Everything You Need to Know About eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for Cards

With an average of one sports trading card purchased every second and popular categories like tennis and soccer surging by 1797% and 852% respectively, eBay’s trading cards category is growing at a significant pace. Of course, as popularity in the space grows there also comes the need to protect those actively participating. Initially rolled out for high-value categories such as sneakers, watches and handbags, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service has expanded to trading cards.

Interested in learning more? Well, we connected with eBay to get the answers you need.

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay is known for actively listening to their community of collectors and is constantly investing in new enhancements to provide the best experiences for trading card buyers and sellers. The latest update eBay has brought to this community is the expansion of eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service to trading cards – an industry first in terms of size and scale. It’s a peace of mind—for buyers and sellers.

The program ensures accuracy so enthusiasts can buy and sell with total confidence, further solidifying the marketplace as a top, trusted destination for buying and selling high-value items. Authenticity Guarantee is designed to deliver total reassurance and trust to trading card enthusiasts who are buying and selling high value cards.

Why is eBay doing this?

In a recent interview with Sports Card Investor founder Geoff Wilson, eBay’s director of trading cards Bob Means noted that “Collectibles” is an incredibly popular category on the marketplace and one where the company has seen a surge in interest as people view their collectible items as alternative assets – particularly trading cards.

While some of its competitors check for fakes and counterfeits, eBay is changing the game by introducing the industry’s first trading cards authentication service using independent authenticators. “Our goal at eBay is to be the most trusted source in the business and we’ve heard directly from our community that Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards is valuable,” said Means. “We will continue to actively build upon our offerings to accommodate market trends and ensure a seamless user experience that provides our community with a trusted marketplace.”

How does the Authenticity Guarantee process work?

Let’s say you bought a 2003 Topps LeBron James card for $750. After you purchase, the card then begins its journey – no questions asked. (Every service-eligible card will have an “Authenticity Guarantee” label, including a blue checkmark.) Your ’03 Topps is sent to a team of third-party authenticators at Certified Collectibles Group – including its affiliates, CGC Trading Cards and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) – for a comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection. The authenticators reference an extensive database, inspect the overall condition and general quality of the card, and check it against the listing description to ensure accuracy and authenticity. If everything looks good with the inspection, the LeBron James card will receive an attached e-tag featuring a unique QR code on the cards protective packaging before being shipped directly to you. Scan the QR code on any mobile device to learn more about the card and its authentication journey.

How long does it take for a card to go through the authentication process?

After a buyer purchases an eligible card, the seller is required to send it to the authentication facility, where the Certified Collectibles Group inspects the item within one to two business days of receipt. Once the inspection is complete, the card is then sent to the buyer with trackable, four-day shipping. Tracking information is available on eBay’s Purchase History page, where the buyer can follow the shipment and see exactly where it is in the authentication process. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee service, buyers also receive an order update email once the card goes through inspection.

How will Authenticity Guarantee look in the future?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards could become a part of just about every collector’s life sooner rather than later as the value of cards that require authentication will soon fall from $500 to $250. Additionally, by mid-2022, the service will expand to include graded, autograph and patch cards.

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