Authenticity Guarantee Service

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help buyers shop with confidence. Our expert authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are shipped to buyers.

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 ships the item directly to our team of qualified, professional authenticators. Our authenticators will thoroughly inspect and verify your item’s authenticity before it is shipped to you via three-day shipping paid for by eBay.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

Nope! For a limited time, the Authenticity Guarantee is free as part of a service promotion. That means we’ll cover all costs of authentication. Not bad, huh?

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Currently, Authenticity Guarantee is available for select models within the following brands: Yeezy, Jordan, Nike, adidas, New Balance, Asics, Vans, Reebok, Converse, Puma, Balenciaga, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Crocs, Off-White, Fear of God, Dior, Y-3, YEEZY SEASON, A bathing ape, Versace, Visvim, Golden Goose, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, RHUDE, Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Burberry, Valentino, Buscemi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, MCM, Salomon, Hoka One One, On Running and MSCHF. Sneakers must be listed in the men’s or women’s athletic shoes, boys' shoes, girls' shoes, unisex kids’ shoes or baby shoes categories. We currently authenticate select items that are in new or pre-owned condition and starting at $75 (with the exception of sneakers listed in the baby shoes category, with eligibility starting at $100). You can identify eligible items by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee check mark in the search results, as well as in the top right of the item page.

• Items specified as customized will not be authenticated. “Customized” is defined as shoes that have been modified from their original state. Examples include shoes with personalized 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 service over time. Check back for updates.

Only items purchased on eBay.com are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Authenticated sneakers may be shipped to buyers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Australia, inclusive of PO boxes. Items exceeding $2,500 shipping to Australia are not eligible for AG at this time. Currently, authenticated sneakers cannot be shipped to any other locations, including unincorporated territories (incl. Guam, Virgin Islands, North Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Palau) and U.S. Armed Forces bases.

Miscategorized and/or customized items and “lot” listings will be forwarded on to you after a condition check but will not receive an authenticity check. Any item that does not receive our authenticity guarantee tag will not fall under our final sale policy.

Are pre-owned sneakers eligible for the service?

Select pre-owned models within the following brands are now eligible for Authenticity Guarantee: Nike, adidas, Jordan, Yeezy, New Balance, Asics, Vans, Reebok, Converse, Puma, Balenciaga, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Crocs, Off-White, Fear of God, Dior, Y-3, YEEZY SEASON, A bathing ape, Versace, Visvim, Golden Goose, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, RHUDE, Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Burberry, Valentino, Buscemi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, MCM, Salomon, Hoka One One, On Running and MSCHF sneakers.

What does “new with box,” “new without box,” “new with defects,” and “pre-owned” mean?

• “New with box”: A brand new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box). All original accessories (laces, keychains, bags, etc.) are assumed to be included unless otherwise noted by the seller in the listing. The sneakers or box may have minor flaws due to aging, manufacturing flaws or defects that are uncontrollable by the seller.
• “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 color 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.
• “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).

How do I know if the sneakers I’m looking at are covered by eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service?

The Authenticity Guarantee checkmark will be prominently displayed on eligible listings so that buyers can shop with complete confidence. Buyers are also able to shop all sneakers that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee here or by using the Authenticity Guarantee filter.

At checkout, why are my sneakers no longer eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticated sneakers may be shipped to buyers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Australia, inclusive of PO boxes. Currently, authenticated sneakers cannot be shipped to any other locations, including unincorporated territories (incl. Guam, Virgin Islands, North Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Palau) and U.S. Armed Forces bases.

What happens at the authenticator?

Upon receiving the sneakers, eBay’s authentication team first verifies that the contents are consistent with listing details.

Next, a multi-point, physical inspection is performed for authenticity. This process includes thorough physical inspection of the shoe’s structure, materials, tags, and logos. The packaging and accessories are also reviewed for authenticity. Please note even if your sneakers are listed as “New with Box”, they or the box may have minor flaws due to aging, manufacturing flaws or defects that are uncontrollable by the seller.

Finally, an eBay Authenticity Guarantee NFC-enabled 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 they have 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 sneakers’ details. By holding your NFC-enabled device (iPhone 7 and above and most Android phones 2015 and newer) near the tag, 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.

Who is providing the authentication service?

eBay’s team of professionally trained authenticators inspect and verify each sneaker utilizing 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 your eligible item, it is sent to eBay’s authentication team, who will inspect your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be shipped to you with three-day delivery.

How do I track the status of my item?

Tracking information will be uploaded on the Purchase History page where you’ll be able to follow your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process. Once your item has been inspected, you will receive an order update via email with the next steps. Throughout the Authenticity Guarantee process you can check the View Order Details section for status updates.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

Yes, if the seller has included original packaging, 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, it will be returned to the seller and the buyer will be issued a full refund to their original payment method.

Why can’t I message the seller after I purchase my shoes?

Messaging capability is turned off at the point of purchase, at which time your shoes are routed to our authentication facility and all tracking information and notifications are available on the eBay platform.

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 shipped 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 canceling your order.

Where is my item shipping to and why isn’t it my address?

Your shoes will first ship to eBay’s sneaker authentication center. Once they are authenticated, your shoes will be forwarded on to the address entered in 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 choose to not have my item authenticated?

No.

Returns

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

Buyers 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. If the seller does not accept returns or the return is submitted outside the return window, this will be considered final sale and cannot be returned.

Are authenticated items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?

For authenticated items, eBay Money Back Guarantee only covers items returned 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.

What is Final Sale?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service thoroughly checks the item to confirm that what you receive is exactly what you ordered. If a seller does not accept returns or the return is submitted outside the return window, the item is considered final sale and cannot be returned.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased, the item will first be sent to eBay’s authentication team. 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 item originally sent to you. In addition, the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag must be attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. Once verified by our authentication experts, it will be shipped to the seller and a refund will be processed. The seller’s return policy determines whether you or the seller pays for shipping costs back to the authenticator.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, or the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag has been tampered with or removed, it will be sent back to the Buyer.

Shipping

What is eBay shipping?

In addition to our Authenticity Guarantee service, we’re also streamlining shipping to make it much easier for buyers and sellers! For all Authenticity Guarantee eligible sneakers, buyers will pay a flat shipping fee of $14.95 USD in the US, $30 USD in Canada, and $45 USD in Australia. Our new handling time requires that sellers send Authenticity Guarantee eligible sneakers to the authenticator in 3 business days or less, and buyers will receive their items within 3 days from following authentication. That means buyers can expect to receive their sneakers faster than ever!

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Signature confirmation is required only for items that are valued at $750 or more.

What happens if the seller ships straight to me and skips authentication?

If the seller ships directly to you, your sneakers’ authenticity will not be checked and the condition cannot be verified. Any item that does not receive our authenticity guarantee tag will not fall under our final sale policy.

Why is the shipping fee on my listing different from the eBay shipping fee?

When sellers create new listings, or update their listings that qualify for eBay shipping, the shipping fee will be updated accordingly to $14.95 USD in the US, $30 USD in Canada, and $45 USD in Australia. Over time, more listings will include eBay shipping fees to provide buyers with a clear and consistent sneaker shopping experience.

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

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 as to 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 returned 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 (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to our authentication team to carefully inspect the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item by the authenticator, it is properly 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 by eBay’s authentication team for Eligible Items purchased within the United States and delivered to the United States, Canada or Australia. Our Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at their facilities. This check will include inspection of the shoe for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Accessories such as laces will not be authenticated if they are noted in the listing as replacements. In such cases, the condition of accessories will instead be verified against the listing.

   Items may also be photographed for use by eBay or its licensees as part of eBay’s image catalog or for 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 will be sent to our authenticators to perform the Services. More information about the authentication and Services may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Service Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.com; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Services at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion.

6. Eligibility
   1. 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 Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions.

      Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge to see if Eligible Items from a particular seller are included at this time.

      Eligible Items in the categories must satisfy the following conditions:

      1. Brands: Yeezy, Jordan, Nike, adidas, New Balance, Asics, Vans, Reebok, Converse, Puma, Balenciaga, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Crocs, Off-White, Fear of God, Dior, Y-3, YEEZY SEASON, A bathing ape, Versace, Visvim, Golden Goose, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, RHUDE, Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Burberry, Valentino, Buscemi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, MCM, Salomon, Hoka One One, On Running and MSCHF
      2. Models: Select models within the above brands
      3. Condition: New and pre-owned
      4. Category: Men’s Athletic Shoes, Women’s Athletic Shoes, Boys’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Baby Shoes
      5. Price: $75+ (with the exception of sneakers listed in the baby shoes category, eligibility starts at $100)

      The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

      1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge
      2. Sneakers listed in categories not named above
      3. Miscategorized items, e.g. other types of shoes listed in eligible categories.
      4. Modified sneakers
      5. Signed sneakers
      6. Items purchased using an offline payment method
      7. Listings that offer local pickup
      8. Items shipped to or from unincorporated territories (incl. US Virgin Islands)
      9. Items exceeding $2,500 shipping to Australia

      Ineligible items will not be authenticated.

   2. Country Eligibility.

      The Authenticity Guarantee service is not available for buyers in all countries. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. The countries currently eligible may be found here. If your item sells abroad, you will be bound by the User Agreement and policies, including any buyer protection policies, of the site on which the item is sold and, potentially, the consumer and other laws of the country of the relevant site. You will also be responsible for eBay’s standard international fees that apply to these sales. If you do not want your item to be sold to buyers internationally, you can exclude countries or regions you don’t want to post to by updating your shipping settings.

7. Party Roles
   1. Your Role as Seller.

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by eBay’s authentication team subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage if not using an eBay provided free FedEx shipping label, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. If using an off-platform label, the cost of shipping to the Authentication center is not covered by eBay. You acknowledge and agree that if the eBay authentication team 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 eBay authentication team 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 eBay’s authenticator and to the inspection of the Eligible Item before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found 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 and/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 our authenticator detects fraud or suspects that an item is counterfeit, the item may 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 with the Authenticity Guarantee service is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information 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 that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are protected by eBay’s 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, 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, 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.