eBay's Authenticity Guarantee program - suddenly disappeared - where did it go?

[shopsquared]

I've seen a huge jump in shoe sales likely attributed to eBay's authenticity guarantee (AG) program. Further eBay's offer to waive final value fees is a big bonus. However, I've seen a ton of bugs with the system and significant delays, negative buyer feedback, even eBay's customer service dept not having a clue how to manage these issues. When I woke up today to fulfill my orders I had 5-6 sales that should have qualified for the AG program, yet shipped directly to the end consumer rather than the authenticator. When I look on eBay's broader marketplace it appears the AG program has completely gone away/disappeared without any seller notification or email. Has anyone else had the same issue - what happened? 

[valueaddedresource]

What were the prices on those sales? eBay seems to have made an unannounced change upping the price point for authentication from $100 to $150 for new condition.  https://pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-sneakers-seller/ 

[shopsquared]

$100 to $120 - thanks for sharing. Odd.

[valueaddedresource]

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@shopsquared wrote:

$100 to $120 - thanks for sharing. Odd.

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You're welcome @shopsquared !

Odd is one word for it - I personally have a few different words in mind, but they probably wouldn't pass the community standards. 🤣

[marcoriley]

Yes, same thing happened to me. Have a bunch of listings that used to be covered by program and now all the sudden they are not. You would think they would have notified people!

Separately, I just posted a problem with a few packages that are stuck at the authenticator for 2 weeks AFTER it was authenticated and tracking provided. Ebay customer service doesn't seem to even understand how the program works. They are clearly having problems with the volume. 

[brittanie@ebay]

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@shopsquared wrote:

I've seen a huge jump in shoe sales likely attributed to eBay's authenticity guarantee (AG) program. Further eBay's offer to waive final value fees is a big bonus. However, I've seen a ton of bugs with the system and significant delays, negative buyer feedback, even eBay's customer service dept not having a clue how to manage these issues. When I woke up today to fulfill my orders I had 5-6 sales that should have qualified for the AG program, yet shipped directly to the end consumer rather than the authenticator. When I look on eBay's broader marketplace it appears the AG program has completely gone away/disappeared without any seller notification or email. Has anyone else had the same issue - what happened? 

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@shopsquared - Sorry for the delay in getting you an answer. You got some good information below from our community members, but I did want to clarify. 

eBay is experiencing an explosion in demand for sneakers and a huge surge in orders that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. As a result of all the excitement in this category, we have decided to temporarily raise the threshold on eligible sneakers to $150. This change is only temporary, and our teams are working around the clock to carefully inspect each pair so we can return to the $100 threshold.

The disappearance of Authenticity Guarantee was a glitch that has been resolved; however, if any items sold under the current $150 threshold, they would correctly not go through the Authenticity program.

[qgrqugr.bvuaddd]

I'm about stop dealing with ebay as a whole.

[golfandsneakers]

I have two pairs of shoes for sale right now, both over the $150 threshold and only one has the authentication icon/video etc? 

[valueaddedresource]

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@golfandsneakers wrote:

I have two pairs of shoes for sale right now, both over the $150 threshold and only one has the authentication icon/video etc? 

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@golfandsneakers  just a wild shot in the dark, but I'm wondering if having the word "lot" in that one is what is kicking it out of authentication?

eBay does not include "lot" listings in authentication program - meaning listings where you are selling multiple pairs of shoes all together in a group. Given the state of eBay's AI these days, it would not surprise me if it's just picking up on that keyword and excluding it, but again that's just a guess on my part.

Maybe try relisting without that and see if that works?

[golfandsneakers]

That was it exactly, the “lot” on all the off white dunks seem to be screwing with the authenticity badge. Thank you!!!!

[valueaddedresource]

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@golfandsneakers wrote:

That was it exactly, the “lot” on all the off white dunks seem to be screwing with the authenticity badge. Thank you!!!!

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@golfandsneakers  you're welcome! Glad that worked. 👍

[simply-the-best-for-you]

This is from 2021.

[warcraftnick]

Hi Brittanie. 

I recently purchased a pair of Reebok Allen Iverson I3 shoes which have the “Authenticity Guarantee”. I received my item, however, I never received an authenticity card or tag. After a 35 minute (exactly) phone call with Dina, I ended up asking to return my shoes. The cost before shipping is $260. Dina stated that I needed to contact the seller to resolve my concern. Based on eBay’s policy, customers are not allowed (and the system will not let you) to contact the seller if an item is sold as “Authenticity Guaranteed.” Strike 1. Dina also told me “rest assured they are authentic.” Strike 2. I asked to be forwarded the same email I have received in the past which states (on other shoe purchases) they have passed eBays verification process. I was told that would not happen because of privacy laws. I was told that “this is a trusted seller and the shoes are authentic.” The brand of shoes I purchased are Reebok. Based on eBays policy, these shoes should have been shipped to eBay, verified, and then sent to me. This did not happen. Now, here comes the real ugly part… When I asked to return this item, based on eBay’s policy, I have to ship them back to eBay TO BE AUTHENTICATED BEFORE THEY ARE SENT BACK TO THE SELLER!!! How ironic is that? There is a massive problem with order number 17-09129-82193. I sincerely hope this gets resolved. And based off the recent experience with my 35 minute phone call, I honestly can’t see myself ever buying shoes on eBay again. Sorry eBay. It has been a fun ride since 2006.