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eBay Authenticity Guarantee

The eBay Authenticity Guarantee helps buyers shop for luxury or collectible items with confidence, while protecting sellers. Eligible purchases are physically inspected by experts before being shipped to the buyer or returned to the seller.

What items are eligible for eBay Authenticity Guarantee?

In Canada, eBay Authenticity Guarantee is currently available for sneakers and trading cards but the program will be expanded to other categories in the near future. 

Sneakers

Select models from the following list of brands are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

  • Nike
  • Adidas
  • Jordans
  • Yeezys
  • New Balance
  • Asics
  • Vans
  • Reebok
  • Converse
  • Puma​
  • A Bathing Ape
  • Alexander McQueen
  • Alexander Wang
  • Balenciaga
  • Burberry
  • Buscemi
  • Chanel
  • Christian Louboutin
  • Crocs
  • Dior
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Fear of God
  • Fendi
  • Giuseppe Zanotti
  • Givenchy
  • Golden Goose
  • Gucci
  • Hoka
  • Louis Vuitton
  • MCM
  • MSCHF
  • Maison Margiela
  • Off-White
  • On Running
  • Prada
  • RHUDE
  • Rick Owens
  • Saint Laurent
  • Salomon
  • Valentino
  • Versace Visvim
  • Y-3
  • YEEZY SEASON

Eligible sneakers will automatically display the Authenticity Guarantee check mark in the search results and in the top right corner of the item page. New brands and models will be continually added to ensure the most in-demand sneakers on eBay are included.

  • Sneakers can be in New or Pre-owned condition
  • Sneakers must be listed in the men's or women's athletic shoe categories or kids shoes categories (boys, girls, baby or unisex)
  • Sneakers specified as customized will not be authenticated
    • A sneaker is deemed to be "Customized" if it has been modified from its original state
    • Examples of this include shoes with personalized elements, custom artwork, or any modifications that did not come with the original sneaker
  • Accessories such as laces will not be authenticated if they are noted in the listing as replacements​
    • In such cases, the condition of accessories would instead be verified against the listing

To learn more, see our Authenticity Guarantee page for sneakers - opens in new window or tab.

Tip
Once the sneakers are verified as authentic, they receive a unique NFC-enabled tag that provides detailed information about their authenticity

 

Trading Cards

Raw trading cards are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee if they meet the following criteria:

  • Cards must be one of the following:
    • Collectible Card Game Single Cards
    • Sports Trading Card Singles
    • Non-Sports Trading Card Singles
  • Cards must have a Buy It Now price of $250 or more, or sell in an auction for $250 or more
    • If the Buy It Now price is $250 or more but you sell for a best offer or auction price of less than $250, the cards will still be eligible for authentication ​
  • Cards with autographs placed on them by the manufacturer, via sticker or pre-signing, can be authenticated
  • Cards must be sold on ebay.ca by a seller located in Canada to a buyer located in Canada or the continental US
    • Note: when US buyers purchase from eBay.ca, authentication is currently available for raw trading cards only 

The following trading cards are not currently eligible for authentication:

  • Graded cards
  • Listings where the delivery is local pickup, in-store pickup, or being shipped to a PO box

Some purchases inspected under Authenticity Guarantee are considered final sale. Please read eBay Money Back Guarantee policy for details.

Authenticity Guarantee is not currently available to residents of Quebec.

Tip
Remember to choose the item condition that best matches the condition of your item. If the authenticator determines your item's condition doesn't match the item condition you provided in the listing, we'll refund the buyer and return the item to you.  

How eBay Authenticity Guarantee works

If your item is eligible for eBay Authenticity Guarantee, it will be automatically added to the program, free of charge. There is no opt in or opt out option.

Items included in the eBay Authenticity Guarantee program display a blue checkmark badge. Buyers will see the badge in the search results page, the view item page, the checkout page and their Purchase history page.

When you make a sale, you have to send the item to the authenticator's address provided by eBay. Once the authenticator receives the item, the inspection is processed within 2 business days.

If the authenticator confirms the item is consistent with the listing title, description, and images, they perform a physical authentication inspection. If the inspector cannot determine that the product is authentic, or if the product is not as described in the listing, the item will be returned to you and the buyer will receive their money back. If the item passes inspection, it will be sent to the buyer with fast and secure delivery. 

Returns with Authenticity Guarantee

If a buyer wants to return an authenticated item, your return policy as stated in the listing will apply. 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.

When the authenticator receives the item, they’ll verify that it’s in the same condition as when it was sent to the buyer and that it has the original packaging and accessories. If it passes inspection, it’ll be shipped back to you and we will give the buyer a full refund. 

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I offer combined shipping?

Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined shipping promotions since each authenticated item is split into a separate order.

 
Why can't I see the buyer's shipping address?

Items in the Authenticity Guarantee program need to be sent to the authenticator. Once the item has passed inspection it will be sent to the buyer.

 
Can I include extra items in the box when I ship my sneakers?

Any items that don't come directly from the manufacturer will be removed. This includes third party tags, marketing materials, and any forgotten or prohibited items.

 
Can I include extra items in the box when I ship my trading cards?

Any items that don't come directly from the manufacturer will be removed. This includes extra cards, third party items, marketing materials, and any forgotten or prohibited items.

 
What if my item doesn't pass authentication, but I have evidence that confirms it's authentic?

Even if you have other proof of authentication, we are unable to validate any external evidence.

 
How can buyers search for Authenticity Guarantee items?

Buyers can narrow down their item searches using the filters on the left-hand side of the eBay search results page. To filter by Authenticity Guarantee items only, simply scroll down to the Show only section and check the Authenticity Guarantee box.

 

If your item is eligible for eBay Authenticity Guarantee, it will be automatically added to the program, free of charge. There is no opt in or opt out option.

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