Buying with Authenticity Guarantee

On eBay.co.uk, Authenticity Guarantee is currently available for sneakers - opens in new window or tab, handbags and other luxury accessories - opens in new window or tab, watches - opens in new window or tab and jewellery - opens in new window or tab, for items sent to a delivery address in the UK. Check out each category for details on eligibility criteria, FAQs, and terms and conditions.

You can tell if an item is eligible for the programme by looking for the Authenticity Guarantee - opens in new window or tab tick badge on the listing and in search results.

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You can use the Authenticity Guarantee filter when shopping to help you find items with this service.

How Authenticity Guarantee works

When you purchase an eligible item, the seller sends it to an authentication facility, instead of sending it to you directly. Our authenticators are experts with specialist knowledge of their respective product categories.

Once they receive the item, the authenticators verify that the contents of the package are consistent with the seller's listing. They then perform a thorough, physical inspection for authenticity. Any packaging and accessories included in the purchase are also reviewed for authenticity. Inspections are generally completed within 2 business days.

If the item passes inspection, it's repackaged and sent on to you with fast, tracked delivery. As an extra layer of security for high value items, you may receive a unique PIN from the carrier, which you'll be asked to provide on parcel delivery. The authenticated item is accompanied by a card or tag that confirms it has been verified by the authenticator.

Fees and costs for Authenticity Guarantee

For most categories, eBay covers the costs of the Authenticity Guarantee service, including both the expert inspection and delivery from the authentication facility to you.

• For sneakers, buyers will pay a flat delivery fee of £8.95

Items that won't be authenticated

Even if a listing has the Authenticity Guarantee tick badge, purchases won't be eligible for the programme if:

• Your delivery address is outside the UK
• You don't complete checkout and pay on eBay
• You purchase the item on an eBay site where Authenticity Guarantee isn't available (e.g. eBay.fr)
• The seller sends the item directly to you, instead of to the authentication facility

When your item reaches the authenticators, there may be instances where they are unable to provide our full authentication service, for example if the item was listed in the wrong category (e.g. a pair of boots from an eligible brand listed in a sneaker category).

In these situations, the authenticator will be able to verify that the item's condition matches the listing, but may not be able to verify its authenticity. If we send the item on to you, we'll clearly indicate if it wasn't eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

If an issue is found during inspection

If the authenticity of an item can't be verified, or the item's condition is not consistent with the listing, it won't be sent on to you and you'll get your money back.

Sometimes, an item passes our authenticity checks but there's a minor discrepancy with its listing. For example, the item is not in its original packaging, there's a minor mark that wasn't mentioned in the listing, or it's missing an accessory that was part of the listing.

If this happens, we'll get in touch with you. We'll let you know the details, provide any relevant pictures, and ask you to confirm whether you'd still like to go ahead with the purchase.

• If you choose to go ahead, we'll send it on to you as an authenticated item. Your purchase will still be eligible for eBay Money Back Guarantee
• If you decline the item (or we don't hear back from you within the time frame provided), we'll return it to the seller and you'll get a refund

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You can track your item throughout the authentication process in your Purchases - opens in new window or tab. If we contact you about your Authenticity Guarantee purchase, you'll also see this in your Messages - opens in new window or tab, including the time frame to get back to us.

Returns with Authenticity Guarantee

If you've changed your mind about an authenticated item, check the listing in your Purchases - opens in new window or tab to see if the seller accepts returns and, if so, how long you have to request a return.

In the unlikely event that you receive an item that does not match the listing, you may be eligible for eBay Money Back Guarantee. This means you can return it even if the seller doesn't accept returns.

When you're returning an item, we'll give you a return postage label to send it back to the authenticator. They'll check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories. Once the item has been re-inspected, you'll receive a full refund and the item will be returned to the seller.

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item that was originally authenticated, or is not in the same condition as when it was authenticated, the item will be sent back to you and you won't receive a refund. Learn more about our Condition of returned items policy.