Online shopping can be an adventure. You’ve probably heard countless tales of fraud and disappointments. As you read these stories, you don’t realize that it could happen to you.
Imagine this: you purchase an item sold on eBay.com. You paid for the item in full based on its authenticity.
For example, you buy a designer bag on eBay, such as a Dolce Gabbana, Fendi, or some other luxury brand. Sellers who use tools like an eBay product research tool often identify which listings are most trusted by buyers, especially those carrying the Authenticity Guarantee badge.
You pay for the item’s value upon purchasing an eligible item, or so you think.
So, you excitedly open your package, only to find a counterfeit item inside it. Imagine your frustration when you fully paid for the item, confident of its authenticity!
And yet you end up with a fake item instead.
It’s this exact same issue that eBay hopes to address with the eBay authenticity guarantee. Trusting an online seller that the items sold on eBay.com are legitimate and authentic can create a better shopping experience for buyers and sellers alike.
Before paying for an item on eBay, ensure they are authenticated item to ensure you get your money’s worth.
What is the eBay Authenticity Guarantee?
eBay is one of the biggest e-commerce platforms online, and they’re taking significant steps toward protecting their reputation. They’ve rolled out a few features to reduce the incidence of buyer’s remorse and enable sellers to thrive, especially those selling eligible items.
They have also put together measures to improve fraud detection on buyers so that when the latter purchase an item, they will be happy with their purchase.
If you’re an online seller on eBay, the eBay authenticity guarantee is a powerful tool you can use to your advantage. Buyers are more likely to trust you if your items go through the authentication process, as it guarantees the authenticity of items sold on eBay.com.
The eBay authenticity guarantee involves multiple steps and processes. It is designed to ensure confidence among buyers about the authenticity of items sold on eBay.com.
Labeling certain products as eligible items can help buyers and sellers alike.
It gives buyers confidence knowing they are paying for eligible items and dealing with a reputable seller. On the other hand, sellers can also gain the trust of their buyers with an authenticity guarantee.
It lets the potential buyers know they are selling authenticated items and that it has been verified by a third-party instead of just them claiming that it is. Giving your buyers the assurance of authenticity helps boost your sales performance on your eBay store.
How Does the eBay Authenticity Guarantee Work?
The eBay authenticity guarantee is an exhaustive step. But knowing its potential benefits to your eBay store, you can leverage the process to enhance protection for your buyers and ensure they are not paying for a counterfeit item.
The risk of the impact of fraud detection is not exclusive to eBay. There is a potential for buyers to pay for counterfeit items on any other shopping platform.
That’s why eBay has implemented its authenticity guarantee to stand out from the competition and reassure customers that they are purchasing an eligible item.
Find out how the authenticity guarantee service works and how much to costs. But first, let’s examine the step-by-step process for the authenticity guarantee on eBay.
Step 1. The Buyer Makes a Purchase
The first step for a seller is to list the item to be sold on eBay.com. An item eligible for the service of authenticity guarantee will have a blue check mark next to the item listing.
When buyers see that blue check mark, it indicates that the item is eligible for the authenticity guarantee process.
Step 2. The Seller Will Ship the Eligible Item
When a buyer purchases an item from your store, specifically items with the Authenticity Guarantee mark, it won’t be shipped to the buyer yet. Instead, it will be forwarded to a team of authenticators.
There will be a different authentication facility for each item category. For example, eBay currently offers an authenticity guarantee service for the following categories:
The professional authenticators under the eBay authenticity guarantee service have specific brand and category knowledge. It ensures there are no risks involved for buyers and sellers, but there is a big reward since buyers can get authenticated items in their purchase, while the seller will earn the confidence of their buyers.
Step 3. Issuing of the Authentication Card
The professional team of authenticators at the authentication facility will verify the eligible items based on the listing description and other factors. They will also conduct a multi-point inspection to reassure buyers that they purchased with an authenticity guarantee.
Once the authenticity is verified, an authentication card is issued for the item. It will contain information about the authenticated items.
Step 4. Shipped to the Buyer
The final step in the authenticity guarantee process is shipping the item to the buyer. The eligible item with appropriate signature confirmation will undergo expedited delivery so the buyer can get the item at the soonest possible time.
Click to download the eBook and master eBay product research for winning items.eBay Authenticity Guarantee Process for Buyers
The eBay authenticity guarantee process for buyers ensures you are purchasing an eligible item.
The process works the same way from the seller’s perspective. First, you have to make a purchase of an item you want.
If the item is listed with the authenticity guarantee mark, you must ship the eligible item to verified authenticators.
The item will go through the authenticity guarantee process, wherein a team of authenticity inspectors will conduct a multi-point inspection of the item.
Once the item has passed the rigorous process, the authenticators will issue documentation to certify the authenticity of the item.
The last step is that the item is shipped to the buyer – you. This process is at no extra cost to you. Therefore, you can get no risk but big rewards for items purchased with an authenticity guarantee.
With eBay’s authenticity guarantee, you can confidently shop through the platform. You don’t have to worry about buying a counterfeit item because this system ensures new trust among buyers and sellers on eBay.
What Items are Eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee?
Currently, only limited categories are included under the authenticity guarantee on eBay. The authentication process for these items is relatively similar, with some authentication aspects varying based on the specific product.
Sneakers
To check for the authenticity of sneakers sold on eBay.com, the authenticators will look at a few characteristics for verification. First, they will inspect the sizing label, the logo, the heel tabs, and the sneaker box.
A box is important for sneakers listed in the same condition as “Brand New” items.
The average selling price for brand-new sneakers is at least $100 or not more than $150 for pre-owned sneakers. Items listed in the auction-style or Buy it Now format are qualified to undergo a check in the authentication facility.
Signed sneakers are not eligible for the program since their authenticity cannot be verified.
Currently, items eligible for authenticity guarantee only accept sneakers from the following brands, but are not limited to:
- Jordan
- Yeezy
- Adidas
- New Balance
- Nike
- Louis Vuitton
Handbags
Luxury handbags are one of those items that most buyers are willing to pay a huge amount for, as long as they are authenticated items. Unfortunately, you can also find many counterfeit bags online.
Therefore, buyers and sellers can use the authentication process to ensure they are dealing with a legitimate product.
Authenticators will check the handbag for the packaging, smell, hardware, and strap details, accessories, and more. Brand-new and pre-loved handbags are eligible for authenticity verification on eBay.
The handbag must be listed at $500 or more.
The currently eligible brands under the authenticity guarantee program include Hermes, Dior, Chanel, Prada, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Goyard, and more. Signature confirmation is required upon delivery of the handbag to the buyer.
Watches
Watches are one of those big-ticket items you will find sold on eBay.com. Buyers want the authenticity mark before buying the product to ensure that it is well worth the money they pay.
Authenticators use multi-point inspection for these items, including the serial number, end links, hardware details, case, dial, crown, bezel, and more. There are no brand specifications on eBay for the accepted brands.
However, any wristwatch listed under the Buy it Now category or those valued at $2,000 or more (for Buy it Now or starting bid).
Any premium watch brands are automatically eligible as authenticity guarantee items. These brands include but are not limited to Rolex, Breitling, and Omega.
Vintage watches can also be eligible authenticity guarantee if verified by third-party authenticators. Due to the age of these products, off-brand replacement parts are also accepted.
Any modifications to the vintage watches are only accepted if they are limited to the basic components. Any personalized modifications will make the watch ineligible as an authenticity guarantee item.
Jewelry
Fine jewelry and industry experts will examine jewelry pieces for authenticity. The goal of the inspection is to ensure the item is in the same condition as described on the listing and to ensure it is genuine.
The authenticators are experts from the Gemological Institute of America. They will examine the material, the style, and other elements that add to the value of the jewelry item.
Trading Cards
The authorized authenticators will check the trading cards’ surface, corners, and edges. They will also look at the condition for authenticity inspection.
The authenticity guarantee program on eBay currently only accepts collectible card games, sports trading cards, and non-sports trading cards. A signature is also required upon the delivery of the items to the buyer.
The point of the authentication is only to show that the card is not genuine. No grading will be given during the inspection.
How Much is the Fee for the Authenticity Guarantee?
For sellers and buyers, you don’t have to worry about paying extra for the items eligible for the authenticity guarantee. eBay covers the cost for the fees and costs associated with the verification of the items under this program.
Since eBay pays for the service, you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra money for the fees or costs associated with the service. Therefore, it is highly beneficial for buyers since you can purchase high-ticket items confidently and guarantee that you won’t receive a fake or counterfeit item.
For sellers, it is also beneficial since you can earn the trust of the buyer, and you can boost the sales for your eBay store.
How Long Does eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee Take?
Items purchased with an authenticity guarantee will be sent to a third-party authentication facility. They will process the item within two business days from the final sale and the delivery to the facility.
After they have completed the verification process, the item will be shipped to the buyer using an expedited delivery option. The total time it takes to undergo this process is about four to five days.
Is the Authenticity Guarantee on eBay Legitimate?
While eBay covers the cost under the eBay Authenticity program, sellers and buyers want to ensure the process is legitimate. And yes, it is!
The Authenticity Guarantee program is a multi-step process performed by industry experts with extensive knowledge and experience. While it is not entirely foolproof, it gives everyone peace of mind knowing that they are dealing with legitimate items that are close in value to the listed price on eBay.
For example, an Omega watch listed on eBay is valued at $8,000. If you are paying that amount for an item, you want to be assured that it is worth that much instead of an $80 knockoff!
The badge that indicates the product’s authenticity gives you confidence that you are shopping for the right items.
Click to download the eBook and master eBay product research for winning items.Final Thoughts
The eBay authenticity program is a game-changer in the world of online shopping. It is a significant step toward earning the trust and confidence of consumers when buying products online.
With more counterfeit products sold online, you can rest assured that industry experts have authenticated the products you are buying, and you’re not just taking the seller’s word for it.
Along with the eBay money-back guarantee, the eBay authentication program is just one of the many ways eBay has taken measures to protect its buyers and sellers. You can enjoy peace of mind and convenience when shopping and selling online.
Boost Buyer Trust with ZIK’s Competitor Research Tool
Want to stand out in a marketplace where buyers demand authenticity? With ZIK’s eBay competitor research tool, you can track what top eBay sellers are listing under the Authenticity Guarantee, uncover proven strategies, and position your store for higher sales. Stop guessing which products build trust; the data and adapt your listings with confidence. Build credibility, attract more buyers, and grow your business with ZIK.
Frequently Asked Questions on eBay Authenticity Guarantee
Here are some frequently asked questions about eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for buyers:
What happens if my eBay authenticity guarantee isn’t authentic?
If your item fails the Authenticity Guarantee inspection, the sale is cancelled. The buyer receives a full refund, and you won’t get paid. The item is returned to you, and repeated authenticity issues could affect your account standing.
How much does eBay take for an authenticity guarantee?
Sellers do not pay any additional fee for items covered by eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. eBay absorbs all authentication costs for eligible items over $500. For items priced between $200 and $499.99, buyers may opt to add the service for $40 at checkout—but the seller isn’t charged.
Who pays for eBay’s authenticity guarantee?
eBay covers the cost of its Authenticity Guarantee for most eligible items, such as sneakers, watches, handbags, and trading cards, above certain price thresholds. Sellers are not charged for the service, and buyers only pay if optional authentication is offered below set limits.
Does eBay’s authenticity guarantee protect sellers?
Yes, the program protects sellers by verifying items before delivery, reducing fraudulent return claims. Once an item passes inspection, it is shipped to the buyer with proof of authenticity. This lowers disputes, builds buyer trust, and helps sellers maintain account health.
Does eBay protect you from fakes?
Yes, eBay protects buyers from counterfeit items through its Money Back Guarantee and Authenticity Guarantee programs. If an item is fake or fails authentication, the transaction is cancelled and the buyer is refunded. Sellers may face penalties for listing counterfeit products.
Where is eBay authentication located?
eBay’s authentication is handled by professional third-party partners across multiple locations in the United States and internationally. For example, sneakers are verified by Sneaker Con’s authenticators, while watches and luxury goods use specialized facilities. Items are routed to the nearest centre before reaching buyers.
Can I skip the eBay authenticity guarantee?
No, sellers and buyers cannot opt out when an item qualifies. Eligible products, such as sneakers, watches, and luxury handbags above price thresholds, must go through authentication. This mandatory process protects both parties, ensuring the item’s legitimacy before it reaches the buyer.
Does authenticity guarantee mean it’s real?
Yes, items that pass eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee are verified by professional authenticators. This means the product is genuine based on multi-point inspection and industry standards. While no system is flawless, the guarantee greatly reduces counterfeit risk and adds buyer and seller confidence.
Can you get a refund for fake items on eBay if the seller does not accept returns?
Yes, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee ensures protection against counterfeit goods. Even if the seller states “no returns,” you can open a claim. eBay reviews the case, requires the item’s return, and provides a full refund to the buyer.