How to Get a Negative eBay Review Removed (Step-by-Step)

Negative feedback isn’t always permanent. If a review violates eBay’s Feedback Policy, you can have it removed — often within 24 hours. Here’s exactly how to do it, and how to frame your request so it actually works.

1. Know the Only Thing That Matters: Policy Violations

eBay does not remove feedback just because it’s unfair or annoying.

They remove feedback only if it violates policy.

Your job is to map the buyer’s words directly to a policy violation.

2. Reviews That Commonly Get Removed

Example:

A. References to Third Parties (Very Important)

If a buyer mentions Amazon, Walmart, AliExpress, Temu, etc., that is irrelevant third-party commentary.

Example:

Why this qualifies:

• Feedback must be about the eBay transaction
• Mentioning Amazon is a third-party reference
• This is considered irrelevant content under policy

This alone is sufficient grounds for removal

B. Personal Attacks (Not Constructive Criticism)

Feedback is removable if it includes:

• Insults
• Harassment
• Attacks on character rather than the transaction

Example:

“SCUM human”

This is:

• A personal attack
• Not constructive
• Explicitly listed as removable content

C. Feedback About Things Outside Your Control

Removable if the buyer complains about:

• Carrier delays when tracking shows on-time shipment
• Customs, taxes, or import issues
• Issues clearly disclosed in the listing

D. Feedback That Conflicts With Ratings

Examples:

• Negative comment + positive rating
• Positive comment + negative rating

eBay treats this as misleading and will remove it.

E. Buyer-Caused Issues

Feedback can be removed if:

• Buyer requested cancellation
• Buyer didn’t pay
• Buyer provided a bad address
• Buyer asked for changes after payment

3. How to Request Removal (Do This Exactly)

1. Go to Seller Help
2. Select Request feedback removal
3. Choose the transaction
4. In the explanation box:

• Quote the buyer verbatim
• Name the policy category
• Be factual, not emotional

Example Message (Use This Structure)

The feedback references Amazon, which is a third-party platform unrelated to the eBay transaction. This makes the comment irrelevant under eBay’s Feedback Policy.
Additionally, the phrase “SCUM human” is a personal attack and cannot reasonably be viewed as constructive criticism.

That’s it.

4. What Happens Next

• If it qualifies:

→ You’ll get an email

→ Feedback removed within 24 hours

• If partially invalid:

→ eBay may ask the buyer to revise it

• If denied:

→ They explain which part complies with policy

You have 90 days from the transaction to request removal.

5. If It Doesn’t Get Removed

If the feedback is allowed:

• Respond publicly, calmly, and professionally
• Future buyers care more about your response than the complaint
• Negative feedback does not impact seller performance

Key Takeaway

If a buyer:

• Mentions Amazon
• Attacks you personally
• Talks about anything outside the actual eBay transaction

You have a strong removal case. Always argue policy, never feelings.

Updated on: 01/25/2026