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What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to the seller.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge is applied to all eligible items. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller is required to post the item to the authentication facility, where the item goes through a multi-point inspection process. Once verified, the authenticator posts the item directly to the buyer via fast, tracked, signature-required delivery.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee, eBay covers the cost of authentication as well as fast, tracked, signature-required delivery from our authentication facility to the buyer.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for selected brands, in new or preowned condition, listed under the Women’s Bags & Handbags, Men’s Bags, Women’s Accessories & Men’s Accessories, Women’s Belts & Men’s Belts and Women’s Hats & Men’s Hat categories, and sold for £500 or more via Fixed Price or Auction listings. You can identify eligible listings by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in the search results or the top right of the item’s page.

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

Only items purchased on eBay.co.uk are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that post to a buyer address outside the UK are not eligible for the service at this time. Listings that offer only local pickup or items posted to P.O. Boxes will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Any item purchased using an offline payment method will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Items in breach of the prohibited item policy are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items with hot stamping of initials may be accepted for Authenticity Guarantee where the relevant brand provides such stamping services. However, only the item would be authenticated and not the hot stamping itself.

For further details learn more about Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions here.

I sell eligible items 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. You should review your items listed in the Women’s Bags & Handbags, Men’s Bags, Women’s Accessories & Men’s Accessories, Women’s Belts & Men’s Belts and Women’s Hats & Men’s Hat categories, making sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-2 set out below.

1. Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your bag, accessory, hat or belt for sale (please make sure this is accurate to avoid your item not passing the authentication process and being returned to you)
   • “New with tags” A brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or dust bag) and/or with the original tags attached. If using stock images or screenshots, all original accessories (keychains, bags, etc.) must be included. If taking your own photos, everything pictured will be assumed included.
   • “New without tags” 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 or dust bag). For example, a new handbag, accessory, hat or belt (with absolutely no signs of wear) that is no longer in the original box falls into this category.
   • “New with defects” A brand-new, unused item with some kind of defect. Possible imperfections range from colour variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks, and hanging threads or missing buttons 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 keychains). New factory seconds and/or new samples may fall into this category. Ensure all defects are photographed and noted in the description.
   • “Used” An item that has been used, worn, or shows signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging material or accessories (such as original box or keychains). Ensure all wear is captured in the photos and noted in the description.

2. 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, accessory, belt or hat, etc. If using stock images or screenshots, they must include original accessories. If taking your own photographs, 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 tick 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 and the delivery address will be our authentication centre.

If I list my handbag, accessory, belt or hat 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 will be 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.

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

All auction-style listings that sell for £500 and over are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, regardless of the starting price.

What happens at the authentication facility?

The authenticator first confirms that the item and any brand papers are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then, the authenticator will perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. Once verified as authentic, the handbag, accessory, belt or hat will receive a unique Authenticity Guarantee card providing detailed information about the item.

Finally, the handbag, accessory, belt or hat is placed inside an eBay branded dust bag and securely packaged inside an eBay box along with brand papers.

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 handbag, accessory, belt or hat, using detailed, physical inspection and advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.

Can I offer combined postage?

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

Can I send orders in bulk to the authenticator?

Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

The authenticator will inspect the item within two business days after they receive it. Following inspection, the item will be posted to the buyer with fast, tracked, signature-required delivery. Estimated delivery dates will automatically be adjusted on eligible listings

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.

Should I send my item with signature confirmation required?

If the order has a total cost (including postage costs and any taxes) of £450 or more, you're required to purchase signature confirmation to be protected if a buyer reports an item not received or opens a payment dispute.

Can a buyer choose to not have the item authenticated?

No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

When I sell my item, where am I posting to?

eBay will provide you with the address of the authentication facility along with the buyer’s name and an ebay authentication code in the format 'ebay:xxxxxxx'. Be sure to use the exact delivery address eBay provides including the authentication code, as the authenticators need that to process your order. The item must be posted to the address provided, sellers cannot drop off or deliver items to the authentication facility in person. Once your handbag, accessory, belt or hat is verified and authenticated it will be forwarded on to the buyer’s address at no extra cost to you.

How do I provide tracking information?

Once you've posted the item, you'll need to upload tracking information through "My eBay." Providing tracking information helps ensure that your item will be processed smoothly at the authentication facility and that 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 if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller's return window, or in the unlikely event the item is ultimately found to be not as described. Please note that business sellers, and consumer sellers, are required to offer certain types of returns options in the UK. Learn more about setting up return policies here.

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

When a buyer decides to return an item in accordance with the seller's return policy or if the item is not as described, they will be instructed to send the item back to the authentication facility. Your return policy determines whether you or the buyer pays for postage costs back to the authenticator. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will verify that the returned item matches the authenticity and condition in which it was originally sent to the buyer. If the item passes the authenticity and condition inspection, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you with fast, tracked, signature-required delivery, at no cost to the seller.

Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?

Your item will be returned to you if the item condition is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You will not be charged for the cost of posting 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 possession of the authenticator?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in the possession of the authentication facility, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item. Should the item be lost or damaged before reaching the authentication facility, the seller is responsible.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost in transit when the authenticator posts it to the buyer?

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

What protections does eBay have for sellers?

We have 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.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Handbags (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags”), selected luxury accessories, hats and belts makes inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.co.uk. 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.co.uk and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for handbags selected luxury accessories, hats and belts.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.co.uk 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.

2. Applicability of eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

   eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers items returned within the seller's return window and items that satisfy the eligibility requirements and are not received, are not as described or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   Upon the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.co.uk, the buyer automatically instructs eBay to initiate the Services. The item is then posted by the seller directly to an authentication facility for careful inspection of the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item's authenticity by authenticators, it is properly packaged and securely posted to the buyer. If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, a refund is issued to the buyer.

4. Description of the Services.

   The Services are provided by our authentication team ("Authenticators") for Eligible Items purchased and delivered within the United Kingdom. Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at the facility and the authenticated item will then be sent to the buyer as soon as possible. This check will include inspection of the Handbag, Accessory, Hat or Belt for authenticity, and for accuracy against the item listing.

   By purchasing an Eligible Item, you agree and acknowledge that you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services. By listing an Eligible Item for sale you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer's instructions. More information about the Authenticators and Services may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Programme Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.co.uk; 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 selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions.

      Although only selected items are eligible at the current time, the Authenticity Guarantee will be rapidly expanding. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if items are included at this time.

      Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

      1. Brands: Brands: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Mulberry, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Celine, Dior, Prada, Fendi, Goyard, Burberry, Chloe, Valentino, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, MCM, Salvatore Ferragamo, LOEWE, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Alexander McQueen, The Row, Off-White, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Bvlgari, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Delvaux, Miu Miu, Mark Cross, Marni, Lanvin, Jil Sander, Judith Leiber, Christian Louboutin, Alexander Wang and Balmain.
      2. Price: £500 and over, exclusive of postage.
      3. Condition: New and Used UK items.
      4. Categories: Women’s Bags & Handbags, Men’s Bags, Women’s Accessories & Men’s Accessories, Women’s Belts & Men’s Belts and Women’s Hats & Men’s Hats (see below)
         • Clothing, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Bags & Handbags [169291]
         • Clothing, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > Bags [52357]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Handbag Accessories [163570]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > ID & Document Holders [169285]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Purses & Wallets [45258]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > Wallets [2996]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Keyrings [45237]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > ID & Document Holders [169271]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > Keyrings [52373]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Hats [45230]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > Hats [52365]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Belts [3003]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Accessories [4250] > Belts [2993]
         • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Accessories [4251] > Organisers & Diaries [15735]
      5. Items which have hot stamping of initials may be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee where such stamping is high quality initials only and the relevant Brand (see above) offers such stamping services. Please note that only the item will be authenticated and not the hot stamping itself.

      The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

      6. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge
      7. Bags and accessories listed in categories not named above
      8. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of bag such as luggage
      9. Customised/personalised handbags, bags, accessories, belt or hat (e.g. all other hot stamping not outlined above)
      10. Items purchased using an offline payment method
      11. Listings that offer local pickup
      12. Items posted to P.O. Boxes
      13. Items in breach of the Prohibited Items policy

      Ineligible items will not be authenticated.

   2. Country Eligibility.

      The Authenticity Guarantee service on ebay.co.uk is available for buyers with a delivery address in the United Kingdom. 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.

7. Party Roles
   1. Your Role as Seller.

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer's instructions and you authorise its inspection by the Authenticators subsequent to its purchase.

      Upon purchase, you are required to post the Eligible Item, using a shipping service with signature confirmation, to a facility located within the United Kingdom, as directed by eBay. Items cannot be dropped off or delivered to the facility in person. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of postage to the Authenticators is not covered by eBay.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the 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 instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services. You acknowledge and agree to inspection of the Eligible Item by the Authenticators prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to post the Eligible Item using a shipping service with signature confirmation to the Authenticators and 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.

8. Data Privacy.

   eBay's collection and processing 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.co.uk website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. For items purchased that qualify for the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay will share your order information, including but not limited to your name, address, email address, and telephone number, with the Authenticators in order to perform the Services. 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 postage 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's Money Back Guarantee guidelines. eBay assumes the delivery risk from the Authenticators to the buyer and any items lost or damaged at the Authentication facility. 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. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right to amend, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee.