# FAQ

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect sellers and allow buyers to shop with confidence. Our third-party authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are shipped to buyers and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to sellers.

At this time, only new Jordan and Yeezy sneakers listed in the Men’s or Women’s Athletic Shoes Categories that sell for $200 or more are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. We are first including items from select sellers and rapidly expanding to all sellers in sneakers. Check your listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge to see if your listings are included at this time. See below for more information on item eligibility.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

The “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge is applied to the listings of all eligible items. When an eligible item is purchased, it automatically ships to our authentication partner. The authenticator thoroughly inspects the item before shipping it to the buyer.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Through Authenticity Guarantee, eBay covers the cost of authentication as well as three-day shipping from our authentication partner to the buyer. Sellers can also enjoy 0% final value fees on items that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

What happens after eBay’s authentication partner receives the sneaker?

After eBay’s authentication partner receives the package, the partner will confirm the item and accessories are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. The partner will then perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. Finally, an eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag will be attached and programmed with the unique details of the shoes.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

All Yeezy and Jordan sneakers, in new condition, listed in the men’s or women’s athletic shoe categories and sold for $200 or more are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items specified as “Customized” are currently not eligible for authentication. Only items purchased on eBay.com are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that are listed on eBay.com but located outside the U.S. for delivery to a buyer located within the US may be available for Authenticity Guarantee soon—check back for updates. However, items that ship to a buyer address outside the continental U.S. are not eligible for the program. Unincorporated territories (incl. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and armed forces postal locations are not currently covered.

Are pre-owned sneakers eligible for the program?

At this time, pre-owned sneakers are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

When will Authenticity Guarantee be available to me as a seller?

At launch, Authenticity Guarantee will only be available to a select group of sellers. Through the month of December, we will be expanding to all sellers with inventory that fits the eligibility criteria. Check your listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge to see if your listings are included at this time.

I sell on eBay now, do I need to do anything?

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 return to your items listed in sneakers 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. Don’t forget it’s free to sell sneakers on eBay.

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 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. Ensure all defects are photographed and noted in the description.

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 check mark 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 was sold with Authenticity Guarantee.

What if I list my sneaker for $200 and accept a Best Offer below $200. Will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to an authentication partner for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of $200 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible.

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

All auction-style listings that sell for over $200 are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, regardless of the starting price.

Who is providing the authentication service?

eBay has partnered with Sneaker Con, one of the leading industry experts in sneaker authentication, whose services and capabilities have been thoroughly vetted to ensure the highest standard of service to eBay users.

Can 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 for processing. Please ship all orders individually.

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.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

The authentication partner will inspect the item within two business days after they receive it. Following inspection, the item will be shipped to the buyer with three-day delivery.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

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

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

When you sell an eligible item, you are required to ship it to the authentication partner, whose address will be provided in your order details.

Can buyers 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.

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

If you choose to offer returns, when a buyer decides to return, they will be instructed to send it back to the authentication partner. Your return policy determines whether you or the buyer pays for shipping costs back to the authenticator. 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 eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag must remain attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. If the shoes pass the authenticity and condition inspection, they will be returned to the seller. Otherwise, the shoes will be sent back to the buyer. If fraud is detected, eBay will work with authorities to take appropriate action.

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 will not be charged for the cost of shipping the return and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.

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

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in the possession of our authentication partner, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item.
