More about reputation
eBay’s feedback tool is indispensable for figuring out who you want to do business with. The unfortunate part is that it is a closed system, only relevant for eBay purchases. Anybody who has used forums to trade, purchase, or sell knows that it is equally important to have some level of feedback to promote commerce, whether it is from eBay or the forum itself.
RapLeaf has created a feedback system whereby all users will have a single feedback account for all to view. As we know scamming runs rampant on niche forums. With a single feedback system users who normally scam people by using multiple accounts and claiming to be people they are not, will definitely have a more difficult time. Of course people can still claim to be people they are not but I would say a lot of people who get scammed are people trying to get a deal that is too good to be true. The need for a good deal often temporarily blinds people from an obvious scam.
Not to say that the victim should not be shown some sympathy but RapLeaf is more of a tool that will empower those who make transactions regularly on the web. Allowing for all of their feedback to count whether it’s on RedFlagDeals, HowardForums , or Craigslists.
An interesting element that RapLeaf has added is the ability for friends to vouch for you. As you can see I have no feedback as of yet. The larger number would be my buying/selling feedback. The superscript would be the number of friends that would have vouched for me. I’m not completely sold on the friend vouching scenarios as I can see a lot of situations where users may abuse it but its good for honest users who simply have not done any previous e-commerce.
In time, conventions will arise but like anything else, you should use your best judgement in figuring out who you want to do business with.