What is Authenticity Guarantee?
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 priced at £200 and more. 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 delivery.
From the end of April 2026, for eligible items qualifying Fashion priced between £0.01 – £199.99 (inclusive), you will see an optional add-on Authenticity Guarantee service available on the item page for Authenticity Guarantee. When you add the optional Authenticity Guarantee service to your purchase, the seller will send the item directly to the authentication facility. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect and verify your item’s authenticity before it is shipped to you safely via fast, tracked delivery.
Will I be charged an additional fee for Authenticity Guarantee?
For eligible items priced at £200 or more, eBay will cover the cost of the Authenticity Guarantee service.
For eligible items priced between £0.01 – £199.99 (inclusive), the cost to add the Authenticity Guarantee service on qualifying items is £20, applied per item, at checkout.
Which selling fees will I pay?
For information on seller fees, please see our help pages:
What happens after the authenticator partner receives the sneakers?
After our authentication team receives the item, they will confirm the item and accessories are consistent with the listing title, description and images. The authenticators 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.
Which items are eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee?
Authenticity Guarantee is available for selected brands, in new or preowned condition, listed under the Men’s or Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes or Baby Shoes categories, and sold for £200 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. Men’s or Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes or Baby Shoes categories sold for £0.00 – £199.99 GBP (inclusive) are eligible for the optional add-on Authenticity Guarantee service.
The eligible brands for Authenticity Guarantee are: A Bathing Ape, adidas, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, AllSaints, Amiri, And1, Android Homme, Anya Hindmarch, Arc’teryx, Asics, Aspinal of London, Atmos, Axel Arigato, Balenciaga, Balmain, Barbour, Belstaff, Berghaus, Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry, Buscemi, Bvlgari, C.P. Company, Canada Goose, Carhartt, Celine, CHANEL, Chloé, Christian Louboutin, Chrome Hearts, Coach, Comme des Garçons, Common Projects, Converse, Crocs, Delvaux, Diadora, Diesel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared2, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fear Of God, Fendi, Fila, Filling Pieces, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, Golden Goose, Golf Wang, Goyard, Gucci, Hackett, Hender Scheme, Hermès, Hoka, Hugo Boss, Isabel Marant, Issey Miyake, Jacquemus, Jeremy Scott, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo, John Geiger, Judith Leiber, Junya Watanabe, JW Anderson, K-Swiss, Kangaroos, Karen Millen, Kate Spade, Kenzo, Kith, Kobe, L.K. Bennett, Lacoste, Lanvin, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Le Coq Sportif, Levi’s, Li-Ning, Loewe, Loro Piana, Lou, Louis Vuitton, Lulu Guinness, Maison Kitsuné, Maison Margiela, Mallet, Marc Jacobs, Mark Cross, Marni, Max Mara, MCM, McQ, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Mizuno, Moncler, Moschino, Mulberry, New Balance, Nike, Off-White, Onitsuka Tiger, Palace, Palm Angels, Patagonia, Patta, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Philipp Plein, Polène, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Puma, Rab, Raf Simons, Reebok, Reiss, Rhude, Rick Owens, Sacai, Saint Laurent, Salomon, Salvatore Ferragamo, Saucony, Schott, Stella McCartney, Stone Island, Stüssy, Supreme, Ted Baker, The North Face, The Row, Toast, Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Trapstar, Undefeated, Under Armour, Undercover, Valentino, Vans, Versace, Vetements, Visvim, Vivienne Westwood, Yeezy, Yohji Yamamoto, Zimmermann.
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 PO 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 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.
For further details, see the Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions.
Are used sneakers eligible for the programme?
Yes, used sneakers are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, as long as all other eligibility criteria are met.
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, and the item condition selected. You should review your items listed in the Men’s Trainers or Women’s Trainers, Unisex Kids’ Shoes, Girls’ Shoes, Boys’ Shoes or Baby Shoes categories to double check that you have accurately described and depicted the item, including photos of any defects or cosmetic imperfections on the sneaker, box and accessories.
How do I know if my listing is eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee programme?
Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow the steps set out below.
- Meet the eligibility requirements. For further details, see the Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions.
- “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 colour 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 the 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.
- “Preowned - Excellent” Like new, no visible flaws or signs of use
- “Preowned - Good” Gently used with moderate signs of wear and/or visible flaws
- “Preowned - Fair” Significantly visible flaws, heavy signs of use and/or missing or damaged components.
- Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your sneakers for sale (please make sure this is accurate to avoid your item not passing the authentication process and being returned to you).
- 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 and photographs will ensure your item can flow through the authentication process smoothly.
How can I confirm my item qualifies for Authenticity Guarantee?
A blue tick with “Authenticity Guarantee” will automatically appear on your item’s listing page for items priced at £200 and more. 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 that your item’s sold with Authenticity Guarantee, and the delivery address will be our authentication centre.
If I list my sneakers for £200 and accept a Best Offer below £200, will they still be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Yes. If your item meets the criteria, it will be eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee and you will send it to the authentication facility address provided for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of £200 or more, listed with either Auction format or Best Offer, are also eligible.
Sneakers from select brands and models not currently listed as eligible may later become eligible for Authenticity Guarantee when sold at a Buy It Now price below £200, with either Auction format or Best Offer. Such price points are subject to change. Please check your listing when your item sells to see if it’s eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and needs to be posted to the authentication facility.
How do you determine Authenticity Guarantee eligibility for auction-style listings?
All auction-style listings that sell for £200 and over are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, regardless of the starting price.
I noticed my item was eligible for Authenticity Guarantee when listing, but it didn’t sell with Authenticity Guarantee. Should I still send my item to the authentication facility?
Items eligible for Authenticity Guarantee may not always sell with Authenticity Guarantee. Some of the eligibility criteria are fulfilled by the buyer at checkout, such as the buyer’s delivery address and payment method. Eligibility criteria for Authenticity Guarantee is also subject to change, such as the inclusion of some brands and models of sneakers.
Who is providing the authentication service?
Our eBay 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 for eBay users.
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?
Our expert authenticators inspect the item within 2 business days of receiving it. Following inspection, the item will be delivered to the buyer within 2 business days of it leaving the facility.
What should I do if I need to cancel the order?
If you can’t complete a sale with a buyer, you can locate the sale in the “My eBay” tab and follow the cancellation process. The buyer will be notified of the order cancellation immediately. Learn more about cancelling an order.
Can buyers return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?
Buyers can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, if 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 in the UK. Learn more about handling return requests.
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 authenticator. 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 check to verify that the returned item matches the authenticity and condition in which it was originally sent to the buyer. If the shoes pass the authenticity and condition inspection, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you via a free, tracked delivery service. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, sellers will cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.
Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?
Your item will be returned if the item’s 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.
When I sell my item, where am I posting to?
If your item is being posted to the authentication facility via Simple Delivery, eBay will issue you a shipping label with the address. See here for more details on Simple Delivery.
If your item is not posted to the authentication facility via Simple Delivery, 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, and sellers cannot drop off or deliver items to the authentication facility in person. Once your sneakers are 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?
If your item is being sent to the authentication facility via Simple Delivery, tracking information will automatically be provided. See here for more details on Simple Delivery.
If your item is not posted via Simple Delivery, 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 I offer free local collection?
Local collection is not an option for Authenticity Guarantee listings because items need to go through eBay’s authentication process.
API sellers will be required to provide at least 1 delivery option while creating listings. Further information for sellers integrated with APIs can be found here.
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 Simple Delivery and why is my item being sent on this service?
Simple Delivery is our all-in-one delivery solution for private sellers, available for eligible items priced at £750 or less. Once your item sells, you’ll receive a prepaid printable label and QR code, which automatically includes tracking for your order. Your items are fully protected in case of loss or damage in transit to the authentication centre. See here for more details.
Should I send my item with signature confirmation required?
If your item is not eligible for Simple Delivery, we recommend you send it via a secure delivery service requiring signature on receipt. If your item is lost or damaged in transit to the authentication facility, you will need to contact your chosen delivery carrier to claim any compensation.
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.
If the item is posted via Simple Delivery, it is fully protected in case of loss or damage in transit to the authentication facility. See here for more details on Simple Delivery.
If the item is not posted via Simple Delivery, the seller is responsible for any loss or damage that occurs before the item reaches the authentication facility.
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.