FAQs
What is Authenticity Guarantee?
eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help buyers shop with confidence. Our authentication team physically inspects all eligible items before they are posted 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 posts the item directly to a team of qualified, professional authenticators. The authenticators will thoroughly inspect and verify your item's authenticity and will confirm the item and accessories are consistent with the listing title, description, and images before it is posted to you via tracked next day delivery. To see if a listing is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, keep an eye out for the blue tick in the search results, as well as in the top right of the item page.
Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?
There is no additional fee for the Authenticity Guarantee. That means as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service, we’ll cover the cost of authentication.
Which items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Authenticity Guarantee is available for:
1. Price:
- £100+: £100 and over (exclusive of postage) for all models from the below brands.
- Under £100: select price points under £100 (exclusive of postage) for select models from the below brands. Price points are subject to change. See below for brand/model details.
- 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, On Running, Vivienne Westwood, Lanvin, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Maison Kitsune, Junya Watanabe, Fila, Saucony, Li-Ning, Diadora, Mizuno, Common Projects, AMIRI, Android Homme, Axel Arigato, Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Comme Des Garcons, Dsquared2, HERMÈS, HUGO BOSS, KangaROOS, KENZO, Lacoste, MALLET, Moncler, Moschino, Onitsuka Tiger, Palm Angels, Philipp Plein, Raf Simons, VETEMENTS, Isabel Marant, Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney, Clints and MSCHF.
2. Models:
- £100+: all models from the above brands.
- Under £100: select in-demand models (subject to change) from the above brands.
Authenticity Guarantee is available for sneakers in new and used condition, listed in the Men’s or Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes or Baby Shoes categories and sold via Fixed or Auction Listings. See terms and conditions for further details on eligibility criteria. Items that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee may change, for example, we may add new brands, models and price points. You can identify eligible items by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in the search results, as well as in the top right of the item page.
Items specified as customised will not be authenticated. “Customised” is defined as shoes that have been modified from their original state. Examples of this include shoes with personalised elements, custom artwork, or any modifications that did not come with the original sneaker. 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.
Why are eBay now including some sneakers under £100 in Authenticity Guarantee?
To improve user experience, we’re expanding Authenticity Guarantee to include select in-demand models and brands for price points under £100. eBay may change which sneakers are included from time to time depending on demand. Always check the item you want to purchase to see if it has an Authenticity Guarantee blue tick next to the listing at checkout.
What happens if I see that an auction listing is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee one day and I return to bid on it another day and it is no longer eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
As some of the eligibility criteria may change from time to time, it is best to check at the point of purchase if the listing contains the Authenticity Guarantee blue tick.
Are used sneakers eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Yes, used sneakers are now eligible for Authenticity Guarantee as long as all other eligibility criteria are met.
What happens at the authenticator?
Upon receiving the sneakers, our authentication team first verifies that the contents are consistent with the listing details. Then a multi-point, physical inspection is performed for the listing details. This process includes thorough physical inspection of the shoe’s structure, materials, tags, and logos. The packaging and accessories are also reviewed for authenticity. Finally, an eBay Authenticity Guarantee QR code 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 a digital stamp of authenticity and customised with the sneakers’ details. By scanning the QR code, you will receive a prompt and be able to view the authenticity report of your sneakers.
Who is providing the authentication service?
Our authentication team provides the service. The team are professionally trained authenticators who thoroughly inspect and verify sneakers at a state-of-the-art facility to ensure a high standard of service to eBay users.
How long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?
After you purchase your eligible item, it is sent to our expert authenticators, who will inspect your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be dispatched to you with tracked next day delivery.
How do I track the status of my item?
Once your item has been inspected, you will receive an order update 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 in their listing, 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, the buyer will be notified and will be issued a full refund to their original payment method.
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 posted 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 cancelling your order here.
Where is my item posted to and why isn't it my address?
Your shoes will first be posted to the sneaker authentication facility. Once they are authenticated, your shoes will be forwarded on to the address entered at 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 status of your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process.
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. In the unlikely event that the buyer receives an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. In order for a refund to be processed, all returns must be sent to our authentication team for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing) and re-authentication before the item is returned to the seller.
How does the return process work?
If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased or the item isn’t as described, the item will first be sent to our 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, including any original packaging or accessories (for clarity, this includes the item’s box where applicable). In addition, the eBay Authenticity Guarantee tag must be attached to the item and untampered with to be eligible for a return. Once verified by the authenticator, it will be posted to the seller and a refund will be processed. The seller’s return policy determines whether you or the seller pays for postage costs back to the authenticator.
Are authenticated items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?
Authenticity Guarantee purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.
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 missing any accessories (including the item's box where applicable) or is not in the same condition, the item will be sent back to the buyer and the return will be closed.
Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?
No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.
What is eBay delivery?
In addition to Authenticity Guarantee, we’re also streamlining delivery to make it easier for buyers and sellers with eBay delivery. For all Authenticity Guarantee eligible sneakers (excluding items from an excluded postcode, for example those located in Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands, for full details see below, or on orders £75,000 and above), buyers will pay a flat delivery fee of £8.95 in the UK. The new handling time for eBay delivery orders requires that sellers send Authenticity Guarantee eligible sneakers to the authenticator in 3 business days or less. Buyers will receive their items within 2 business days of leaving the facility.
For most items located in the UK mainland, the eBay delivery fee will apply. However, if you are purchasing an item located in an excluded postcode, such as in Northern Ireland, seller specified delivery costs will still apply.
For full details on excluded postcodes please see below.
Which postcodes are currently excluded from eBay delivery labels?
eBay delivery labels are not available for items located in the following postcodes: BT, FK20, GY, HS, IM, IV41 - IV56, JE, KA27 - KA28, KW15 - KW17, PA20, PA38 - PA78, PH33, PH36 - PH44, TR21 - TR25, ZE, ZZ.
Why do I need to provide a PIN to receive my item?
For security reasons, items £150 and above will require you to provide a unique PIN to the DPD driver on delivery. The driver will not be able to deliver without the PIN code. Please ensure a valid email address or mobile number is registered on your eBay account in order to receive the PIN code.
How does PIN delivery work?
For UK buyers (not including the excluded postcodes as set out further below), when you receive your DPD delivery updates, you will be advised of a 4-digit PIN code that you will need to provide to the driver. The PIN code will be clearly displayed in your updates via email, SMS or in the DPD app. Once the PIN code is provided to the driver, they’ll input it into their handheld device and if correct, the item will then be handed over to you.
Buyers based in the following excluded postcodes for DPD PIN delivery will receive their sneakers via tracked, next day delivery: FK17 - FK21, GY1 - GY10, HS1 - HS9, IM, IV1 - IV63, JE1 - JE5, KA27 - KA28, KW0 - KW17, PA20 - PA38, PA41 - PA49, PA60 - PA78, PA80, PH19 - PH29, PH32 - PH33, PH45 - PH 48, PO30 - PO41 and ZE1 - ZE3.
I don't have a PIN?
If you don't have your PIN code, the driver can resend it to your email and mobile number registered on your eBay account whilst at your doorstep, which you can then give to the driver, so the item can be handed over to you.
If you don't have your PIN from your email confirmation, SMS or DPD App and you don't have your phone handy to receive the PIN Code, the driver will be unable to hand over the item.
The item will be re-attempted the following day or you can reschedule your delivery to a day that’s more convenient to you. If unsuccessful again, the item will be returned to us.
Buyers based in excluded postcodes for the DPD PIN Solution (please see above), or where a mobile number wasn’t provided at the point of purchase, will receive their sneakers via tracked, next day delivery.
What happens if the seller posts an item straight to me?
If the seller posts an item directly to you, the item will not go through Authenticity Guarantee.
Why can’t my item be delivered to a PO Box?
Delivery to a PO Box or a BFPO address is not available for Authenticity Guarantee.
Why is the delivery fee on my listing different from the eBay delivery fee?
When sellers create new listings, or update the listings that qualify for eBay delivery, the delivery fee will be updated accordingly. Over time, more listings will include an eBay delivery fee to provide buyers with a clear and consistent sneaker shopping experience.