Authenticity
Guarantee

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is designed to protect sellers and to allow buyers to shop with confidence. Our expert authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are shipped to buyers, as well as all returns prior to sending them back to sellers.

At this time, only select models within the following brands are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee: 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 and On Running. Sneakers must be listed in the men’s or women’s athletic shoe categories, or the boys, girls, unisex kid and baby shoes categories and in new or pre-owned condition. Check your listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge to see if they are eligible. 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 team of qualified, professional authenticators. The authenticator thoroughly inspects the item before shipping it to the buyer.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

The Authenticity Guarantee service is free for a limited time. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee service promotion, eBay covers the cost of authentication, as well as three-day shipping from the authentication facility to the buyer.

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

After eBay’s expert authenticators receive the sneakers, they will confirm the item, packaging and accessories are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. They 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 sneakers.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

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 and On Running. Sneakers must be listed in the men’s or women’s athletic shoe categories, or the boys, girls, unisex kids shoes and baby shoes categories and in new or pre-owned condition.

Listings sold as a “lot” with multiple pairs of sneakers and items specified as “Customized” are currently not eligible for authentication.

Only items purchased on eBay.ca are eligible for CA Authenticity Guarantee. Items purchased on cafr.eBay.ca are currently not eligible for CA Authenticity Guarantee. Items that are listed on eBay.ca but located outside Canada for delivery to a buyer located within Canada may be available for Authenticity Guarantee soon—check back for updates. However, items that ship to a buyer address located in the US are eligible. Any other buyer address located outside of Canada are not eligible for the service at this time. Unincorporated territories (incl. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and armed forces postal locations are not currently covered.

Are my orders shipping to the US or internationally eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Items located in Canada and purchased by a buyer in the United States that are listed and purchased on either eBay.ca or on eBay.com may be eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Please ensure the United States are not excluded from your ship-to countries in your shipping preferences for items listed on eBay.ca, and that you have selected ‘No Returns’ in your returns policies. Items located in Canada and listed on eBay.com will also need to have an international shipping service defined for Canada to be eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Please see above for more information on eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee eligibility criteria. Please check back for updates on inventory located in the US that is listed on ebay.ca.

I list on ebay.ca, yet my inventory is in the US. Is my inventory eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Items located in Canada and purchased by a buyer in the United States that are listed and purchased on either eBay.ca or on eBay.com may be eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Please ensure the United States are not excluded from your ship-to countries in your shipping preferences for items listed on eBay.ca, and that you have selected ‘No Returns’ in your returns policies. Items located in Canada and listed on eBay.com will also need to have an international shipping service defined for Canada to be eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Please see above for more information on eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee eligibility criteria. Please check back for updates on inventory located in the US that is listed on ebay.ca.

Are pre-owned sneakers eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Select 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 and On Running.

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 review 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?

Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-4.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements
2. 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.

   “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). Ensure all wear is captured in the photos and noted in the description.

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 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 to be included. Accurate documentation & photographs will ensure your item can flow through the authentication process smoothly.
4. Accurately specify model or style code.

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 Orders tab in Seller Hub or in the sold items section of the Selling tab in My eBay. If eligible, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee.

Is eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee offered to residents of Quebec?

No. At this time, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is not available on items listed on cafr.ebay.ca.

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.

What happens if my item does not successfully pass the authentication criteria?

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 to you and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.

What is the difference between an Authenticity Guarantee order that has been ‘inspected’ and an Authenticity Guarantee order that has been ‘authenticated’?

Miscategorized items and customized sneakers that arrive at eBay’s authentication centre will be noted as ‘inspected’ before being forwarded to the buyer. Only sneakers eligible for Authenticity Guarantee will go through the complete authentication, and upon passing authentication will be marked as ‘authenticated’, before being forwarded to the buyer.

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.

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.

How do I track the status of my item?

You can track the status of your item throughout the process in the Orders tab in Seller Hub or in the sold items section of the Selling tab in My eBay.

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 shipped to the buyer with fast and secure delivery.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

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

Why can’t I message the buyer after I sell my shoes?

Messaging capability is turned off at the point of purchase, at which time your buyer will receive all tracking information and notifications through the eBay platform.

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 the Orders tab in Seller Hub or in the sold items section of the Selling tab in My eBay, and following the cancellation process. The buyer will be notified of the order cancellation immediately. Learn more about cancelling an order here.

When I sell my item, where am I shipping it to?

eBay will provide you with the address of our authentication center along with the buyer’s name and a unique ID number. Be sure to use the exact address eBay provides including the unique ID number. Once your shoe is verified and authenticated it will be forwarded on to the buyer’s address at no cost to you.

What are best practices when shipping sneakers to the authentication center?

Pack the shoebox in a larger box and line the sides with bubble wrap or tissue paper for a tight fit. Never ship sneakers in just their original shoebox and don’t put the shipping label directly on the shoebox.

Include an eBay-generated packing slip inside the shoebox, not the outer box. The packing slip includes a unique code that allows the authenticator to process orders more smoothly.

Only include items in the original listing as sold, no extra merchandise.

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 authenticated and you’ll be covered by seller protections. It also allows buyers to track the progress of their purchase through each step of our authentication process.

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, subject to any consumer law rights that the buyer has in the relevant jurisdiction in which the item is sold including rights that require exceptions to any “final sale” policy. Any item that does not receive our authenticity guarantee tag, will not fall under our final sale policy. Exported items are considered final sale.

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 centre. 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, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you with fast and free, tracked delivery. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, sellers will cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

Why would the authenticator return the sneakers to me?

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. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, you will 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 in the possession of our expert authenticators, 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 item to the authentication centre within their stated handling time. Once the item is inspected and has been forwarded to your buyer, you are fully protected against any negative or neutral feedback, the Item Not Received cases will be removed from your Service Metrics dashboard before your next evaluation cycle. Should an Item Not Received case be closed and a refund issued to your buyer, you will not be responsible for that refund as long as eBay has tracking confirming delivery to the authentication centre which can be found in the Orders tab in Seller Hub or in the sold items section of the Selling tab in My eBay.

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

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.ca 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 eMBG eligibility requirements and are not received or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.

   After the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com or eBay.ca, 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 eBay Authenticity Guarantee.

   The Services are provided by eBay’s authenticator team for Eligible items purchased within Canada or the United States and delivered to Canada. The 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 the Authenticators to perform the third-party inspection and authentication. More information about the Authentication may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Fees.

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

6. Eligibility
1. Item Eligibility.

   Only select listings on eBay.ca and eBay.com are eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. 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 Athletic Shoes categories must satisfy the following conditions:

   • 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 and On Running
   • Models: Select models within the above 43 brands
   • Condition: New and pre-owned
   • Category: Men’s Athletic Shoes, Women’s Athletic Shoes, Boys Shoes, Girls Shoes, Unisex Kids Shoes and Baby Shoes.

   The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

   • Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge
   • Sneakers listed in categories not named above
   • Miscategorized items, e.g. other types of shoes listed in eligible categories
   • Modified sneakers
   • Signed sneakers
   • Items purchased using an offline payment method
   • Listings that offer local pickup
   • Items shipped to P.O. Boxes
   • Items shipped to or from unincorporated territories (incl. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands)

   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.Authenticity Guarantee is not available to residents of Quebec.

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 Authenticators subsequent to its purchase.

      Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within Canada, as directed by eBay. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of shipping to eBay’s authentication facility is not covered by eBay. You acknowledge and agree that if eBay’s Authenticators 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 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 eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.

   4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers.

      You acknowledge and agree that if our team of authenticators 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 with the Authenticity Guarantee service is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.ca website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. In order for eBay’s authentication team to provide the Services under Authenticity Guarantee, the order information, including, but not limited to: your name, address, email address, telephone number, is provided to eBay. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to eBay’s authentication team, who may disclose this information, however collected, to 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. eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, 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 inspection and authentication under eBay’s 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.