What is Ebay Playing At?

[JCM2009]

I see very little value in the Ebay Authenticator service, but this service could be Ebay's first step into grading cards themselves. They can provide the Vault and Authenticator service and tie it to the Collection beta platform. The last step is providing grading services themselves. They certainly have the capital to build the infrastructure themselves. Ebay may already be developing some sort of AI service offering to grade and authenticate cards themselves. And with PSA dropping the ball in grading turnaround and accuracy, Ebay sees the opportunity for a major player in the grading space. Afterall, if Ebay is guaranteeing the authenticity of the cards that are sold on their platform, they might as well be the grader themselves. Why assume the risk of guaranteeing someone else's grading holders or authenticity?

I would also think Fanatics is developing the same full-service grading service. Too much $$$ to in this market and the other grading services are no match for the Ebay behemoth. Just my thoughts......

[raulus]

Originally Posted by JCM2009

I see very little value in the Ebay Authenticator service, but this service could be Ebay's first step into grading cards themselves. They can provide the Vault and Authenticator service and tie it to the Collection beta platform. The last step is providing grading services themselves. They certainly have the capital to build the infrastructure themselves. Ebay may already be developing some sort of AI service offering to grade and authenticate cards themselves. And with PSA dropping the ball in grading turnaround and accuracy, Ebay sees the opportunity for a major player in the grading space. Afterall, if Ebay is guaranteeing the authenticity of the cards that are sold on their platform, they might as well be the grader themselves. Why assume the risk of guaranteeing someone else's grading holders or authenticity?

I would also think Fanatics is developing the same full-service grading service. Too much $$$ to in this market and the other grading services are no match for the Ebay behemoth. Just my thoughts......

I don’t disagree with you, except at the moment, eBay is subcontracting for the actual authentication work. If they brought it in-house, then starting their own grading shop would be the logical next step.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by JCM2009

I see very little value in the Ebay Authenticator service, but this service could be Ebay's first step into grading cards themselves. They can provide the Vault and Authenticator service and tie it to the Collection beta platform. The last step is providing grading services themselves. They certainly have the capital to build the infrastructure themselves. Ebay may already be developing some sort of AI service offering to grade and authenticate cards themselves. And with PSA dropping the ball in grading turnaround and accuracy, Ebay sees the opportunity for a major player in the grading space. Afterall, if Ebay is guaranteeing the authenticity of the cards that are sold on their platform, they might as well be the grader themselves. Why assume the risk of guaranteeing someone else's grading holders or authenticity?

I would also think Fanatics is developing the same full-service grading service. Too much $$$ to in this market and the other grading services are no match for the Ebay behemoth. Just my thoughts......

Ah yes, eBay is going to start grading cards soon! LMAO

[Jewish-collector]

Dale - The short version is that this is an unregulated industry, so ebay is trying to help both buyers & sellers.

I'll see you at the Chantilly show in a few weeks. beer chug.gif

[Jay Wolt]

Originally Posted by JCM2009

I would also think Fanatics is developing the same full-service grading service. .

I've already seen some slabbed Fanatics cards out there

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by JCM2009

I see very little value in the Ebay Authenticator service, but this service could be Ebay's first step into grading cards themselves...

That’s a pretty scary thought the way things are right now.

I see no actual problems with the eBay authentication service, though I would agree that for the large majority of items for us as vintage collectors, it’s probably a waste of time. The problem to me however is with the credibility of eBay themselves. This is an outfit that has never bothered in 25+ years now to gain competency at the categories they manage. You want eBay to start slabbing cards when they still think it’s ok to market ‘91 Fleer Jose Uribe cards to me for thousands of dollars in my Facebook feed? No thanks.

eBay could choose to hire more people (experts) to police this kind of thing themselves within their categories, but apparently it’s cheaper to setup programs to hire 3rd (4th?) party authenticators to re-authenticate already slabbed items - the overwhelming majority of which are legit.

Er, ok.


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[Flintboy]

That’s what we need, another grading company!!!!!!

[jh691626]

I'm less worried that eBay will grade cards, and more worried that they will start charging for this authentication service (probably sellers). I thought I saw something near the start of this whole rodeo that said that the service was "currently free." Emphasis on...currently.

[CardPadre]

Originally Posted by jh691626

I'm less worried that eBay will grade cards, and more worried that they will start charging for this authentication service (probably sellers). I thought I saw something near the start of this whole rodeo that said that the service was "currently free." Emphasis on...currently.

That’s definitely something people have always thought might be coming. But maybe the amount they spend on Authenticity Guarantee services is less than what they were paying out for fraud that’s now being prevented and it’s already a financial positive for them…who knows.

[RhodeyRhode]

It would be great if it stuck to what it was there for. However seems like they overstep their reach, such as rejecting authentic cards for a scratch on slab etc etc. Almost like they have a quota to reject a certain percentage

[Snapolit1]

Ebay is well aware the counterfeiting is a major risk to their business model. They have been authenticating sneakers and handbags for some time, and have discussed moving into other areas. Has nothing to do with them wanting to move into the grading business.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by RhodeyRhode

It would be great if it stuck to what it was there for. However seems like they overstep their reach, such as rejecting authentic cards for a scratch on slab etc etc. Almost like they have a quota to reject a certain percentage

eBay has no desire to over-reject cards. These sorts of issues are certainly the exception, and they will get worked out. They definitely do not have a quota to meet. They're simply trying to protect buyers against counterfeit cards and cards that have been clearly and intentionally misrepresented by the sellers.

Also, zero chance that eBay starts grading cards.