eBay extends sneaker authentication to kids’ brands

eBay is responding to rapid growth in demand for kids’ sneakers by expanding the reach of its authentication service.

The e-commerce giant is now including new and pre-owned children’s sneakers sold for $100 or more from more than 40 leading brands, including Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Off-White, Golden Goose, and Converse, to the sneaker authentication service it launched in October 2020. 

According to eBay, demand for kids’ sneakers on its platform is growing rapidly in 2023. All eligible kids’ sneakers in infant, toddler and kids sizing will now go through the same authentication process adult size shoes undergo at eBay’s authentication facility.  

How it works

When a qualifying kids’ sneakers purchase is made, the seller ships it directly to eBay's authentication facility for a comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection:

• Multi-point inspection: Expert authenticators verify the box, sizing labels, soles, stitching, logos, heel tabs, laces, and more against the seller’s listing description.
• Proof of authentication: Once a pair is verified as authentic, the left sneaker receives a unique NFC‑enabled tag that provides detailed authentication information about each pair. The tag also makes it easy to re-list the sneaker on eBay in the future. 
• Shipping: The sneakers are sent via expedited shipping to the buyer.
• Verified returns: For sellers who choose to offer returns, eBay's authentication program ensures the exact item initially sold is returned to the seller, via a verified returns process. Returns are shipped back directly to the authentication center, where authentication experts verify each item and its condition before returning to the seller.

In October 2021, eBay acquired the authentication business of Sneaker Con, a sneaker authenticator with operations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Germany. The acquisition was an extension of an ongoing collaboration between eBay and Sneaker Con to support the e-tailer’s sneaker authentication services.

In addition to sneakers, eBay offers authentication services for streetwear, luxury watches, luxury handbags, luxury items directly from brands and authorized resellers, and sports memorabilia. 

eBay seeks to inspire trust

In addition to expanding its authenticity services, the e-commerce giant has taken a number of other steps to help assure buyers they are obtaining genuine merchandise. eBay recently launched Verified Condition, a new suite of offerings and protections for heavy equipment transactions on its marketplace

And in February 2023, the e-tailer introduced eBay Guaranteed Fit, which provides a green “Fits” compatibility checkmark on select auto parts and accessories listings to help customers determine whether the part will fit their specific vehicle.

eBay also recently purchased 3PM Shield LLC, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-based marketplace compliance solutions. In addition, the company has opened the eBay vault, a secured, temperature-controlled facility and digital marketplace for collectors. Once an item is in the eBay vault, ownership transfers from seller to buyer in a matter of seconds, without the need to re-authenticate or ship the item anywhere.