Are eBay Authentication Delays Getting Worse?
eBay says Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards, sneakers, watches and jewelry builds trust for buyers, leading to a boom in sales in key "enthusiast categories" but are long delays and inconsistent results chasing buyers away?
Many users are reporting over week long delays at eBay's authentication centers or partners, when the program promises a 2 day turnaround time for most orders.
Card was received by authenticator (PSA) on January 2. Card is still sitting there and has not been authenticated yet[January 8th]. Supposedly it should be in and out in 1 to 2 business days. Any ideas what's going on? I purchased another card that was in on Jan 2 and out on the 4th.
Buyer made purchase on Dec 30th. I shipped and it arrived at the Hub Jan 5th. I've not noticed any updates since. It has only been 5 days in the hands of the authenticators, but that seems to be more than enough time to authenticate a graded card. I am worried if it continues to be delayed the buyer will take it out on me.
I sent a product since December 28 today is January 6 and my product is still being authenticated so my money is being held. Can someone tell me is this normal because why is authentication taking so long everywhere I look it says that authentication takes 2 to 3 days it’s been way longer than that.
I shipped an item that had to be authenticated and the tracking shows that it’s still with the authenticator. It’s been a long time and both the buyer and I have been waiting for the item to be released. How do we get the item shipped to the seller and the funds released to the seller? And if the item is not released, how do both the seller and buyer get reimbursed?
I wanted to know if anyone has any delay with their watch purchase during authentication lately?
I purchased a watch and authentication got it on the 16th[November]. Ebay stated that watch authentication is usually 2 business days. It’s been 5 business days going on 6 now with no updates.
I don’t even have any way to contact eBay for an updates.
Just want to know if this is usual? I also understand It’s Thanksgiving but the watch should have been shipped way before it hit Thanksgiving.
While it's possible eBay have simply a hit a holiday driven backlog in their authentication services, we've been seeing increasing reports of delays and problems even before the holidays, like these examples from September.
Hello -- I bought an item on Sept 18, it arrived at Authenticator on Sept 20, and now nothing. EBay should have some sort of status, once at authenticator... not just who sold it. So what stage, processing, package review, package authenticated, package status update, package sent, tracking number on route?
Currently, I have no idea what is going on. Just says delivered, to the authenticator.
What can a buyer do?
Been reading everywhere that it usually takes 2 business days for shoes to be authenticated. Now, it's been 8 days and eBay has opened up a ticket saying the shoes might be lost.
Any ideas what is going on? Any stories on stolen goods at the Authenticity hub?
Your item is being inspected.
We'll update you as soon as more info is available.We'll update you as soon as more info is available.Sep 16, 2023
12:32pm PDT
Arrived at hub, Moonachie
SignedSep 16, 2023
12:06pm PDT
Out for delivery to hub
Many eBay Authenticity Guaranteed sales go off without a hitch, but negative experiences have also left many buyers and sellers wary of using the program or at least wishing it was voluntary, rather than required for certain brands/items at certain price points.
Liz Morton
The program for jewelry has been particularly frustrating for many users as items which are rejected for "failing" authentication rarely come with any explanation and sellers call into question the expertise if eBay's partner authenticators.
Liz Morton
There have also been many shipping problems reported with trading cards and sneakers, particularly concerning eBay's use of GLS for west coast sneaker shipping.
Liz Morton
Are you experiencing delays or other issues with eBay authentication services? Let us know in the comments below!
eBay has responded to my BBB complaint twice. The first time they told me that I deserved below standard because my shipping scans were below the threshold. However, I had to quote their own website to them saying that shipping numbers cannot lead to downgrade to Below Standard.
The second response they just said I would be restored on May 20th completely ignoring the issue at hand, admitting an issue existed, or offering any type of solution.
If this concerns you, this happened to you, or worried it may happen, please take action. In fact, take action anytime eBay is doing somethning wrong. They will change nothing if you don't say anything. If enough people speak up, they do make changes.