eBay Authenticity Guarantee for sellers: what qualifies and how it works
If your listing shows a blue Authenticity Guarantee check mark, you won’t ship that sale straight to the buyer. It goes to independent authenticators first. eBay says sellers aren’t charged for authentication, and returns are inspected before they come back to you. Here’s how it works for the main categories, from eBay’s seller pages.
Which items qualify
| Category | Authentication | Buyer’s optional add-on |
|---|---|---|
| Watches | Eligible wristwatches $2,000+ | $500–$1,999.99 — buyer pays $80 plus tax |
| Handbags & accessories | Eligible items $500+ | $200–$499.99 — buyer can add it for a fee |
| Trading cards | Single ungraded or graded cards $200+ | — |
| Sneakers | Eligible sneakers (the blue check mark shows on the listing) | — |
The check mark is added automatically to eligible listings — you don’t opt in. Rules differ by category and change over time, so trust the badge on your listing and your order details.
How it works
- List the item. If it qualifies, the blue badge appears.
- When it sells, ship it to the authenticator, not the buyer. For sneakers, eBay gives you a free FedEx label; for trading cards, you ship to PSA.
- The authenticator checks the item matches your title, description and photos, then inspects it — movement, case and serial number on watches; hardware and packaging on bags; box, labels, soles and stitching on sneakers.
- Verified items get a tag or card with a QR code or NFC chip, and go to the buyer — 3-day, signature-required for watches and for handbags over $750; sneakers $750+ need a signature too.
Graded cards aren’t regraded — PSA authenticates the case and label.
Why it helps sellers
- Verified returns: if the buyer returns the item, authenticators inspect it before it comes back to you — protection against switched or damaged returns.
- Seller protection if a buyer claims the item doesn’t match the listing.
- Buyers trust the badge, which matters on high-value items.
Avoid problems
- Describe condition exactly and photograph flaws — the authenticator compares the item to your listing.
- Include everything shown in the listing (box, papers, accessories).
- Pack it well — it travels twice.
For Authenticity Guarantee items, the “Issue with buyer’s address” cancellation reason isn’t available — see how to cancel an eBay order. For high-value sales, check what you keep with the eBay fee calculator.