. If a seller threatens you or harasses you to remove feedback, report it to eBay. That behavior violates eBay's policies and can result in the seller's account being suspended.
If the seller retracts their feedback about me, does mine automatically disappear?
No. Feedback is independent. If a seller retracts their feedback about you, your feedback about them stays unless you request removal or eBay removes it. The two are not linked.
How do I know if my feedback removal request was approved?
eBay sends you a message in your account when your request is reviewed. Check your eBay messages or the Resolution Center for the decision. If the feedback was removed, it will no longer appear on the seller's profile or in your transaction history.