Meet the Authenticators

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you buy and sell on eBay with confidence. Our authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are sent to buyers and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to the seller.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

It's easy! Browse and shop eBay's listings with the “Authenticity Guarantee” badge. When you buy an eligible item, the seller posts it directly to a team of qualified, professional authenticators. The authenticators will thoroughly inspect and verify your item's authenticity, and confirm the item and accessories are consistent with the listing title, description and images before sending it to you with tracked express delivery.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Until further notice, there is no additional fee for Authenticity Guarantee for either the buyer or the seller. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay covers the cost of authentication as well as tracked express delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer for domestic purchases.

Authenticity Guarantee is also available for eligible items from select sellers located outside Australia. For these items, you'll be charged an international delivery fee of AUD $90, along with any applicable GST or other customs duties.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee for handbags is available on handbags, briefcases or other accessories of selected brands (set out below), in new or pre-owned condition, listed in the Women's Bags & Handbags, Men's Bags & Briefcases, Women's Handbag Accessories, Women's Organisers & Diaries and Men's or Women’s Wallets, ID & Document Holders, Keyrings, Belts or Hats categories, and sold for AUD $350 or more. Auction items are also eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service if the item meets these conditions.

Eligible listings have a blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in the search results and on the item page. The purchase must be completed on eBay.com.au with a delivery address in Australia to be eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service.

The eligible brands for Authenticity Guarantee include Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Celine, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Chrome Hearts, Coach, Delvaux, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Ferragamo, Givenchy, Goyard, Gucci, Hermes, Jacquemus, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo, Judith Leiber, Lanvin, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Mark Cross, Marni, MCM, Miu Miu, Mulberry, Off-White, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, The Row, Tom Ford, Valentino, Versace.

We plan to add brands to our Authenticity Guarantee program over time. Check back for updates.

For further details around eligibility, see the Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions. 

What happens at the Authentication Facility?

Once an eligible item arrives at the authentication facility, the authenticator first confirms the item and collateral materials (such as accessories, dust bags, receipts and packaging) are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then they will perform a multi-point authentication inspection. Finally, the item will receive a unique Authenticity Guarantee card and a swing tag.

Is there an authentication card?

Yes, all items verified by our Authenticators come with an Authenticity Guarantee card with details about the item, such as brand and model. The card also has a QR code-enabled page that brings up more details about your item. 

How does my Authentication Guarantee card with QR capabilities work?

Scan the QR code on the Authenticity Guarantee card with the camera feature of your smartphone device to view detailed information about your authenticated item. Enjoy! 

Who is providing the authentication services?

eBay's team of professionally trained authenticators vet and verify each item, using detailed, physical inspection and advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.  

How long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?

After you purchase an eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to the authentication facility, where our Authenticators inspect the item within two business days of receipt. Once the item is verified, it will be sent to you with tracked express delivery, including signature on delivery.

How can I track the progress of my purchase?

Tracking information is available on your Purchases page in My eBay, where you'll be able to track the delivery of your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee service, you will also receive an order update email when your item has been inspected. 

Where is my item being delivered to, and why is it not my address?

Eligible purchases will first be sent to the authentication facility. Once verified, the authenticator will send your item to the address entered at checkout.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Signature confirmation is required for all items that cost over AUD $750 (excluding postage costs) located in Australia. For items located outside Australia which are eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service, signature confirmation is required for all orders.

Will imported items going through Authenticity Guarantee be subject to duties and taxes?

eBay is required to collect GST (Goods and Services Tax) on orders up to AU $1,000 imported into Australia. If you're buying an item located outside Australia and you select an Australian delivery address, eBay will add GST to the total at checkout. Learn more about paying tax on eBay purchases.

For orders over $1,000, you can choose to pay applicable taxes, customs charges and import fees either at checkout or when your item arrives. You'll see the following options at checkout:

• Pay import charges now – Select this option to pay all taxes and duties at checkout.
• Defer import charges until delivery – Select this option to pay applicable taxes and duties when your item arrives. The carrier will contact you to pay it as part of clearing your parcel through customs.

You'll see the charges and the final total, including the international delivery fee, before you pay for your order.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

If the seller has included original packaging as described in the listing, all components will be sent to you (the buyer).

Can I choose not to have my item authenticated?

No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the authenticators cannot verify the item's authenticity or the item's condition is not consistent with its listing, you (the buyer) will be notified and be issued a full refund to your original payment method. We will also notify you if the item passes our authenticity checks, but the item has a minor discrepancy with its listing. You will be able to review the authenticator’s notes and pictures, and confirm whether you still want to go ahead with your purchase. If you go ahead with your purchase, your item will still be eligible for protection under eBay Money Back Guarantee if it otherwise meets all the eligibility criteria under the eBay Money Back Guarantee policy. 

What should I do if I want to change or cancel my order?

If you need to cancel an order, let the seller know as quickly as possible. If the seller has already sent your order, they won't be able to cancel it. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate address changes at this time, so please double-check to make sure you've entered the correct address. Learn more about cancelling your order. 

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

You (the buyer) can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller's return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return.

All returns must be sent to the authenticators for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant collateral materials, such as accessories, dust bags, receipts and packaging). Once the return is verified, the authenticators will send the item back to the seller and your refund will be processed. 

Does the eBay Money Back Guarantee protect authenticated items?

Items that go through the Authenticity Guarantee service are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided that all eligibility criteria are met. This applies even if we’ve asked you to review an item during our inspection process and you agreed to continue with the purchase. For full details, please read our eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.

eBay Money Back Guarantee and any other buyer protections we provide as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service are in addition to any rights you may have against the seller under Australian Consumer Law.

How does the return process work?

If you (the buyer) are returning an item, it will first be sent to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will verify the authenticity and condition of the returned item to confirm that it matches the original item, including any collateral materials such as accessories, dust bags, receipts and packaging.

For the item to be eligible for a return, the swing tag must be attached to the item and untampered with. Once verified, the authenticator will send the item to the seller and a refund will be processed. eBay currently covers the return postage costs from the buyer to the authentication facility and also from the authentication facility to the seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the Authenticator after I returned it?

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, missing collateral materials (such as accessories, dust bags, receipts and packaging) that were originally sent, or the swing tag has been tampered with or removed, the item will be sent back to you (the buyer) and the return will be denied.

Will I be reimbursed for GST and duties if I return an imported item?

If you paid tax on your purchase through eBay and you get a refund for your order, you'll also get a refund for the proportionate amount of tax. For example, if you receive a full refund, you'll get the entire tax back. 

If you selected to defer duties at checkout and paid import taxes or duty as part of clearing your parcel through customs but you then returned the item, please contact the customs authority regarding a refund of the charges.
 

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, neither eBay nor the Authenticity Guarantee service is affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.com.au. The authentication services are provided independent of the brands sold on eBay.com.au.

Are there any legal obligations I should be aware of?

Yes. Buyers and sellers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the export, import, and delivery of items purchased or sold on eBay. This includes any customs requirements, permits, duties, or taxes that may apply. The Authenticity Guarantee service does not replace or alter these obligations.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Handbags (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags”) makes inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.com.au (the “Site”). These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Handbags and Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items (detailed below) sold and purchased on the Site, and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Handbags.
 

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.
   The eBay.com.au User Agreement, eBay's User Privacy Notice, and all policies posted on our sites (collectively, and as the same may be amended from time to time, “eBay's Policies”) apply in addition to these Terms. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and eBay's Policies, these Terms will prevail as to all matters that they explicitly address. For all matters not explicitly addressed by these Terms, eBay's Policies will prevail.
   
    
2. Applicability of eBay's Money Back Guarantee.
   For authenticated items, eBay Money Back Guarantee only covers items within the seller's return window and items that satisfy the eBay Money Back Guarantee eligibility requirements and are not received or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.
   
    
3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.
   After the purchase of an Eligible Item (described in Section 6(a) below) on the Site, the item is sent to an authentication facility (“Authentication Facility”). Our authentication team (“Authenticators”) will carefully inspect the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item's listing details. Upon confirmation of the Eligible iItem by the Authenticators, it is appropriately packaged and securely sent to the buyer. If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not as described, the item is returned to the seller, and a refund is issued. 
   
    
4. Description of the Services.
   The Services are provided at an Authentication Facility for Eligible Items (as detailed in Section 6(a) below) purchased on eBay.com.au and delivered to Australia. The Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at the Authentication Facility. This check will include inspection of the Eligible Item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Items may also be photographed for use by eBay or its licensees as part of eBay's image catalogue or any other purpose, at eBay's exclusive discretion.
   
   By listing for sale or purchasing an Eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item is sent to the Authenticators to perform the Services. More information about the Services may be found at our Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags FAQs. eBay is not the supplier of products sold under Authenticity Guarantee. The eBay Money Back Guarantee policy and any other buyer protections we provide as part of Authenticity Guarantee are in addition to any rights you may have against the seller under Australian Consumer Law.
    

5. Authenticity Guarantee Program Fees.
   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Eligible Items purchased or sold on the Site. For Eligible Items purchased from an international seller and delivered to a buyer in Australia, the buyer will be responsible for an international delivery fee of AUD $90. Duties and taxes may also apply. 

   eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion. In the event eBay amends the fees or costs associated with the Services, eBay will post such changes on eBay Announcements 30 days in advance and eBay will notify users who are materially affected by the fee changes through eBay Messages and directly to the email address linked to their eBay account.

   If you do not accept the revised fees you must immediately take steps to adjust your selling activity (such as ending Authenticity Guarantee listings). Where you have outstanding listings at the time of the fee change taking effect, you agree that the revised fees will apply to such listings until you remove those listings.

    

6. Eligibility.

   1. Item Eligibility.
      Only select listings on the Site are eligible for the Service which can depend on matters such as the nature, value and brand of a particular item and the availability of appropriately qualified authenticators. eBay reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, to alter or amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to the brand, category and/or value of items and/or transactions.

      Eligible Items include items that meet all of the following criteria:

      1. Brands: Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Celine, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Chrome Hearts, Coach, Delvaux, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Ferragamo, Givenchy, Goyard, Gucci, Hermes, Jacquemus, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo, Judith Leiber, Lanvin, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Mark Cross, Marni, MCM, Miu Miu, Mulberry, Off-White, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, The Row, Tom Ford, Valentino, Versace.
      2. Price: Sold for AUD $350 or more.
      3. Item condition: “New with tags”, “New without tags”, “New with defects”, “Pre-owned - Excellent”, “Pre-owned - Good” or “Pre-owned - Fair”.
      4. Category: Women's Bags & Handbags; Men's Bags & Briefcases; Women's Handbag Accessories; Women's Organisers & Diaries; Men's Wallets and Women’s Wallets, ID & Document Holders, Keyrings, Belts, and Hats.

      The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

      1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge on the listing
      2. Handbags, briefcases and accessories listed in categories not named above
      3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of bag such as luggage
      4. Customised/ personalised items
      5. Items purchased on sites other than eBay.com.au or using an offline payment method
      6. Listings that offer local pickup
      7. Items delivered to an address outside Australia

      Ineligible items will not be authenticated. eBay reserves the right to charge sellers for costs associated with processing miscategorised items or impose additional consequences, including account suspension when items are improperly routed to avoid Authenticity Guarantee.
       

   2. Country Eligibility.
      The Authenticity Guarantee program is not available for all countries. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. At this time, only select items purchased on the Site and located in Australia and Japan are eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee program.
      
       
   3. Compliance with Import and Export Laws. 
      Buyers and sellers, as applicable, remain solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and governmental requirements in connection with the export, import, transfer, delivery, and receipt of Eligible Items. This includes, but is not limited to, any obligations relating to customs declarations, permits, restrictions, duties, taxes, or other government-imposed requirements. eBay does not assume responsibility for ensuring that any transaction under the Authenticity Guarantee program complies with such legal and regulatory obligations.
      
       
7. Party Roles

   1. Your Role as Seller.
      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorise its inspection by the Authenticators subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to deliver the Eligible Item to the Authenticators, as directed by eBay. The cost of delivery to the Authentication Facility is not covered by eBay. 

      Signature confirmation of delivery to the Authentication Facility is required for:

      1. All Eligible Items with a total price over AUD $750 (excluding postage costs) sent within Australia
      2. All Eligible Items sent from outside Australia, regardless of price
      3. You acknowledge and agree that if the Authenticators cannot verify an item's authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.
          
   2. Your Role as Buyer.
      By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photographing of the Eligible Item by the Authenticators prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to send the Eligible Item as directed by eBay, for inspection of the Eligible Item by the Authenticators before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on Authenticity Guarantee returns can be found at our Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags FAQs.
       
   3. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.
      If a buyer or seller circumvents or does not comply with Sections 7(a) or 7(b) of these Terms, or if a buyer or seller violates or is found to be non-compliant with the Terms, eBay reserves the right to take immediate action such as, but not limited to, account restriction or suspension. If you believe that eBay actions taken under this clause have been incorrectly applied, you should contact Customer Service providing your reasons. eBay will consider such requests in good faith.
       
8. Data Privacy.
   eBay's collection of personal information in connection to the Authenticity Guarantee program is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.com.au website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. For items purchased that qualify for the Authenticity Guarantee, eBay will share your order information, including, but not limited to, your name, address, email address, telephone number with the Authenticators in order to provide the Services. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authenticators, who may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as shipping carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Services.
   
    
9. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered.
   Items lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are protected by eBay Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eBay Money Back Guarantee guidelines.
   
    

10. Service Updates and Discontinuation.
    eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee service, the name of Authenticity Guarantee, eligibility criteria, any of the Services provided, features, and/or functionality offered under Authenticity Guarantee, and/or the service providers used to provide any or all of the Services under Authenticity Guarantee where eBay determines, acting reasonably, that it is commercially or operationally necessary to do so. Generally eBay will provide You with 30 days’ prior notice of any changes made under this clause; however, the time frame for notices under this clause will depend on the nature of the change and the circumstances giving rise to the need to change the Services and/or Authenticity Guarantee program. We will provide notice of material changes affecting sellers' or buyers' obligations through eBay Messages and directly to the email address linked to their account, and/or via eBay Announcements.

    If you do not accept the changes, you should take steps to adjust your activity (such as ending listings affected by an amendment). Where You have outstanding listings at the time of the amendment taking effect, You agree that the amendments will apply to such listings unless and until you remove those listings.