What Happens If eBay Authentication Failed? – Complete Answer

Lots of sellers have been asking what happens if eBay authentication failed? The eBay authentication guarantee system was introduced to ensure only original items are sold in the eBay marketplace.
It is eBay’s utmost desire that buyers shop for collectible or high-end items without fear and with confidence.

Although, there has been some hiccups here and there, the eBay authentication guarantee program has recorded tremendous success in boosting buyers’ confidence while shopping in the marketplace.

As a seller, you want to know what will happen if your item fails to pass the eBay authentication process, this article will give you the most comprehensive answer.

eBay is one of the top online shopping platforms worldwide, the marketplace has consistently offered high-level online shopping experience to both buyers and sellers.

Several online sellers have made sales in millions of dollars in the platform, this is why eBay has become synonymous to online shopping.

Over the years, eBay have continued to refined its operations in a bid to sanitize the platform and reduce fraudulent activities to the barest minimum. This explains why great features like the authentication guarantee program were introduced in the platform.

So, are you wondering What Happens If eBay Authentication Failed? This article is giving you a complete answer, happy reading. Also read: How To Block User On eBay.

What Happens If eBay Authentication Failed?

If eBay authentication fails, the item will be returned to the seller and the buyer will receive a full refund. The seller will also be responsible for the cost of return shipping.

eBay authentication may fail if the item is counterfeit, the item is not as described in the listing, the item is damaged, or the item does not meet the requirements of the eBay authentication program.

If a seller is unhappy with the outcome of an eBay authentication, they can contact eBay customer support to discuss the issue. However, eBay’s decision is usually final.

If you are a buyer, you can help to reduce the risk of receiving a counterfeit item by purchasing from sellers who have a good track record and by paying attention to the item description. If you are a seller, you can help to avoid authentication failures by ensuring that your items are authentic and as described in your listings. Learn how to organize eBay inventory

What Is eBay Authentication Guarantee?

The eBay authentication guarantee is a program that verifies the authenticity of eligible items so as to ensure that buyers only get original products.

This program has helped reduce the number of fake items sold on the eBay marketplace. Not just that, it has greatly boosted the confidence of buyers in the platform.

With the eBay authentication guarantee program, both sellers and buyers are protected. The program is structured in a way that no one loses at the end of the day, 100% risk free.

The authenticity guarantee is not affiliated with any brands sold on the marketplace, it is an independent program.

Which Items Are Eligible For eBay Authenticity Guarantee?

1. Watches

Presently, watches that are sold for $2,000 or more in the Wristwatches category are eligible for the authenticity program, smart watches, watch accessories, and watch parts are ineligible. Customized watches are also not eligible, only watches sold to continental US buyers are eligible. Note that only watches sold on ebay.com are eligible.

2. Handbags

Handbags sold for $500 or above in the Women’s Bags & Handbags categories are eligible, handbags also sold in the Bags Category under Men’s Accessories are also eligible. Watches must be sold in an auction or fixed priced listing to be eligible. Also, these watches must be sold to a buyer having a United States shipping address.

3. Sneakers

For new condition sneakers, a minimum of $100 must be the Buy It Now price, or auction price. As long as the price of the sneaker is not less than $100, it is eligible for authentication.

For pre-owned condition sneakers, a minimum of $150 must be the But It Now price, or auction price. To make the sneakers eligible for authentication, it must not be sold for less than $150.

Customized sneakers are ineligible, a sneaker must be listed in the women or men athletic shoe categories to be eligible.

The sneakers must be sold on ebay.com to be eligible, it must also be sold so buyers having United States, Australian, or Canadian shipping address. Also learn How To Sell Video Games On eBay

4. Trading Cards

Trading card must have a Buy It Now minimum of $350, or auction of $350 minimum. A trading card will be eligible as long as it is not sold for any amount below $350.
Raw trading cards are eligible for authentication, trading cards that are graded are ineligible.
Autographed cards and cards containing embellishments, additional items, or memorabilia, are not eligible. Trading cards that are being shipped to a PO box, having in-store pickup, or local pickup as delivery option, are all not eligible.

What Brands Of Sneakers Are Eligible For eBay Authenticity Guarantee?

Here are the brands of sneakers that are eligible for authentication; MCM, Givenchy, Buscemi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino, Fendi, Burberry, RHUDE, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Y-3, Alexander McQueen, YEEZY SEASON, Golden Goose, Dior, Versace Visvim, Fear of God, A Bathing Ape, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Off-White, Chanel, Crocs, Maison Margiela, Reebok, Gucci, Vans, Yeezys, Balenciaga, Converse, Asics, Puma, Jordans, and New Balance

What Brands Of Handbags Are Eligible For eBay Authenticity Guarantee?

Brands like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Prada, Balenciaga, Fendi, Givenchy, Valentino, Goyard, and Chloe, are all eligible for the eBay authenticity guarantee.

What Types Of Trading Cards Are Eligible For eBay Authenticity Guarantee?

Here are the trading cards that are eligible; sport and non-sports trading card singles, collectible card game single cards.

How To Use eBay Authenticate

Items that are eligible for the eBay authenticity guarantee will have a blue Authenticity Guarantee check mark badge displaced under the description. The process of adding an item to the program is done automatically.
The blue badge will be seen by buyers both in the search results, checkout page, item view page, and purchase history page. See image below.

Once the item is sold, it must be sent to the authenticator’s address which will be made available by eBay. The item will be sent to the buyer after it must have been checked and confirmed as authentic.
Items sold for $750 or above require signature confirmation. Learn How To Sell Vinyl Records On eBay

How Long Does eBay Sneaker Authentication Take?

eBay sneaker authentication typically takes 2-4 business days. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the number of items being authenticated, the availability of authenticators, and any potential delays due to peak periods or unforeseen circumstances.

Once a seller ships the sneakers to eBay’s authentication center, eBay’s authenticators will inspect the item within two business days. If the sneakers pass the authenticity and condition inspection, they will be shipped to the buyer. If the sneakers fail the authentication or condition inspection, they will be returned to the seller.

Buyers can track the status of their authentication request by going to their My eBay Purchase History and clicking on the “View Order Details” link for the item they purchased. Sellers can track the status of their authentication request by going to the eBay Seller Center and clicking on the “My Orders” tab.

How Long Does eBay Handbag Authentication Take?

eBay handbag authentication typically takes 3 business days for the authenticator to inspect the item after receiving it. Once the item is authenticated, it will be shipped to the buyer via tracked express delivery.

The entire authentication process, from the time the seller ships the item to the time the buyer receives it, can take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days. However, it is important to note that this timeline is just an estimate and may vary depending on factors such as shipping times and the volume of items being authenticated. Read Why Is eBay Asking For Proof Of Purchase

How Long Does eBay Watches Authentication Take?

Once a buyer purchases an eligible watch, the seller is required to ship it to eBay’s authentication partner, who will inspect the watch to ensure that it is authentic. The authentication process typically takes two business days.

Once the watch has been authenticated, it will be shipped to you with two-day secure delivery including signature confirmation. This means that you should receive your watch within two business days of the authentication process being completed.

Please note that this is just a general timeline, and the actual amount of time it takes for the authentication process to be completed may vary depending on factors such as the shipping time and the workload of the authentication partner.

How Long Does eBay Trading Card Authentication Take?

In general, you can expect the eBay trading card authentication process to take 1-2 business days. Once you have purchased an eligible trading card on eBay, the seller will need to ship it to the authentication facility.

Once the card is received at the facility, it will be inspected by a team of experts. The experts will look for a variety of factors, including the card’s construction, printing quality, and overall condition.

Once the authentication process is complete, the card will be shipped to the buyer or seller, depending on the outcome of the authentication. If the card is found to be authentic, it will be shipped to the buyer. If the card is found to be not authentic, it will be returned to the seller. Read How To Sell VeRO Items On eBay

eBay Sneaker Authentication Fees

There are no additional fees for eBay sneaker authentication. eBay covers the cost of authentication, as well as fast, tracked delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.

This is a recent change, as eBay previously charged a fee for sneaker authentication. However, eBay removed this fee in early 2023 in order to make it more affordable for sellers to use the service and to provide buyers with additional peace of mind.

In order to be eligible for eBay sneaker authentication, sneakers must be listed in the men’s or women’s athletic shoes, boys’ shoes, girls’ shoes, unisex kids’ shoes or baby shoes categories. They must also be in new or pre-owned condition and starting at $75 (with the exception of sneakers listed in the baby shoes category, with eligibility starting at $100).

If your sneaker listing meets the eligibility requirements, you will see the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue check mark badge next to your listing. This means that buyers will be able to purchase your sneakers with confidence, knowing that they will be authenticated before they are shipped.

What Happens If eBay Says Your Shoes Are Fake?

If eBay says your shoes are fake, they will be returned to you and the buyer will receive a full refund. eBay also has a number of other policies in place to deal with counterfeit items, including removing the counterfeit item from the eBay marketplace, issuing a warning or suspension to the seller, banning the seller from eBay in severe cases, or reporting the seller to law enforcement authorities

eBay takes counterfeit items very seriously, as they can damage the buyer experience and undermine the reputation of the eBay marketplace. If you are selling on eBay, it is important to make sure that you are only selling authentic items.

If you believe that eBay has mistakenly determined that your shoes are fake, you can contact eBay customer support to appeal the decision. However, if eBay upholds its original decision, you will be responsible for the cost of shipping the shoes back to the buyer. Read How To Open Unpaid Item Case On eBay

eBay Authenticity Guarantee Handbags

eBay Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags is available for a wide range of handbags from popular brands such as Valentino, Goyard, Chanel, Fendi, Givenchy, Celine, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Prada, Balenciaga, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chloe.

To be eligible for the service, handbags must be listed in the women’s handbags & wallets category on eBay.com and have a starting price of at least $750.

eBay Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags is a service that helps buyers and sellers ensure that handbags are authentic before they are purchased or sold. The service is provided by third-party authentication companies, such as Authenticate First and Entrupy.

Once you have purchased an eligible handbag on eBay, the seller will need to ship it to the authentication facility. Once the handbag is received at the facility, it will be inspected by a team of experts. The experts will look for a variety of factors, including the handbag’s construction, stitching, materials, and overall condition.

There is no additional cost for eBay Authenticity Guarantee for Handbags. eBay covers the cost of authentication, as well as fast, tracked delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.

eBay Authentication Hub

eBay Authentication Hub is a facility where eligible items are shipped to be authenticated by experts before being shipped to the buyer. eBay currently has two Authentication Hubs, one in Las Vegas, Nevada and the other in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

There is a team of expert authenticators are each of these authentication hubs to verify and authenticate items. Also learn How To Print Packing Slip eBay

Where Is eBay Shoe Authentication Located?

eBay Shoe Authentication is located in two centers in the United States:

• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Astoria, New Jersey

The exact address of the authentication center that your shoes will be shipped to will depend on the buyer’s location. Once you sell a pair of shoes that is eligible for eBay Authenticity Guarantee, eBay will provide you with the shipping address of the authentication center.

Please note that eBay Shoe Authentication is currently only available for buyers and sellers located in the United States.

eBay Authenticity Guarantee Delay

eBay Authenticity Guarantee delays can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• High volume: During peak shopping seasons or when new items are released, the authentication centers may experience a high volume of items to be authenticated. This can lead to delays in the authentication process.
• Shipping delays: If the item is shipped to or from the authentication center using an economy shipping method, it may take longer to arrive.
• Technical issues: The authentication centers may experience technical issues from time to time, which can also lead to delays.
• Item-specific issues: If the item is damaged or if there is a question about its authenticity, the authentication process may take longer.

What Should I Do If eBay Authentication Delays?

According to reviews by several buyers, the best approach to take is to contact eBay customer service and report the delay in your authentication.

Below are the few things you can do if the eBay authentication delays:

1. Contact eBay customer support. Let them know about the delay and ask for an update on your item’s status. They may be able to provide you with more information about the reason for the delay and when you can expect to receive your item.
2. Be patient. eBay authentication delays can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a high volume of items being authenticated, staffing shortages, or technical issues. eBay is working to improve the authentication process and reduce delays, but in the meantime, it’s important to be patient and understanding.
3. Communicate with the buyer. If you’re the seller, let the buyer know about the delay and apologize for any inconvenience. Keep them updated on the status of the authentication process and when they can expect to receive their item.