EBay : Launches Authentication Service for Luxury Handbags

When buyers shop for a designer item, it only takes a bit of doubt to keep them from purchasing-and that's not surprising, given the amount of replicas on the market and the significant cost of authentic designer goods. To make sure they're getting the real deal, buyers might spend a significant amount of time assessing the item, looking for clues that it's authentic, and evaluating the trustworthiness of the seller and the selling platform before making a purchase. Even then, they might have enough lingering doubt to keep them from purchasing.

For sellers, the experience has been nearly as complex. While some sellers have become experts in certain brands, they might lack expertise in others. Plus, they might worry about returns from buyers falsely claiming an item is not authentic.eBay Authenticate was designed to alleviate the guesswork for both buyers and sellers, protect sellers from fraud, and attract more buyers to shop with confidence on eBay.

Sellers who use eBay Authenticate will have their items vetted and inspected by a professional authenticator. The listing will indicate that the item is authentic-and backed by a 200% guarantee-which will help increase buyer confidence, reduce the buyer's perception of risk, and reduce the number of buyer questions. For sellers, eBay Authenticate will provide protection from scammers who falsely claim inauthenticity.

Here's how it works:

• Sellers opt in when they start listing an eligible item handbag on eBay.
• Sellers ship their item to experts for free (mail-in or drop-off at a participating FedEx Office).
• Independent industry experts verify the item's authenticity, then photograph and list it.
• When the item sells, it is shipped to the buyer in luxe packaging with a card stating the item's authenticity.
• A 20% fee is deducted from the selling price, and the seller receives the remaining 80%. For a limited time (until January 31, 2018), sellers receive 90% of the selling price.

eBay Authenticate is powered by industry experts who carefully verify each item's authenticity using both the item's digital fingerprint and a careful examination of the item.

For now, eBay Authenticate is available only to select sellers, starting with luxury handbags and wallets. The program will expand to other items and a wider group of sellers and categories in 2018. Brands eligible for the program include: Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Céline, Fendi, Christian Dior, Prada, Goyard, Balenciaga, Burberry, and Valentino.

Another feature soon to come: If a seller hasn't opted into the authentication program, the buyer can elect to have the item inspected. In this case, the buyer pays the fee, but otherwise, the process is the same.

eBay Authenticate was designed to increase buy-in and consumer trust in eBay purchases and give sellers greater confidence in selling luxury items. For sellers, it uncomplicates the process of selling a luxury item. The experts do all the work of verifying the item's authenticity, listing it, and shipping it. Sellers get the boost of having their item authenticated by experts and backed by a 200% money-back guarantee. For buyers, it's a no-brainer-they can shop with confidence knowing the item is authentic.

For a limited time, try eBay Authenticate for a reduced fee. Through January 31, 2018, sellers receive 90% of the final selling price.