I quote directly from the Ebay Feedback FAQ

"When should I leave feedback?
Leave feedback after completing any purchase or sale on eBay. Your honest feedback shapes the eBay community and impacts the success and behavior of other eBay members."

Pay clear attention to the part "...Leave feedback after completing any purchase or sale on eBay."

A completed sale is NOT when I receive the money. It is after I have received the money and the buyer has received the merchandise. It is also not over until the buyer is satified with the transaction.

Only then is the sale complete.

Negative feedback should only be used as a last resort.

A seller who automatically leaves positive feedback after receiving funds has only done half his job.

Why, because the sale is not completed. They go along there merry way with money in hand. They need to follow up with the buyer to make sure the item was received and that the buyer is happy with the exchange. Going the extra mile is what good customer service is about.

When I receive an e-mail from a buyer that they have received the item and are happy with the transaction, I take the time then to leave positive feedback. Sometimes they beat me to the punch. Other times I leave feedback first.

When the sale is complete is the time to leave feedback. Not a second before.

Rick G.