I don't understand this eBay option.
Although I have no problem in anyone reading the feedback on my sales and purchases, I do object to anyone having sight of a very concise record of my purchases (and sales) for a considerable period and I am tempted to 'go private'.
My feedback record shows what I am interested in (a very narrow field indeed) and the prices I am willing to pay and I feel this gives potential sellers too much information for comfort.
Sellers could use my purchase records to judge their initial price and reserve price on items which they are not familiar with.
I look very closely at initial bids on lots I am sniping; looking at these bidders' records (why on earth do they bid?) I can see how much they were willing to pay for item X in the past, and alter my snipe accordingly - especially if they are buying item X and selling soon afterwards - it gives me a seriously accurate idea of what they are willing to pay.
Imagine having access to purchasers' records at Sotheby/Christie/Swan auctions - it just couldn't happen.
Any comments and advice out there? Are there any downsides to keeping one's feedback private?
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