The eBay - PSA Authentication Mandate 2.0

[JollyElm]

If you do a site search for "authentication," you should fine quite a number of threads covering the topic.

[bnorth]

I absolutely love both the raw card and graded card programs. It is one of the best things eBay has done.

[swarmee]

If the buyer takes the option to bypass eBay Authentication, and then the seller mails them a graded 1988 Topps Kevin Seitzer. Buyer is not allowed to return since they chose to not use eBay authentication. Still believe it should be optional?

[G1911]

Originally Posted by swarmee

If the buyer takes the option to bypass eBay Authentication, and then the seller mails them a graded 1988 Topps Kevin Seitzer. Buyer is not allowed to return since they chose to not use eBay authentication. Still believe it should be optional?

Yes.

I have never, in 20 years, had a seller send a cheap random card instead of the card actually ordered.

I have, in fact, had the program nix a deal without my input or the sellers input that we mutually made and consented to together.

Many of us do not need a 4th party involved to tell us what deals we may or may not consent to.

[kmac32]

Personally, I think it gives USPS more chances to lose a card than what it is worth. I do not see eBay paying additional postage and requesting signiatures to guarantee delivery.

[gunboat82]

My problem with eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is that they're not consistent.

Experience #1: Purchased a raw card. The authenticator said the condition was not as described due to added surface wax and possible alterations. Ebay asked if I wanted to proceed with the transaction or request a refund.

This is how it should work.

Experience #2: Sold a PSA-graded card. I received a status update on my seller account indicating that the card was authenticated and shipped to the buyer. Meanwhile, the buyer received an e-mail indicating that it had not passed authentication because it was "miscategorized." eBay sent the card anyway, without offering the buyer the option to cancel.

The buyer complained to me, and I offered a full refund. The buyer said he wanted to keep the card, but he would still prefer that it be authenticated. After some back and forth, eBay support determined that the card was properly categorized and the authenticator had screwed up. The buyer complained about losing out on the "Authenticity Guarantee," and eBay refunded him 50% of the purchase price out of its own "discretionary" funds (about $700).

Experience #3: Sold a PSA-graded uncut strip card. It didn't pass authentication and was flagged as miscategorized: not a "Sports Trading Card." eBay support speculated that the authenticator treated it as a "lot," even though it was a single strip with multiple players. Despite refusing to authenticate it, the authenticator sent it off to the buyer.

The buyer was very confused by the whole process and asked me to explain why the card couldn't be guaranteed authentic. eBay support explained that their internal systems showed that the card receive a "passed with exception" designation, which means that it was authentic but eBay wouldn't stand behind the guarantee because it didn't fall under an eligibility category.

Of course, that explanation doesn't appear anywhere in the e-mails eBay sends out. Their autogenerated e-mail simply says: "Your item’s on the way, but can't be authenticated."

During my last go-round with eBay support, they confirmed that some people have complained about not being able to complete transactions, while others have complained that they're forced to go through with transactions that are advertised with the Authenticity Guarantee but are later deemed ineligible. They called it a "balancing act," but acknowledged that there was no clear policy for when a transaction would be canceled and when they would send the failed item along to the buyer.

Either their internal processes are a black box that they're trying to shield from the public, or they're just making it up as they go along.

[Gorditadogg]

Originally Posted by G1911

Yes.



I have never, in 20 years, had a seller send a cheap random card instead of the card actually ordered.



I have, in fact, had the program nix a deal without my input or the sellers input that we mutually made and consented to together.



Many of us do not need a 4th party involved to tell us what deals we may or may not consent to.

A very few of us do not need the benefits of the program. Most people on here, however, are not one of those few.

From ebay's point of view, it would cost them more to manage an opt out process for all the dingalings who think they want to opt out but don't understand the risks and consequences of doing so.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

[perezfan]

I agree that the Buyer should have the right of refusal. The extra shipping point creates delays and increases the odds of damage/theft. For those who like it, great! For those who don't want it, why not offer a "decline" option?

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Gorditadogg

A very few of us do not need the benefits of the program. Most people on here, however, are not one of those few.

From ebay's point of view, it would cost them more to manage an opt out process for all the dingalings who think they want to opt out but don't understand the risks and consequences of doing so.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

The dingalings (are we 5? really?) who are fully capable of knowing what they are looking at are fully cognizant of the grave risks and very severe consequences. Seems like quite a few are able to buy cards without a fourth party involved to tell them they can buy X card as we have what seems to be a fair divide between the dingalings who don't like the program and the dingalings who do.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by G1911

Yes.

I have never, in 20 years, had a seller send a cheap random card instead of the card actually ordered.

I have, in fact, had the program nix a deal without my input or the sellers input that we mutually made and consented to together.

Many of us do not need a 4th party involved to tell us what deals we may or may not consent to.

If ebay says no to the transaction, then wouldn't that indicate that ebay is telling the seller that the item in question cannot be sold on ebay? If that's the case, then why not strike a deal outside of ebay? At that point, why would ebay care if the buyer and seller struck a deal outside ebay.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Fred

If ebay says no to the transaction, then wouldn't that indicate that ebay is telling the seller that the item in question cannot be sold on ebay? If that's the case, then why not strike a deal outside of ebay? At that point, why would ebay care if the buyer and seller struck a deal outside ebay.

That's what I did, thankfully the seller was a reasonable guy. Unclear if it violated eBay rules to cut them out and keep their share.

[JohnP0621]

I believe that This authentication process will only be free for a limited time.
They are trying out this process at no charge for now, but someone will be paying for this down the road.

John P

[icurnmedic]

Originally Posted by G1911

Yes.

I have never, in 20 years, had a seller send a cheap random card instead of the card actually ordered.

I have, in fact, had the program nix a deal without my input or the sellers input that we mutually made and consented to together.

Many of us do not need a 4th party involved to tell us what deals we may or may not consent to.

Consider yourself lucky. I purchased a "lot" that included the Gretzky RC graded by KSA . Well I received the "lot" but no Gretzky and no recourse. Been around 20 years ago. Doesn't happen often , but does happen. I for one, have no issue with the newish program.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by icurnmedic

Consider yourself lucky. I purchased a "lot" that included the Gretzky RC graded by KSA . Well I received the "lot" but no Gretzky and no recourse. Been around 20 years ago. Doesn't happen often , but does happen. I for one, have no issue with the newish program.

The authentication program wouldn't have helped you in the case you described since it only covers individual card listings not lots.

[icurnmedic]

Originally Posted by jayshum

The authentication program wouldn't have helped you in the case you described since it only covers individual card listings not lots.

Did not realize the Lot thing. But could have just as easily been a single card the was replaced or not sent at all I suppose.
Again, I have no problem with the program. I am concerned about the potential cost though.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by icurnmedic

Consider yourself lucky. I purchased a "lot" that included the Gretzky RC graded by KSA . Well I received the "lot" but no Gretzky and no recourse. Been around 20 years ago. Doesn't happen often , but does happen. I for one, have no issue with the newish program.

I'm sure it has happened to some one at some time and have not and would not postulate it has not. I am unclear how this program would have impacted your situation at all. I do recall recourse and an extreme buyer-friendly policy from eBay before this program.