eBay Targets Gen Z With Edgy "Never Get F*ked Over" Ad

eBay is looking to shed its outdated image with Gen Z with an "edgy" new ad campaign promoting authentication, according to Ad Age (paywall).

EBay targets Gen Z with first brand campaign in three years

EBay is out with its first brand campaign in three years as it seeks to position itself to younger Gen Z customers as a trusted e-commerce brand amid a sea of counterfeits.

Ad AgeAd Age

New work positions company as a trusted e-commerce brand amid a sea of counterfeits.

Founded nearly three decades ago, eBay is older than many of the Gen Z customers it is trying to court. That’s why the San Jose, California-based company, which got its start in 1995, is reintroducing itself to younger consumers as a trusted source for luxury goods.

“Everyone Deserves Real,” eBay’s first brand campaign in three years, debuts today on streaming platforms and online video.

A 30-second spot highlights the reality behind many of the campaigns and products seen on digital media. “In a world full of fakes, how do you avoid buying fake items?” a voiceover asks, with the message “Never get f*ked over again.” The video switches to clips showcasing eBay’s team of authenticators who ensure that high-end items like watches, sneakers and jewels are actually from the brands they claim. The spot closes with text that reads, “ebay. Authenticity Guarantee.”

Spoiler alert - the * is supposed to be an A, as in "never get faked over again"...not that other word they were obviously alluding to. 😉

It looks like eBay has also created a "hub" on the site to be the Everyone Deserves Real landing page.

Everyone Deserves Real products for sale | eBay

Get the best deals on Everyone Deserves Real when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices.

eBay

Sellers in the eBay community (not typically the target demographic for this ad) were unimpressed, calling the campaign juvenile.

Finally! ebay launches first marketing campaign in three years! Today’s AdAge ---

“ebay targets Gen Z with first brand campaign in three years” That’s the Headline from AdAge Dec 19, 2022 (unfortunately, behind a PayWall, and I don’t have a subscription) According to the article, ebay is “reintroducing itself to younger consumers as a trusted source for luxury goods.” The cam…

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"In a world full of fakes, how do you avoid buying fake items?” a voiceover asks, with the message “Never get f*ked over again."

Wow! Pretty blatant. Rather juvenile.🤔 JMO

If I was ever in the market for a fake or counterfeit item, eBay would be my first place to visit.

It's also a bit disappointing that this brand campaign is once again only focusing on the select vertical categories that offer authentication, leaving a majority of sellers on the platform behind.

Will eBay Holiday Marketing Go Beyond Select Verticals?

eBay sellers wonder will holiday ads go beyond verticals - sneakers, luxury, trading cards, refurb & car parts?

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Non-vertical sellers have been growing increasingly tired of CEO Jamie Iannone's exclusionary vertical strategy and this ad campaign is not likely to give those sellers the impression they are a valued and important part of the eBay brand.

Sellers Grow Weary of eBay’s Vertical Strategy Focus

Sellers are losing patience with vertical focus, calling it exclusionary. Is CEO Jamie Iannone paying attention?

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

As to the claims that Authenticity Guaranteed will help Gen Z luxury shoppers avoid being "faked" over...I bet my friends over at The Counterfeit Report have some thoughts to share.

I've also reported on many issues with the authentication programs from both buyers and sellers.

eBay Sellers Frustrated With GIA Jewelry Authentication

3 months into eBay’s jewelry authentication program, sellers are frustrated & concerned with GIA rejections.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

eBay Uses GLS For West Coast Sneaker Shipping, Buyers Are Not Impressed

eBay uses GLS General Logistics Systems for authenticated sneaker shipping & buyers are not happy with the experience.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

eBay Drops Price For Trading Card Authentication, Shipping Problems Reported

eBay drops minimum price for trading card authentication, experiences growing pains with the new program.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

eBay Authenticity Guarantee Leaves Sellers Holding The Bag

As eBay pushes authentication for luxury handbags, sellers find fine print doesn’t provide protection they thought.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Problems With eBay Authenticity Guaranteed

eBay’s authentication program experiences pricing manipulation, delays, & mistakes causing frustration for buyers & sellers.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

What do you think of this new ad campaign? What has been your experience with eBay's authentication programs? Let us know in the comments below!