Compare and contrast: eBay announced an authentication program for luxury handbags this week – but how is it different from the program it launched in 2017? (And whatever happened to that program?)
Here’s what eBay announced today:
“As the marketplace’s luxury categories continue to gain momentum with recent quarter over quarter growth, eBay announces the expansion of its Authenticity Guarantee service to include handbags. Beginning today, new and pre-owned handbags sold for more than $500 from 16 prominent luxury brands, including Saint Laurent, Gucci, Celine, Balenciaga, among others, will be professionally authenticated. The announcement builds on eBay’s authentication program, which initially launched with luxury watches $2,000+ and was fast followed by sneakers $100+ in late 2020.”
In January 2017, sellers had discussed an eBay authentication program that launched that month. At the time, we explained, “eBay is launching an authentication program called eBay Authenticate for high-end merchandise, such as designer handbags. Sellers will have the option of opting into the service when listing a product, for which they pay a fee.” eBay officially announced eBay Authenticate that October.
If you’ve had experience using eBay authentication, let us know the pros and cons and if you would use it again – we’d be interested to learn what buyers think versus sellers.
In the meantime, you can find more information and FAQs about the Authenticity Guarantee service on this page.
LOL. What a JOKE like all of eBay’s other authentication programs. And just who are these esteemed authenticators? A bunch of hourly employees who would be working fast food otherwise. Why don’t eBay authenticate their executives, managers and CEO instead? You know, hire people who have actual common sense?
I found this email from eBay quite amusing.
A couple of weeks ago I was looking to purchase a Michael Kors Lauryn handbag on eBay or any website that had one in white.
I carry this bag currently in several colors but wanted white because my white bag needs replacing.
When I couldn’t find white after a while I started considering a different light shade.
I found a new with tags one being offered in light tan for $129
I made a ridiculous offer of $99 and it was accepted.
The main photo in the lusting was a stick photo.
What I received was not a Michael Kors Lauryn handbag but a faux leather bag that did not even resemble a Lauryn bag.
It had Michael Kors tag that said Lauryn but it was not a MK or Lauryn bag.
I used to sell Michael Kors so I know my bags.
I requested a return stating not as described defective counterfeit.
The buyer replies we don’t accept returns all sales final.
I contacted eBay. They gave me a timetable in which they could act. I followed the time table. They told the seller provide a return label by Sunday or the buyer will be reimbursed without a return.
The label she produced was illegible and too small. A call to eBay they saw the label issue without me even ssujbg but said call back tomorrow.
Nothing was ever done about the label issue and eBay put the case on hold for another week.
By this time I was very frustrated and went to my bank who issued me a refund,
I did not want the bag so being a photographer I used my software and was able to work the label so it could be used.
I returned the bag and left appropriate feedback.
In this process I received many emails from this seller using profanity.
I asked EbaY what their policies are they said they made note of it.
I am an eBay seller for 22 years as well as an Amazon seller and I know without a doubt that seller would be suspended on Amazon
But on eBay they continue to sell their counterfeit bags.
In addition while searching I realized that eBay is loaded with counterfeit Michael Kors.
Bags what were discontinued 10 years ago a whole lot of sellers have a never enfing supply of.
They are even offering discounts if you buy 1, 2, 3 or more of that bag.
You know they have to be counterfeit and it’s being allowed.
So this email of authenticity from eBay is a joke.
The site is full of counterfeits.