Numerous changes to their feedback program, were recently announced by eBay, changes such that sellers will no longer be able to leave negative or neutral feedback for buyers. Leaving many eBay sellers nervous about the fallout it will bring, this change is expected in May, 2008. With the vision of providing eBay sellers a forum to exchange information about potentially problematic buyers, AfterTheGavel.com was formed. Regardless of what auction sites they utilize, the service is free and open to all sellers. In consultation with eBay sellers, the site was developed and is maintained by Dr. Benjamin Bishop.

AfterTheGavel.com was created, according to Dr. Bishop, as a free site to allow sellers to leave neutral and negative feedback for buyers. Buyers and sellers seldom meet face to face or have any prior relationship, in the world of online auctions and sales. Sellers must have the ability to research potential buyers as well as research current clients who are seeking unreasonable refunds. By removing the seller's rating abilities, eBay is disrupting the feedback system balance. AfterTheGavel.com is seeking to fill the need for sellers to be able to manage risk for their online auction businesses.

Due to a concern by many online sellers of possible pressure not to participate in a secondary site such as AfterTheGavel.com, security and confidentially are a priority. All seller information is kept private, altough Sellers will be required to register for a free account. Only buyer IDs and the feedback left for them will be shown. A seller must provide enough transaction information so the transaction can be verified, in order to leave feedback. No personal contact information about buyers or offensive language will be allowed. A system of checks and balances is included to protect the integrity of the database.