What is Authenticity Guarantee?
eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you buy and sell sneakers on eBay with confidence. Our eBay Authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are sent to buyers.
How does Authenticity Guarantee work?
It's easy! Browse and shop eBay 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 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 on to you with tracked express delivery.
How much does Authenticity Guarantee cost?
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 currently covers the cost of authentication, as well as fast, tracked delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.
Which items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Currently, Authenticity Guarantee is available for Jordan, Nike, adidas, Vans, Converse, New Balance, Asics, Reebok, Under Armour, Puma, Off White, Crocs, Bape, Fear of God, Patta, Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Dior, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Alexander Wang, Versace, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Buscemi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Visvim, MCM, Rick Owens, RHUDE, Salomon, Yohji Yamamoto, Hoka, MSCHF, Maison Margiela, Golden Goose and On Running sneakers in new and pre-owned conditions, listed in the Mens', Womens' athletic shoe and Girls’, Boys’, Unisex Kids' shoe categories, and sold for $150 or more via fixed price or auction listings.
Eligible items have a blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in search results and at the top right of the item page.
Items specified as customised won't be authenticated. "Customised" is defined as shoes that have been modified from their original state. Examples of this include shoes with personalised elements, custom artwork, or any modifications that did not come with the original sneaker. We plan to add brands and models to our Authenticity Guarantee program over time. Check back for updates.
Are used sneakers eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Preowned sneakers over $150 that fit the above eligibility criteria are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.
Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?
Signature confirmation is required for all items that cost over $750 (excluding postage costs).
What happens at the authenticator?
Upon receiving the sneakers, our authentication team first verifies that the contents are consistent with the listing details. Then a multi-point, physical inspection is performed for the listing details. This process includes thorough physical inspection of the shoe's structure, materials, tags, and logos. The packaging and accessories are also reviewed for authenticity. Finally, an eBay Authenticity Guarantee QR code tag is attached to the shoes and programmed with the unique details of each product.
What is the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag?
An eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag will be attached to each pair of sneakers once it has been verified by our authentication team. The Authenticity Guarantee tag is fastened to the sneaker and activated with our digital stamp of authenticity and customized with the product details. By scanning the QR tag with your smartphone, you will receive a prompt and be able to view the authenticity report of your sneakers. The tag also makes it easy to re-list the sneaker in the future. In addition, the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag must be attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return.
Who is providing the authentication service?
Our authentication team provides the service. The team are professionally trained authenticators who thoroughly inspect and verify sneakers at a state of the art facility to ensure a high standard of service to eBay users.
Are authenticated items protected by eBay Money Back Guarantee?
Authenticated items are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee, assuming all other eligibility criteria are met. For full details, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee policy. If you have an issue with your authenticated item outside the eBay Money Back Guarantee time frames, please contact eBay Customer Service as you may be eligible for some additional protections.
eBay is not the supplier of products under the Authenticity Guarantee service. The eBay Money Back Guarantee policy 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 long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?
After you purchase your eligible item, it is sent to eBay's Authenticators, who will inspect your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be sent on to you with free, tracked delivery.
How do I track the status of my item?
Once your item has been inspected, you'll receive an order update email with the next steps. You can check the status of your order throughout the Authenticity Guarantee process in your Purchase history.
Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?
Yes, if the seller has included original packaging in their listing, all components will be sent to you.
What if the item does not pass authentication checks?
If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not consistent with its listing, we'll notify the buyer and a full refund will be issued to their original payment method.
What should I do if I want to change or cancel my order?
You can request to cancel your order through the Purchase history page within an hour of purchase if the seller has not yet sent the item. Unfortunately address changes cannot be accommodated at this time, so please double-check to make sure you've entered the correct address. Learn more about cancelling your order.
Where is my item posting to and why isn't it my address?
Your shoes will first be sent to eBay's sneaker authentication centre. Once they are authenticated, your shoes will be forwarded on to the delivery address you entered at checkout.
How can I track the progress of my purchase?
Tracking information will be uploaded on the Purchase history page where you'll be able to track the shipment of your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process.
Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?
You 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 accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing). Once the item has been re-authenticated, it will be returned to the seller and the buyer's refund will be processed.
How does the return process work?
If the buyer is returning the item, it will first be sent to eBay's Authenticators. 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 original packaging or accessories (for clarity this includes the item's box where applicable).
For the item to be eligible for a return, the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag must be attached to the item and untampered with. Once verified by the Authenticators, it will be posted to the seller and a refund will be processed. Who pays for postage costs for returning the item to the authenticator depends on the seller's return policy and the reason for the return.
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 missing any accessories (including the item's box where applicable) or is not in the same condition, the item will be sent back to the buyer and the return will be closed.
Do I have to pay GST on my order?
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. The seller receives payment for the order (item price + postage costs), and eBay remits the GST to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If GST was collected, you can view and download a tax invoice from the Order details page in your Purchase history. For orders valued at over AU $1,000, the GST is generally collected at the Australian border. You may need to pay it as part of clearing your parcel through customs. For more information about buying from overseas sellers, see our article about international purchases and postage.
Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?
No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.
I sell on eBay now, do I need to do anything?
If your listings meet the eligibility requirements then they will be automatically included in the Authenticity Guarantee program. In order to properly protect you and the buyer, our authentication process will be more stringent about how items are described and the item condition selected. You should take some time to review your listings in Athletic Shoes categories and double-check that you have accurately described and depicted the item, including photos of any defects or cosmetic imperfections of the sneaker, the box and accessories.
How do I know if my listing is eligible for eBay's Authenticity Guarantee program?
Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-3.
Meet the eligibility requirements.
Select the appropriate item condition when you list your sneakers for sale:
"New with box": A brand-new, unused and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box). If using stock images or screenshots, all original accessories (laces, keychains, bags, etc.) must be included. If taking your own photos, everything pictured will be assumed included.
"New without box": A brand-new, unused and unworn item that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box). For example, new shoes (with absolutely no signs of wear) that are no longer in their original box fall into this category.
"New with defects": A brand-new, unused item. Possible imperfections range from colour variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks that occasionally occur during the manufacturing or delivery process. This also includes natural yellowing due to age. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories (such as original box or laces). New factory seconds and/or new samples may fall into this category. Ensure all defects are photographed and noted in the description.
"Pre-Owned”: An item that has been used, worn or showing signs of wear to the outsole, insole and/or lining of the shoe. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories (such as original box or laces).
Accurately describe your item in detail and take as many photographs as needed. Ensure that you capture any defects including tears in the box and any anomalies on the shoe, etc. If using stock images or screenshots, all original accessories (laces, keychains, bags, etc.) must be included. If taking your own photos, everything pictured will be assumed included. Accurate documentation & photographs will ensure your item can flow through the authentication process smoothly.
How can I confirm my item qualified for Authenticity Guarantee?
A blue tick with "Authenticity Guarantee" will automatically appear on your item's listing page. Upon making a sale, you can check the details on the Orders tab in Seller Hub or under Sold in My eBay. If eligible, you'll also receive a confirmation email indicating your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee.
If I list my sneaker for $150 and accept a Best Offer below $150, will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to our experts for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of $150 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible.
Can I offer combined postage?
Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined postage since each authenticated item is split into a separate order for processing. Please send all orders individually.
What should I do if I need to cancel the order?
If you can't complete a sale with a buyer, you can cancel the order by locating the sale on the Orders tab in Seller Hub (or the Sold section in My eBay) and following the cancellation process. The buyer will be notified of the order cancellation immediately. Learn more about cancelling an order.
When I sell my item, where am I sending the item?
eBay will provide you with the address of our authentication centre along with the buyer's name and a unique ID number. Be sure to use the exact address eBay provides, including the unique ID number. Once your shoe is verified and authenticated, it will be forwarded on to the buyer's delivery address at no cost to you.
How do I provide tracking information?
Once you've sent the item, you'll need to upload tracking information in My eBay or Seller Hub. Providing tracking information ensures your item will be authenticated and you'll be covered by seller protections. It also allows buyers to track the progress of their purchase through each step of our authentication process. Post it through eBay and have tracking uploaded for you. We partner with Sendle & Australia Post to provide you with easy and affordable options for posting your sneakers.
Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?
Your item may be returned to you if it does not pass our authentication checks, or if the item condition is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You won't be charged for the cost of posting the return and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.
What will happen if my item is lost or damaged while it's with the eBay authenticator?
In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in the possession of our Authenticators, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item.
What will happen if my item is damaged or lost in transit when the authenticator sends it to the buyer?
In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged, please notify eBay Customer Service.