With eBay Authenticity Guarantee, professional authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are sent to buyers. Any returned items are inspected again before being sent back to the seller. Inspections are processed within 2 business days.
On eBay.com.au, Authenticity Guarantee is currently available for certain brands of sneakers and handbags, but may be expanded in the future. eBay currently covers all costs of the authentication service, so there's no additional cost to buyers or sellers.
Items included in the program have a blue Authenticity Guarantee tick badge in search results and at the top right of the item page. Buyers can also use the Authenticity Guarantee filter on the left side of the search results page.
To learn more, and to read the full terms and conditions for Authenticity Guarantee, please visit these pages:
- Selling sneakers with Authenticity Guarantee - opens in new window or tab
- Selling handbags with Authenticity Guarantee - opens in new window or tab
Are you a buyer looking for more information? Visit our pages on:
Which items are eligible
In Australia, eBay Authenticity Guarantee is currently available for sneakers and handbags. When an eligible item is purchased on eBay.com.au with a delivery address in Australia, it will be sent for authentication.
How eBay Authenticity Guarantee works
If your item is eligible for eBay Authenticity Guarantee, it will be automatically added to the program, free of charge. There is no opt in or opt out option.
When you sell an eligible item covered by Authenticity Guarantee, you have to send it to our authenticators, instead of directly to the buyer.
After a product arrives with the authenticators, the first thing they'll do is verify that the contents are consistent with the listing title, description and images. Then, they'll perform a thorough physical inspection for authenticity, which includes the structure, materials, tags, logos, packaging and any accessories.
Once an item is verified as authentic, it receives a unique NFC-enabled tag that provides detailed information about the authenticity, and it's sent on to the buyer with tracked express delivery.
eBay currently covers all costs of the Authenticity Guarantee program, including the inspection process and express delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.
Qualifying for eBay Authenticity Guarantee
If you sell sneakers or handbags on eBay, you don't need to do anything to opt into Authenticity Guarantee – we'll automatically show the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick on listings that meet the eligibility criteria above.
To help ensure your items flow through the authentication process smoothly, you should:
- Ensure that you select the appropriate item condition (New with box/New with tags, New without box/New without tags, New with defects or Pre-owned).
- Accurately describe your item in detail.
- Take as many photographs as needed.
Ensure that any imperfections, anomalies or defects are shown in your pictures and described in your listing. Don't forget the inside – especially for handbags. If you're using stock images, all original accessories must be included.
Sending Authenticity Guarantee items
For eligible purchases, we'll show the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick on the Order details page.
eBay will provide you with the address of our authentication centre along with the buyer's name and a unique ID number. You need to send the item to this address and not the buyer. Each Authenticity Guarantee item needs to be sent as a separate order – you can't combine postage.
When sending an Authenticity Guarantee item, be sure to use the exact address eBay provides, including the unique ID number. As always, you should upload tracking details as soon as you've sent the item.
Tip
As long as tracking confirms the item was delivered to the authenticator, you're protected in case the buyer reports that it didn't arrive. You won't be responsible for refunding the buyer, and we'll automatically remove any open cases in service metrics, as well as any negative or neutral Feedback.
Items that won't be authenticated
Even if a listing had the eBay Authenticity Guarantee badge, it won't be eligible for the program if:
- The buyer's delivery address isn't eligible (outside Australia)
- The buyer didn't complete checkout and pay on eBay
- The seller offered local pickup
- The seller sent the item directly to the buyer, instead of to the authentication centre
When an eligible purchase reaches the authenticators, it won't be inspected if:
- The item was listed in the wrong category (e.g. other types of shoes or bags listed in eligible categories), or
- The product has been modified from its original state (e.g. with personalised elements or custom artwork) and/or signed.
Accessories such as laces or additional straps will not be authenticated if they are noted in the listing as replacements. Instead, the condition of the accessories would be verified against the listing.
If an item doesn't pass the inspection
If the authenticity of an item cannot be verified, or the item's condition is not consistent with the listing, it will be returned to you and the buyer will receive their money back. It's not possible to appeal an authentication decision. Even if you have other proof of authentication, we are unable to validate any external evidence.
If an item passes our authenticity checks but has a minor discrepancy with its listing, we'll notify the buyer and ask them to confirm whether they would still like to go ahead with the purchase.
- If the buyer chooses to proceed with the purchase, we'll send it on to them as an authenticated item. Please note that the buyer would still be entitled to return it as described below.
- If the buyer declines the item or doesn't respond within the time frame provided, it will be returned to you and the buyer will receive a refund.
Returns with Authenticity Guarantee
If a buyer wants to return an authenticated item, your return policy as stated in the listing will apply. In the unlikely event that there's an issue with an authenticated item, our eBay Money Back Guarantee policy will apply, and eBay will respond to the buyer's return request on your behalf.
When returning an item, the buyer will send it back to the authenticator. They will check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories. Once the item has been re-authenticated, it will be returned to you and the buyer's refund will be processed.
Tip
If your item passed authentication and the buyer reports that it didn't match the listing description, it won't affect your seller performance. We'll automatically remove any defects and open cases in service metrics, as well as any negative or neutral Feedback.