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?

All listings with the 'Authenticity Guarantee badge are eligible for authentication. For select watches priced between AU $1,000 and $2,499.99, Authenticity Guarantee may also be available as an optional add-on at checkout.

Once you purchase an eligible item, it’s sent to an authentication centre to be inspected by category experts who perform a multi-point inspection to verify the item's authenticity and that the condition matches the listing.

Upon passing inspection, the item is carefully packaged and delivered via express shipping. A signature is required for items over $750.

If the item doesn’t pass inspection, you’ll automatically receive a full refund. For items with minor discrepancies, we’ll contact you to confirm whether you would like to continue with the purchase or receive a refund.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee as a seller?

No, the seller is not charged for authentication with eBay Authenticity Guarantee.

For watches priced AU $2,500 or more, eBay will cover the cost of the Authenticity Guarantee for buyers and sellers.

For watches priced between AU $1,000 and $2,499.99, the cost to add Authenticity Guarantee on qualifying items is AU $100 per item, paid for by the buyer at checkout.

Will the buyer be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is free for eligible watches priced AU $2,500 and above.

For select watches priced between AU $1,000 and AU $2,499.99, buyers can add Authenticity Guarantee for AU $100 plus applicable taxes at checkout.

What happens after the authenticator receives the item?

After the eBay authentication team receives the item and any collateral materials, including but not limited to box and papers, they’ll first confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, description and images. Next, they’ll perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. 

What watches are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee? 

Currently, watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches that meet the applicable AU $2,500 eligibility threshold are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches that meet the applicable AU $1,000–$2,499.99, are eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee. In addition, auction items in the Wristwatch category that are expected to sell above AU $2,500.00 are also covered by Authenticity Guarantee. 

Smart watches, watch parts and accessories are not eligible for authentication. Items specified as customised will not be authenticated. Customised is defined as original brand parts that have been replaced with non-brand parts, or parts not original to the model or era, or components that are modified from the original design. Listings that offer only local pickup or with an item location outside Australia won’t be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Only items purchased on eBay.com.au and paid for at eBay checkout are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Purchases with a delivery address outside Australia are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

How do I choose the appropriate item condition when I list my item?

Being clear and accurate about your watch's condition lets the buyer know whether they’re getting something new, used or something in between. On the listing form, simply choose the best match for your item from these four preset item-condition options:

1. New with tags
   A brand-new, unused and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or case) with the original paperwork included. No signs of previous wear or polishing may be present. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear; these areas should be disclosed in the item description and photos. Item may or may not have stickers, but should be in original manufacturer spec condition when received by the authenticator. Paperwork may include warranty cards, receipt and/or other original manufacturer-issued paperwork.
2. New without tags
   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 or paperwork). New, watch-only listings should use this condition grade as well as items that have been repackaged in generic boxes or include non-manufacturer paperwork. No signs of previous wear or polishing may be present. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear; these areas should be disclosed in the item description and photos.
3. New with defects
   A brand-new, unused and unworn item with possible cosmetic imperfections may range from natural color variations to areas such as the dial or strap, or other irregularities that may occur during the manufacturing or wholesale process. New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original box/papers may or may not be included, but please include this information in the listing. Please be sure to indicate any irregularities in the listing and include photos to aid the authenticators in matching their findings. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear. Please note New Old Stock items may fall under this condition, but should meet this same criteria, and are to be held to the same standard.
4. Pre-owned
   An item that has been used or worn previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, such as scratches, dings and/or polishing marks, but is fully operational and functions (including complications) as intended. The crystal of the watch may have scratches or dings that may be hard to capture in photos. Be sure to include a full description of the marks or wear areas in your text description, and include photos of any marks on the case, dial, bezel, crystal, bracelet, clasp and crown. Please note any significant areas of wear not indicated in the listing (description, item attributes or photos) that are identified by the authenticators may be escalated to the buyer for acceptance.

If I list my watch for $2,500 or more and accept a Best Offer below $2,500, will it still be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. If the Buy It Now price is $2,500 or more, the item will remain eligible for mandatory Authenticity Guarantee even if you accept a Best Offer below $2,500..

How do you determine Authenticity Guarantee eligibility for auction-style listings?

Auction-style listings with a reserve price of $2,500 or more are eligible for mandatory Authenticity Guarantee. Where an auction listing meets the mandatory eligibility threshold, it will remain eligible even if the final transaction price is below $2,500. For auction-style listings between AU $1,000–$2,499.99, the item will be eligible for optional Authenticity Guarantee, which may be added by the buyer during checkout.

How can I tell if my item qualifies for Authenticity Guarantee?

A blue tick badge with “Authenticity Guarantee” will automatically appear on your item’s listing page if your item is priced AU $2,500 or more. For watches listed in the primary category of wristwatches and sold for AU $1,000–$2,499.99, buyers will be able to add the Authenticity Guarantee service to their purchase at checkout. You can also check your order details in Seller Hub or My eBay. In addition, you’ll receive a confirmation email indicating your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee, and you’ll be prompted to send the item to our authenticators..

Can I offer combined postage?

Authenticity Guarantee items are not eligible for combined postage, as each authenticated item is processed as a separate order. Please send all orders individually.

How do I track the status of my item?

Your order details will be updated in Seller Hub or My eBay to indicate the status of your authentication as well as delivery status.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

Our authenticators will inspect the item within two business days after they receive it. Following inspection, the item will be sent to the buyer with two-day secure delivery including signature confirmation.

When I sell my item, where should I send it?

When you sell an eligible item with Authenticity Guarantee, you are required to send it to an authentication centre at the address provided in your order details.

What should I do if I need to cancel the order?

If you can’t complete the sale, you can cancel the order from the Orders tab in Seller Hub or the Sold section in My eBay. The buyer will be notified when the order is cancelled. Learn more about cancelling an order.

How do I provide tracking information?

Once you’ve sent the item, upload the tracking information in Seller Hub or My eBay. Providing tracking information allows the buyer to track the order and helps protect you in case the item doesn’t arrive at the authentication centre.

What protections does eBay have for sellers?

As long as you send the item to the Authentication Facility on time and tracking confirms it was delivered, you're protected in case the buyer reports that the item didn't arrive. You're also protected if the buyer reports that an item didn't match the listing description after it passed authentication. We'll automatically remove any 'Item not received' or 'Not as described' requests from your service metrics, as well as any negative or neutral feedback left for the transaction. Learn more about seller protections.

If the buyer is returning an authenticated item, it will be re-inspected by the authenticator to ensure that it's still in the same condition.

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

If you choose to offer returns, when a buyer decides to return a watch, they will be instructed to send it back to the Authentication centre. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will check to verify that the returned item matches the authenticity and condition in which it was originally sent to the buyer. The security tag must remain attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. If the watch passes the authenticity and condition inspection, it will be returned to the seller. Otherwise, the watch will be sent back to the buyer. The return postage label is covered by eBay at no cost to the buyer or seller. If fraud is detected, eBay will work with authorities to take appropriate action.

Can buyers return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

Buyers can return an item where you accept returns and the return is made within your stated return window. Even where you do not accept returns, a buyer may still be eligible for a return under eBay Money Back Guarantee if the item is not consistent with the listing. If you sell on eBay as a business, you may also have obligations under Australian Consumer Law.

What happens if a potential security or policy concern is identified with my item?

If information identified during the authentication process indicates that an item may require further review, eBay may temporarily retain the item while the matter is reviewed. eBay may work with the appropriate authorities as needed and take further action in relation to the item as permitted or required by applicable law.

Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?

Your item may be returned to you if it could not be authenticated by an authenticator or if the item condition is not consistent with your item description, and the buyer will receive a refund. You won’t be charged for the return postage cost.

If the item passes the authenticity checks but there is a minor discrepancy with the listing, the buyer may be given the opportunity to review the discrepancy and proceed with the purchase. If the buyer declines the item or does not respond within the time provided, the item will be returned to you and the buyer will receive a refund.

If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, you must cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in the possession of the authenticator?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while it’s with our authentication team, 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 an item is lost or damaged, the buyer can report that the item hasn’t arrived or request a return.

Are vintage watches eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

A vintage watch is eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service, if all eligibility criteria are met. Vintage watches which are verified as authentic by the authenticator may contain replacement parts that are not from the original manufacturer if the original manufacturer no longer makes that part. Make sure you provide as much detail as possible in your listing.

Vintage timepieces and many used watches may not be water resistant to their original rating. Please consult a watchmaker before exposing your watch to water. Mechanical watches are more delicate than other types of watches. Take care before undertaking any activity which might place shock on the watch.

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, the Authenticity Guarantee service is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.