I know there is a ratings system. That’s why I said in the original post if the seller deletes the post or doesn’t mark it sold to you.
There may be an adjustment curve but I think sellers should be reviewed freely, no matter if a snake is purchased or inquired. I would have left glowing reviews for a lot of sellers (when the rating system didn’t exist yet) and who have deleted listings. Plus for the phenomenal sellers that are at shows that deserve a good rating simply for an awesome interaction.
Psychologically too, people don’t leave reviews when there are too many barriers (guilty!) or if others haven’t reviewed the seller either. Since reptile purchases aren’t as frequent as say puppies and kittens, the probability of people leaving reviews goes down too. As well as the fact that there are frequent one-time buyers.
I’ve never thought to leave a bad review even when the sellers were curt because I’m sure they have a lot of inquiries. But that’s just it. it’s a balance of reasonability and the individual.
Unfair reviews are normally easy to pick out (think eBay) but sellers are still able to continue as long as they have a continuous record of good sells and professionalism. Without proper reviews, what’s the difference between a reputable breeder and the reptile equivalent of a backyard breeder?
I don’t think it would be a bad idea for free reviews. It leaves both the seller and buyer accountable - who would sell to a buyer that only leaves BS reviews as well?