FAQs
What is Authenticity Guarantee?
eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Independent 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, sellers post it to an independent authenticator. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect the item before it is posted to the buyer.
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 tracked, next day delivery from our authentication partner to the buyer.
Who is providing the authentication services?
eBay has partnered with Stoll & Co., whose services and capabilities have been thoroughly vetted. Established in 1982, Stoll & Co. is one of the global leaders in their industry, whose experienced and dedicated watchmakers and technicians operate advanced technical equipment in a new, state-of-the-art UK facility.
What happens after an eBay authentication partner receives the watch?
After the authentication partner receives the watch and any presentation material, including but not limited to the box and documents, the authenticator will confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, description and images. Then, the authenticator will perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. Finally, a security tag will be attached to the watch.
What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches (31387) and sold for £1,500 or more via Fixed Price or Auction listings are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.
Smartwatches, pocket watches, watch parts, and accessories are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Watches may contain repaired and/or aftermarket parts. Customised items are not eligible for authentication. An example of a customised watch may be a watch with a painted dial, aftermarket bezel or added gemstones. Local pickup-only listings are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.
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 programme.
For further details learn more about Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions here.
Are vintage watches eligible for the programme?
A vintage watch is eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee programme, if all eligibility criteria are met. Vintage watches which are verified as authentic by the third-party authentication partner may contain commonly replaced aftermarket parts such as the strap, bracelet, crystal, spring bars or screws.
If I list my watch for £1,500 and accept a Best Offer below £1,500, will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?
Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to an authentication partner for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of £1,500 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 sold for £1,500 or above are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.
How can I tell if my item qualifies for Authenticity Guarantee?
A blue tick with “Authenticity Guarantee” will automatically appear on your item’s listing page. You can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section. Plus, you’ll receive a confirmation email indicating that your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee.
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 Wristwatches category and double-check that you have accurately described and depicted the item, including photos of any defects or cosmetic imperfections (including scratches) of the watch, the box and accessories. Learn more about our listing images and text policy here.
Also, make sure that you select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your watch for sale, to avoid your item not passing the authentication process and being returned to you. If your watch is a display model, please state that clearly in your listing, as well as describing and depicting any wear resulting from the watch being on display. Learn more about Item Condition definitions for Jewellery and Watches here.
Can I offer combined postage?
Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined postage promotions since each authenticated item is split into a separate order.
How do I track the status of my item?
Your order details will be updated to indicate the status of your authentication as well as delivery status.
What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?
An authentication partner will inspect the watch 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.
When I sell my item, where am I posting to?
When you sell an eligible item, you are required to post it to an authentication partner whose address will be provided in your order details.
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 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 partner. 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. The security tag must remain attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. If the watch passes the authenticity and condition inspection, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you with tracked, next day delivery, at no cost to the seller.
Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?
Your item will be returned 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 the possession of the third party authenticator?
In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in the possession of the independent authenticator, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item. Should the item be lost or damaged before reaching the authentication partner 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.
Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?
No, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.
Buy and sell with confidence on eBay.