What Is eBay Authenticity Guarantee? All You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Automatic Eligibility & Badge Display

When an item qualifies for the eBay Authenticity Guarantee, a blue Authenticity Guarantee badge appears on the listing. Sellers do not need to opt into the program manually—once a listing meets eligibility (category, price, shipping, and other requirements), eBay adds the badge automatically.

Eligible listings typically include high-value items in categories like:

• Sneakers

• Luxury watches

• Handbags

• Jewelry

• Trading cards

• Streetwear and select apparel (expanding over time)

This badge signals to buyers that the item will be authenticated before delivery.

Buyer Purchases the Item

Once a buyer purchases an item with the Authenticity Guarantee badge, the standard transaction flow pauses. Instead of shipping the item to the buyer’s address, the seller must ship the item to a designated authentication facility.

Important points at this stage:

• The seller receives the authenticator’s address and a unique order ID.

• If using eBay-generated labels, the shipping information is automatically filled in.

• Sellers must upload tracking information to ensure protection and keep the process transparent.

Authentication Center Receives the Item

Once the item arrives at the authentication center, trained professionals perform a multi-point physical inspection. These authenticators are experts with specialist knowledge of their respective product categories.

The inspection typically includes:

• Detailed evaluation of materials, logos, and serial numbers

• Comparing item details with the seller’s listing description, title and images

• Confirming consistency with known authentic product traits

• Inspections are generally completed within 2 business days

For example, watches are checked for movement, dial, crown, and serial details, while trading cards are inspected for surface condition, edges, and authenticity markers.

Verification Outcome

There are two possible outcomes after inspection:

a. Item Passes Authentication

If the item is confirmed as authentic and matches the listing description:

• The authenticator packages it securely and may attach a tag or authentication card.

• A QR code or authentication document is often included, giving buyers additional verification information.

• The item is shipped directly to the buyer with 2 day secure delivery.

• Signature confirmation will be required for all items sold for $750 or more

This final delivery ensures the buyer receives a legitimate, authenticated product.

b. Item Fails Authentication

If the authenticator determines the item is not authentic or inconsistent with the listing:

• The item is not sent to the buyer.

• The buyer is refunded in full automatically.

• If the seller shipped the incorrect item or misrepresented the product, eBay may enforce additional actions.

This safeguard protects buyers from counterfeits or misdescribed merchandise.

Return & Re-Authentication (If Applicable)

Buyer-Focused (Returns for Authenticated Items)

If you decide to return an authenticated item, start by reviewing the listing in your Purchases to confirm the seller refund and return policy and the timeframe for submitting a request.

If the item you receive is significantly different from the listing—such as being damaged during transit—you may qualify for coverage under the eBay Money Back Guarantee, even if the seller does not normally accept returns. Please note that certain items are considered final sale and may have limited eligibility under this policy.

When a return is approved, eBay will provide a prepaid shipping label so you can send the item back to the authenticator. The authenticator will verify that the item matches the originally authenticated product and is returned in the same condition, including all accessories and original manufacturer tags. After successful verification, a full refund will be issued and the item will be sent back to the seller.

If the returned item does not match the authenticated product or shows signs of alteration or wear, it will be returned to you and no refund will be issued. For more details, refer to eBay’s Condition of Returned Items policy.

Seller-Focused (Returns for Authenticated Items)

If a buyer requests to return an authenticated item, the return terms you specified in the listing will apply. Authenticated items are generally protected under the eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided all eligibility requirements are met. Sellers are encouraged to review the full policy for complete coverage details.

For approved returns, the buyer sends the item back to the authentication facility rather than directly to you. The authenticator will confirm that the item is the same one originally authenticated and that it includes all original accessories and manufacturer tags. Once the item passes re-authentication, it will be shipped back to you and the buyer’s refund will be completed.

In some cases, eBay may issue a refund to the buyer once the return shipment is confirmed. If this happens, the refund amount will not be deducted from your account until the item has been successfully returned to you.

Tracking & Transparency

Throughout the process, both buyers and sellers can track status updates:

• Orders appear in eBay’s “View Order Details” section with current status (e.g., “Sent to Authenticator,” “Authenticated,” “Shipped to Buyer”).

• Tracking numbers are visible once the seller ships to the authentication center and again once the authenticator ships to the buyer.

This transparency helps sellers monitor progress and buyers know when to expect delivery.