Rated below standard, can I do this to solve it?

[Confusedmeanderings]

I'm so annoyed with myself. I have managed to let my rating slip to below standard. I know I was stupid to let it happen, but I'm currently being treated for breast cancer and let things slide in October when I first had the diagnosis. I've had the usual warnings to improve and limits imposed, but even though there have been no more cancellations or late deliveries since the the end of October I haven't managed to improve to less than 2%. Of course, sales have slowed to a mere trickle as I am further down the listings, making it virtually impossible to get the percentage down enough. So here's my question. I have worked out that I need 21 successful sales this month to get back on track. That isn't going to happen. If I sign in as a guest, using a different email and bank account details, could I buy from myself to get those sales? I know I would end up paying fees, but it would be worth losing that money to get back on track. Obviously, my name and address would be the same, but I can't change those because they have to match my bank details.

Won't it show up in your feedback that all the purchases are from one account?

I can see that this is a slippery slope - you need sales to improve the rating, but by being further down the listings those sales become harder to achieve.

But this is essentially fraud and there's a risk that if noticed by eBay they will cancel your whole account, which is probably a worse outcome.

Might it be possible to open a new seller account in parallel with the existing one? It's a drastic step to start with zero feedback but in future might give you protection from problems on one account if the other is there to fall back on.

Do you have any regulars who buy frequently who could message with an offer?
Can you make offers to all those who are watching your items? A significant discount so it’s worth the risk.
I would put in your description what’s happening in your life eg the cancer treatment or in that about me bit. People are a bit more understanding if they know why.
Also you can change the dispatch times if you go into each listing. I have mine n a four day dispatch but it can be longer
Opening another account maybe worth it as it ifs a personal account you will be offered a 1000 free listings a month and 100 discounted selling fees.
Depending what you selling I would look at other platforms such as Facebook market place, Vinted preloved, gumtree

Thanks for the advice. A parallel account sounds like a good idea, so I'll look into that. I already sell on Etsy, but whilst prices are often higher, it doesn't have the footfall eBay does. I sell antiques and vintage.

I love antiques and vintage....how would I find you?

Particularly want a reasonably priced 'genie bottle'...🤔

I think you would be better off getting friends or family to make purchases but even then it might look odd.
Are you selling something niche because I'm surprised you are getting any orders. Have you responded to any negative feedback? I wouldn't mention that you have been ill.

Sorry to hear you have been ill though.

@NovaSq my business name is Stogursey Vintage and you can find me on both eBay and Etsy, plus irl at Dunster Antiques Fairs. No genie bottles at the moment though.

@LetsGoParty I think its because i sell antiques, they tend to be quite individual.

Bit of a long shot as I don't have an ebay business account, only a personal one, but on that if I buy stuff and the seller gives feedback it counts as part of my rating too, I don't know if this is true of business accounts, but if so it might be worth buying 21 smaller items such as packing tape, envelopes etc, from big sellers, who automatically positive feedback when payment is received.

I wish you all the best with your treatment, being self employed at such a time and having it all fall on you must be very hard x

@RelentlessForwardProgress I'll give that a go and see what happens. Thank you!