Protection Program
Authentication
When items get checked, and what that means
The short version
Some categories and values require authentication before the transaction completes. While authentication is pending, the order stays open and seller proceeds stay unavailable. Authentication only covers the characteristics actually examined.
How required authentication works
- The transaction stays pending until authentication succeeds.
- Seller payout remains unavailable throughout.
- A failure normally means cancellation and a buyer refund.
- The item is returned, retained, or referred as the law and the authentication terms allow.
- All authentication evidence is preserved on the transaction.
- We state who pays authentication and shipping costs before you commit.
- The authentication provider's liability limits are disclosed.
When you decline optional authentication
- The waiver names the specific risk you are accepting.
- It is never preselected; you must accept it before payment.
- We keep a record of the waiver version you accepted.
- A waiver never removes rights that cannot legally be waived.
- A waiver does not automatically remove protection for non-delivery, the wrong item, undisclosed damage, or other unrelated covered events.
Who pays
- The buyer may pay when authentication is an optional buyer request.
- The seller may pay when authentication is required by category, value, risk, or an authenticity concern.
- A failed authentication normally puts the cost on the seller.
This page is a plain-language summary. The complete published Protection Program terms control, and nothing here is insurance, legal, or tax advice.