Authenticity
Guarantee

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help buyers shop with confidence. Authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before shipping to the buyer. For sellers, Authenticity Guarantee provides seller protection if a buyer reports that an item doesn't match the listing description.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue checkmark badge is applied to all eligible items priced at $500 or more. For qualifying handbags priced between $200-$499.99, buyers will have the option to add the Authenticity Guarantee service to their purchase at checkout for an additional fee. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller is required to ship the item to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a meticulous inspection process. Once verified, the authenticator ships the item directly to the buyer through three-day, signature-required shipping for items over $750.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

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

For eligible items priced at $500 or more, eBay will cover the cost of the Authenticity Guarantee service for buyers and sellers.

For eligible items priced between $200-$499.99, the cost to add the Authenticity Guarantee service on qualifying items is $40 plus applicable taxes, per item, paid for by the buyer at checkout.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for select brands, in new or preowned condition, listed under the Women's Bags & Handbags, Women's Wallets, Women's Belts, Women's Handbag Accessories, Women's ID & Document Holders, Women's Key Chains, Rings & Finders, Women's Hats, Women's Organizers & Day Planners, as well as Men's Bags, Men's Wallets, Men's Belts, Men's ID & Document Holders, Men's Key Chains, Rings & Cases, Men's Hats categories, and sold for USD $500 or more. Auction items are also included in the service if the item sold is one of the eligible brands and sells above $500. Women’s Bags & Handbags, Men’s Bags, as well as Men’s and Women’s Wallets sold for $200-$499.99 USD are eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service. You can identify eligible listings by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee checkmark in the search results or the top right of the item's page.

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

For U.S. purchasers, select items purchased on eBay.com from the U.S. and Japan are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Items shipping to addresses outside of the U.S. are not eligible for the service at this time. Unincorporated territories (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and armed forces postal locations are not currently covered.

How do I ensure my listing will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-3.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements: A new or used item within the brands eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, priced at $500 or more.
2. Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your item
   • New with tag: A brand-new, unused item in the original packaging (such as the original packaging/dust bag).
   • New without tags: A brand-new, unused item that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials. For example, a new handbag (with absolutely no signs of wear) no longer in the original packaging/dust bag falls into this category.
   • New with defects: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item. There may be possible cosmetic irregularities or manufacturing imperfections. See the seller's listing for full details and description.
   • Pre-Owned: An item that has been used, worn, or showing signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories. Include full details and description of any imperfections in your listing.
3. 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 handbag, etc. If using stock images or screenshots, they must include original accessories. If taking your photos, everything pictured will be assumed as 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 checkmark with "Authenticity Guarantee" will automatically appear on your item's listing page. Upon making a sale, you can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section. If eligible, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your item sold with Authenticity Guarantee.

What if I list my handbag for $500 and accept a Best Offer below $500. Will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to the authenticator for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of $500 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible. If your item is listed for sale between $200-$499.99, the item will be eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service, which may be added by the buyer.

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

All auction-style listings that sell for over $500 are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, regardless of the starting price. For auction-style listings that sell for between $200-$499.99, the item will be eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service, which may be added by the buyer during checkout.

What happens at the authenticator?

The authenticator first confirms the item and collateral materials are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then they will perform a multi-point authentication inspection. Once verified authentic, the handbag will receive a security tag and a unique Authenticity Guarantee card filled with detailed information about the item.

Finally, the handbag is placed inside an eBay branded dust bag and securely packaged inside an eBay box along with collateral materials. Each box is inspected to ensure durability before shipping.

Authenticators take all precautions necessary to ensure the safety and protection of handbags, such as the use of ceramic blades to open packages and enclosed bins during the inspection process.

Are seller promotional items included in the repackaging?

Seller promotional collateral remains with the item through shipping. Only seller collateral that may damage the handbag in shipment is removed.

Is there an authentication card?

Yes, all verified items come with an Authenticity Guarantee card containing details about the item such as brand and model.

Who is providing the authentication services?

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

Can I offer combined shipping?

Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined shipping promotions since each authenticated item is put into a separate order for processing. Please ship all orders individually.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

The authenticator will inspect the item within two business days after they receive it. Once verified, the authenticator will ship the item directly to the buyer with three-day delivery.

How do I track the status of my item?

You can track the status of your item throughout the process in the View Order Details section of your Seller Hub.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Signature confirmation will be required for items over $750.

Can a buyer choose to not have the item authenticated?

For eligible handbags priced at $500 or more, buyers cannot choose to bypass the authentication service.

For eligible handbags priced between $200-$499.99, buyers can choose to not add-on the optional Authenticity Guarantee service.

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 in Seller Hub or the "My eBay" tab and following the cancellation process. The buyer will be notified of the order cancellation immediately. Learn more about canceling an order here.

Where am I shipping the item?

eBay will provide you with the address of the authentication center along with the buyer's name and a unique ID number. Please use the exact address eBay provides and include the unique ID number on Address Line 2. Once the authenticator verifies the handbag, they will ship it to the buyer's address at no cost to you.

How do I provide tracking information?

Once you've shipped the item, you'll need to upload tracking information through "My eBay." Providing tracking information ensures your item will be inspected and seller protections cover you. It also allows buyers to track the progress of their purchases through each step of our authentication process.

Can buyers return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

Buyers can return an item for any reason if you accept returns, and the return is requested within your stated return window. In the unlikely event the buyer determines an item is not as described in the listing and the item is not considered final sale you will need to accept the return.

What is Final Sale?

For items that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, an item is Final Sale when both of the following criteria are met:

• The seller doesn't offer returns or a return request falls outside of the seller's stated return window, and
• Item condition is "New with tags" or "New without tags."

For items that are considered final sale, once an item passes authentication through Authenticity Guarantee, sellers have completed their obligation to the buyer for that transaction, and the buyer cannot return it.

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

For eligible returns, we will instruct the buyer to send the item back to the authentication center. If the buyer is returning because they changed their mind, your return policy determines whether you or the buyer pays for shipping costs back to the authenticator. If the buyer is returning because the item isn't as described, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will check to verify that the returned item is in the same condition as it was sent to the buyer. If the item passes inspection, the authenticator will ship it to you. Otherwise, the item will be sent back to the buyer and the return denied. If buyer abuse is detected, eBay will take appropriate action. Learn more about our abusive buyer policy.

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 is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You will not be charged for the cost of shipping the return, and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.

Can I relist my item if it gets rejected due to significantly not as described?

Yes, to avoid rejection due to an item not being described accurately we recommend adding all damage, wear and tear to the listing description and more photos of the item to verify the condition.

What should I include/not include in my shipment to the authentication facility?

You can include seller promotional materials, but please do not include seller branded dust bags. Original handbag packaging should be included if it is part of the item listing.

What will happen if I send an off-brand or counterfeit item with the handbag?

We will not send off-brand or counterfeit item(s) to a buyer, even if the seller includes them in the listing description. We will only send back off-brand item(s) if the seller provides a return label. Off-brand items are accessories or collateral items that do not match or belong to the handbag brand.

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

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in possession of the authentication facility, 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 ships it to the buyer?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged, please notify eBay Customer Support.

What automated protections does eBay have for sellers?

We have automated protections for sellers who send their items to the authenticator within their stated handling time. Once the item goes through inspection and is sent to the buyer, sellers are fully protected against any negative or neutral feedback. The Item Not Received cases will be removed from the Service Metrics dashboard before the next evaluation cycle. Should an Item Not Received case be closed and a refund issued to the buyer, the seller will not be responsible for that refund as long as eBay has tracking confirming delivery to the Authenticator, which can be found in the View Order Details.

Is Authenticity Guarantee the same as eBay Authenticate that launched in 2017?

eBay Authenticate has been retired and replaced with the new and improved Authenticity Guarantee service. With Authenticity Guarantee, we've expanded the categories eligible for authentication, shortened the time it takes to authenticate, and increased protections for buyers and sellers.

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.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Handbags (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags”) makes inspection and authentication services (“Authentication Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.com for $500USD or more. For eligible items sold on eBay.com between $200 and $499.99USD, Authenticity Guarantee is available as an optional, add-on service and is not mandatory. 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 eBay.com 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 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 control all matters that they explicitly address. For all matters not explicitly addressed by these Terms, eBay’s Policies will control.

2. Applicability of eBay’s Money Back Guarantee.

   For authenticated items, eBay Money Back Guarantee only covers 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 purchasing an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to an Authentication Facility to carefully inspect the item’s conformity to it’s listing details. Upon confirmation of the item by the Authentication Facility, it is appropriately packaged and securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly 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 Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items (as detailed below) purchased and delivered within the United States (“Authentication Facility”). Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt by checking logos, tags, materials, hardware, quality, and more as applicable and for accuracy against the item listing. Items may also be photographed for use by eBay or its licensees as part of eBay’s image catalog or any other purpose, at eBay’s exclusive discretion.

   By listing for sale or purchasing an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item is sent to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services. Find more information about the Authentication Services here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Program Fees.

   The Authentication Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.com at a price of $500 or more. The Authentication Services may be purchased for a fee of $40.00 to buyers as an add-on for eligible items bought on eBay.com and priced between $200 and $499.99. eBay reserves the right to institute, alter, or amend fees or costs associated with the Authentication Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion. Authenticity Guarantee fees and any applicable taxes for the optional add-on Authenticity Guarantee Service are non-refundable for returns initiated by buyers after passing Authentication Services. If the purchase does not pass the Authentication Services, the fees will be refunded to the buyer in full.

6. Eligibility.
   1. Item Eligibility.

      Item Eligibility. Only select listings on eBay.com are eligible for the Service. eBay reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you, to alter or amend the eligibility requirements for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items, including, but not limited to the category and/or value of items and/or transactions. Ineligible items will not be authenticated. eBay reserves the right to charge sellers for costs affiliated with processing miscategorized items or impose additional consequences, including account suspension when items are improperly routed to avoid Authenticity Guarantee. Find more information about Eligible Items here.

   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 program or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. See which countries are currently eligible here.

7. Party Roles
   1. Your Role as Seller.

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by an authenticator subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay. The cost of shipping to the authentication facility is not covered by eBay.

   2. Your Role as Buyer.

      By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photography of the Eligible Item by the authenticator prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to the authentication facility and agree to the inspection of the Eligible Item by the authentication team before the return is processed or a refund is issued. Find more information on Authenticity Guarantee returns here.

   3. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

      If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 7.a or 7.b of these Terms, or if buyer or seller violate or are 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 or the transfer of fees and costs associated with Authenticity Guarantee.

   4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the authenticator detects fraud or suspects that an item is counterfeit, the item will be removed from marketplace circulation. In addition, eBay will work with the proper authorities as needed and reserves the right to confiscate and destroy any items determined to be counterfeit.

8. Data Privacy.

   eBay’s collection of personal information in connection to the Authenticity Guarantee program is governed by the privacy policy that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. In order for the Authentication Facility to provide the Services under the Program, the order information, including, but not limited to, your name, address, email address, telephone number, is provided to the Authentication Facility. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Facility, 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’s Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eBay Money Back Guarantee guidelines.

   Items that are undeliverable or otherwise unclaimed after thirty (30) days will be considered abandoned and eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of the item in our sole and absolute discretion.

10. Program Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee program, the name of Authenticity Guarantee, any of the Services provided under the program, 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, at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you.

11. Amendment.

    eBay may amend these Terms, including applicable fees, at any time by posting the amended terms on the eBay site. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended terms shall take effect immediately and automatically when posted on the eBay site.