Authenticity Guarantee Authenticity Guarantee

Shop luxury sneakers with confidence

Expert verification and secure delivery—at no extra cost.

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Authenticity Guarantee is independent from, and not associated with, any brands sold on eBay.

  • Professional authentication

    Sneakers are verified by a team of independent authenticators.

  • Secure delivery

    Your pair is sent to you directly from the authenticator via two‑day delivery.

  • No extra cost to you

    We cover all costs of the authentication process.

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.

What items are “eligible” for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for:

  1. Sold 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:

    1. £100+: all models from the above brands.

    2. 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.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Sneakers (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Sneakers”) makes professional inspection and authentication services (the “Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.co.uk. These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Sneakers and Eligible Items detailed below and sold and purchased on eBay.co.uk, and set out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Sneakers.

  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 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. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

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

  4. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

    Upon the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 7(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 our authentication team to carefully inspect the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item’s authenticity, 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.

  5. Description of the Services.

    The Services are provided by our authentication team (“the Authenticators”) for Eligible Items purchased and delivered within the United Kingdom. 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. 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.

  6. Authenticity Guarantee Service Fees.

    The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for 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. Where an Eligible item is covered by an eBay delivery label, the eBay delivery fee will apply, otherwise seller specified delivery costs will still apply.

  7. Eligibility.

    a. Item Eligibility.

    Only selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items from time to time in its sole discretion with or without notice, including, but not limited to category, and/or brands/models and/or value of items and/or transactions. In particular, eBay may change the models, brands and price points of sneakers included in the Authenticity Guarantee. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if Eligible Items from a particular seller are included at this time.

    Eligible Items in the Men’s Trainers and Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes or Baby Shoes categories sold on eBay.co.uk via Fixed and Auction Listings must satisfy the following conditions:

    1. Sold 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.

    2. Models:

      • £100+: all models from the above brands.

      • Under £100: select in-demand models (subject to change) from the above brands.

    3. 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.

    4. Condition: New & Used UK items.

    5. Category: Men’s Trainers, Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes and Baby Shoes.

    The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

    1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge

    2. Sneakers listed in categories conditions, or brands (where applicable), not named above.

    3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of shoes or items listed in eligible categories.

    4. Modified/customised sneakers.

    5. Signed sneakers.

    6. Items purchased using an offline payment method

    7. Listings that offer local pickup

    8. Items posted to P.O. Boxes or BFPO addresses.

    9. Items listed by sellers who are not activated on eBay managed payments

      Ineligible items will not be authenticated.

    b. 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.

  8. Party Roles

    a. 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 post 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, with appropriate to a facility located within the United Kingdom, as directed by eBay. Where the item does not qualify for an eBay delivery label, you should ensure that you post the item with appropriate insurance coverage. 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. Where the item qualifies for an eBay delivery label, the buyer will pay a flat postage fee to cover the cost of delivery, otherwise the seller specified delivery costs will apply. Please note, items cannot be delivered in person to the authentication facility.

    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.

    Listing an Eligible Item does not guarantee that the item will sell with Authenticity Guarantee. Certain eligibility criteria are fulfilled by the buyer at checkout, for example, the buyer delivery address and payment method. Further, eBay may amend eligibility requirements at its sole discretion from time to time, in particular (but not limited to), the brands, models, and price points of sneakers which are under £100.

    b. 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 (with appropriate insurance coverage where appropriate) to the Authenticators 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.

    c. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

    If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 8a or 8b 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.

  9. 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 for it to provide 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.

  10. 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. eBay assumes the risk where an item is lost or damaged at the authentication facility. Where an item is posted with an eBay delivery label, eBay assumes the delivery risk for items which are lost or damaged in such transit. Where an item does not qualify for or is not posted with an eBay delivery label, eBay assumes the delivery risk for items which are lost or damaged in transit directly from the Authenticators to the buyer (or seller where appropriate) only. 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.