Online auctioneer eBay is an Internet phenomenon, a global garage sale that has forever changed how people think about the stuff they have stashed in their attics, closets and basements.

One key to the companys success is its ratings system. Users post positive or negative feedback, which results in a score that helps members determine whether theyd like to do business with each other. User feedback shortens the leap of faith required when buying from faraway strangers.

It also means an eBayers reputation is worth its weight in gold. Many buyers refuse to purchase from any seller whose feedback score drops below 97 percent.

But experts warn against blithe belief in the veracity of eBay ratings. There are ways to artificially inflate and deflate those all important numbers and even an eBay underground whose members trade positive feedback for an investment of less than a dollar.

Those that frequent eBay as a buyer or seller this article is very good…read more courtesy of internetnews