Observers have said that a Florida man who left negative feedback on eBay may end up paying a price of $15,000, after being hit with a defamation lawsuit.

Florida Today reported on Monday that Michael Steadman bought a $44 time clock for his welding business on the Internet auction site, but when the shipped goods didn't match the auction description, he returned it to the seller, got a refund, and then left his negative feedback comment.

Steadman posted about seller Elliot Miller of Miami Beach, "Bad seller; he has the ethics of a used car salesman."

Miller, a lawyer, responded with a $15,000 lawsuit claiming Steadman's feedback ruined his 100 percent seller's rating and "commercial reputation" and amounted to defamation.

Florida Today also reported that Steadman says the lawsuit has already cost him $7,000 and he has lost his lawyer because he can no longer afford to pay him.

The 49-year-old owner of Triton Welding & Machine Shop, said, "I made the mistake of leaving my honest opinion online. I warn everyone that goes online not to leave feedback." (With Inputs from Agencies)