SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- eBay today
announced the launch of its Authenticity Guarantee service for
trading cards. Beginning now, single ungraded trading cards
(including collectible card games, sports and non-sports) sold for
$750+ in the U.S. will be authenticated. By mid-2022, the service
will expand to include graded, autograph and patch cards sold for
$250+. With the addition of trading cards to eBay's Authenticity
Guarantee service, the company now offers authentication in four
key enthusiast collector categories, including sneakers, watches,
handbags and now trading cards.
As one of eBay's top categories, trading cards has been growing
at a significant pace -- hitting $2
billion in transactions in the first half of 2021. With an
average of one sports trading card bought every second,
Authenticity Guarantee now brings an added layer of trust to these
transactions – as well as unmatched access to comprehensive and
accurate product information for collectors.
"Our trading cards business has been growing for the past six
years, and the recent surge speaks to the immense cultural
significance of the category," said Dawn
Block, VP Collectibles, Electronics and Home at eBay. "As
hobbies turn into investments, authentication services in
categories of high value have become a priority for collectors.
With the introduction of Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards,
we're giving enthusiasts exactly what they want, while continuing
to improve confidence in the marketplace."
Authenticity Guarantee, an industry first for trading cards in
terms of size and scale, ensures accuracy so enthusiasts can buy
and sell with total confidence. As the service expands to include
trading cards alongside handbags sold for $500+, sneakers sold for
$100+ and watches sold for $2,000+, eBay further solidifies the
marketplace as a top, trusted destination for buying and selling
high value items.
eBay is continuously listening to its growing community of
collectors to ensure the marketplace is delivering what enthusiasts
want and need. Giving collectors even more options and flexibility,
Authenticity Guarantee comes on the heels of the introduction of
industry-leading tools Price Guide and Collection and Image Scan,
which the company debuted in 2021.
Authenticity Guarantee for Trading Cards: How It
Works
When a service-eligible trading card purchase is made, the
seller ships it directly to a team of third-party authenticators at
Certified Collectibles Group – including its affiliates, CGC
Trading Cards and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) – for a
comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection. Following this
rigorous assessment, the card is sent via expedited shipping to the
buyer or seller. Details on the trading card authentication process
include:
- Thorough Inspection: Referencing an extensive database,
authenticators inspect the overall condition and general quality.
The overall condition of each card is checked against the auction
listing description to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
- Proof Of Authentication: The e-tag features a unique QR
code that's attached to the card's protective packaging. The
packaging is then placed in the card holder to finalize the
process, reaffirming confidence in collectability and resale value.
Scan the QR code on any mobile device to learn more about the card
and its authentication journey.
- Verified Returns: For sellers who choose to offer
returns, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards
ensures the exact item initially sold is returned to the seller,
via a verified returns process. Returns are shipped back to the
authentication center, where authentication experts verify each
item and its condition before returning to the seller.
Shop trading cards at ebay.com/authenticcards and learn more
about eBay's authentication offering for watches, sneakers, and
handbags at ebay.com/buyauthentic. For more, follow the
conversation with @eBay on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and
Facebook.
eBay Trading Cards By The Numbers
- eBay's Trading Cards category is growing significantly faster
than the total marketplace.
- Trading Cards in the first half of 2021 hit $2 billion in transactions - equal to ALL of
2020.
- To date, close to 4 million cards purchased on and off eBay
have been added to customer Collections.
- In addition, close to a quarter million buyers have used the
Price Guide tool in search to visualize trends for their favorite
trading cards.
- In 2020, a sports trading card was purchased every second.
- Top Trading Cards GMV Growth by Categories (H1 2021):
-
- Tennis - 1797%
- Soccer - 852%
- Pokemon - 536%
- Marvel - 437%
- Golf - 436%
Source: Numbers based on eBay U.S. January-June 2021 sales data.
About eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that
connects millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets
around the world. We exist to enable economic opportunity for
individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations of all
sizes. Founded in 1995 in San Jose,
California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most
vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique
selection. In 2020, eBay enabled over $85
billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information
about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit
www.ebayinc.com.
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SOURCE eBay Inc.