What is Ebay Playing At?

[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.