Authentication??? Don't Recall Signing Up

[jodieblue57]

This is something new to me because I seldom have a sale. However, one of my jewelry  listings sold and it is going to be shipped to EBay authentication center where it will be examined before going to buyer. When did this come about? Is this something being offered to buyers automatically and who is responsible for paying for that service?

[tinsoldierunderground]

@jodieblue57 

It's been this way for a while now.  I believe the process is triggered by an item's  category and selling price.

For example Rolex watches or high end designer hand bags, etc.  As you might expect, there's been a number of complaints about the service as well. 

[redmodelt]

Authentication has been a thing for a few years now on certain items. These links should help understand what is going one. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/using-authentication-grading-services?id=4659&st=3&pos...

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling-tools/selling-authenticity-guarantee?id=4644&st=3&pos=4&qu...

[worldcoinauctions]

At a certain price point the item goes to authentication. I think, off the top of my head, it is $500. If it is OK and they send it on I think you are protected against INAD claims, if they find it not to be genuine they send it back to you and refund the buyer.

[bonjourami]

The authentication service started five years ago. The service is free for jewelry items at $500 or more. If the price is below that, buyers can pay for the service with a $40 fee, which is added on at check out.The authenticators will ship the item to the buyer if it passes authentication, and you will be notified of that. If it doesnt pass, it will be shipped back to you, the seller,and the buyer will be notified that it didnt pass.

[gurlcat]

Fine jewelry over $500.  





https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling-tools/selling-authenticity-guarantee?id=4644&st=3&pos=1&qu...

[jodieblue57]

Sounds like just more chance of it getting lost in the mail and a way for EBay to make a little more cash off of the deal. 

[monica-sells]

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@jodieblue57 wrote:

Sounds like just more chance of it getting lost in the mail and a way for EBay to make a little more cash off of the deal. 

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curious...how do they make ca$h off the deal for items requiring the service? Do you pay for it?

If it gets "lost" in the mail, you have insurance that reimburses you the cost of the item......

[adamcartwright]

@jodieblue57 

Did you not notice the authentication stamp on your listing?

I've had a number of sales authenticated in different categories.

It's worked out great. No complaints.

[12345jamesstamps]

It's a buyer's protection...not all buyers can detect a real diamond or real gold or silver and so on.

I can't tell a real diamond from a man-made diamond.

[hotwheelsbum · Accepted solution]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

...not all buyers can detect a real diamond or real gold or silver and so on.

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Exact same thing can be said about a lot of the ebay "Authenticator's" also.......😄

[jodieblue57]

@12345jamesstamps 

Yeah, my thinking, as well! Just another ploy for EBay to line their pockets.

[jodieblue57]

@adamcartwright 

I didn't before this sale, but, have now looked at other listings and see it.

[jodieblue57]

@monica-sells 

They will surely have buyers willing to pay for authentication even when it is not required. That's how they make a little extra.

[gurlcat]

I don't know where you're getting this idea that it lines eBay's pockets with extra money. Anyway if you don't like it, either lower your prices below $500 so the authentication doesn't apply, or take your pieces to a pawn shop or some other venue.