Every seller, regardless of where they sell or what they sell, wants to be rated if they stand behind their work and know their buyer will love it… but, as a seller you can ruin a great transaction by pestering buyers about leaving a review.

On Mercari, the seller doesn’t get paid until the buyer Rates the transaction. If a buyer chooses not to rate, the seller is automatically paid after 3 days have passed since delivery. As far as I know, Mercari is the only platform that chooses to have their payments set up like this. Personally, I think it’s absurd, but if you choose to sell on Mercari you have to abide by their rules. With that being said, sellers being annoying by essentially “spamming” buyers with messages is bad, regardless of what platform you sell on.

MOST ANNOYING MESSAGE TYPES

I think the reason buyers have become frustrated with communications from the seller is that we are all bombarded with actual spam emails and spam phone calls.  Many of us also receive spam text messages and spam direct messages on social media too.  It's a LOT of unwanted contact and there's essentially no way to make it end.  So, when the seller sends the tracking number then follows it up with more communications, it becomes frustrating for the buyer who is already feeling hounded.  With that being said, here's the top communication annoyances, as reported by buyers:  

1. Most buyers (including myself!) seem to agree that the absolute most annoying “Please Rate Me” message occurs within moments of the parcel being marked “Delivered”. The reason this drives people insane is that they likely didn’t have a chance to open the parcel in the past 45 seconds and even if they did, they likely haven’t had a chance to use the item, so they don’t know if they’re happy with it or not.

2. The second biggest annoyance isn’t specifically related to “Rate Me!” but it’s related to too much communication. Some sellers like to give their buyers step-by-step updates on when the parcel was shipped, when it was dropped off at the post office, another message on the expected day of delivery, a message stating the package has been marked Delivered and another message asking for a Rating.  Speaking of asking for reviews, you know who is mega annoying?  Home Depot.  If you purchase something through their website you will get seemingly endless emails asking for you to review it.  It drives me nuts because I simply don't feel like I need to rate bird seed. 

3. The third most frustrating communication from sellers is when the buyer is peppered with questions via direct message, “Did it arrive ok? Are you happy with it? Are there any issues? Do you have any questions” - like, good grief, it’s a $12 tank top. To me, these questions feel like a waste of my time. Clearly, if I had an issue I would reach out and I respectfully see no reason to spend time chatting with the seller over a trivial purchase. 

ALTERNATIVE TO PESTERING BUYERS

Instead of bugging your buyer, use Order Comment Cards. Comment Cards are a very effective way to communicate with your buyer on THEIR TIME.