Authentication Service Usage Guide

image image
image

Reduce Risk through our Authentication Option!

By adding the authentication option, you can reduce the risk of buying items that may be counterfeit.

  • image

    Strict Authentication Standard

    Each item is thoroughly checked by an authentication specialist, ensuring a worry free shopping experience.

  • image

    Full Refund for Counterfeit Items!

    If an item turns out to be counterfeit, we will refund the full item price, including the authentication fee.

Two types of Authentication!
Difference between "Official Authentication" and "Buyee Authentication"

Official Authentication applies to eligible items for which the seller has agreed to authentication.
Buyee Authentication is for items that are not eligible for "Official Authentication" that can be authenticated upon customer request.

Authentication Option Available

Service Eligible Category Official Authentication Buyee Authentication
Mercari Luxury Fashion & Accessories None
Street Fashion
Trading Cards

Difference in Authentication Scope

How to Use

Find Eligible Items!

If item list or item detail page shows "Authentication Option Available" that item can be authenticated.

Official Authentication items can also be found using filter!

Select the option on the order page screen!

Select the authentication option and request!

*Please check the authentication fee on the order page screen.

Authentication Completed!

Once the authentication is completed, the item will be delivered to the Buyee warehouse.
If the item is judged as authentic, you will receive an email once the package is registered at the warehouse.
In the event the item is judged to be counterfeit, item price including authentication fee will be refunded and the order will be canceled.

International shipping procedure

Complete the international shipping procedure and wait for your item to arrive.

Receive your item!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

Which item categories can be authenticated? *Buyee Authentication only

A1.

Check the list below for authentication eligible items.
If item is not eligible, authentication option cannot be selected.
Even if the "Authentication Option" is displayed on the Buyee item page, authentication may not be available for certain items.

Authentication Eligible Item List *Buyee Authentication only

  • Luxury Fashion & Accessories
    * Balenciaga sneakers falls under “Luxury Fashion & Accessories”.
  • Street Fashion and Accessories
  • Trading Card

Authentication Eligibility Conditions *Buyee Authentication only

Authentication eligibility conditions are defined for each item category.
Please check the details below for more information.

Sneakers

Must have its original insoles

  • If the insoles have been replaced, we are unable to authenticate the item.
  • If the insole cannot be removed for any reason, such as being glued down, we are unable to authenticate the item.

Must be in a condition suitable for authentication

  • If the product is severely deteriorated to the point where it cannot be properly assessed, we are unable to authenticate the item.

The product has to be a pair of sneakers(shoes)

  • If an item other than sneakers is sent for a sneaker authentication, we are unable to authenticate the item.

Must be an eligible brand

  • Items from brands that are not on our list of eligible brands cannot be authenticated.

One item per transaction

  • Only one item (e.g., one pair of shoes) can be authenticated per transaction.
    For example, a listing for a set of two pairs of sneakers is not eligible for our authentication service.

Street Fashion

Must be in a condition suitable for authentication

  • If the product is severely deteriorated to the point where it cannot be properly assessed, we are unable to authenticate the item.

Must be an eligible brand

  • Items from brands that are not on our list of eligible brands cannot be authenticated.

One item per transaction

  • Only one item may be submitted for authentication per transaction.
    For example, items sold separately (such as a top and bottom) but listed together as a set are not eligible for authentication.
  • Please note that an exception may be made for items that were originally sold by the brand as a complete set.

Only the item to be authenticated has to be shipped

  • If any accessories not part of the original item (such as charms, keychains, or scarves) are included, we may be unable to complete the authentication.

The packaging must ensure that the item's condition remains the same as when it arrived, even after being opened.

  • We are unable to authenticate items if they are in packaging that is difficult to open without altering or damaging the item's as-received condition.
  • We are unable to authenticate items that are sealed in packaging from other authentication services, as our process requires us to open it.
  • If an item is being sold as a sealed product where the packaging is integral to its value, we are unable to authenticate it as this would require opening the package.
  • We are unable to authenticate items if the packaging includes instructions such as "Do Not Open."

Trading Cards (Single Cards)

[Appraisal conditions]

One ungraded single card or one card graded by a grading company

[About the appraisal of certified cards (slabs)]

It can only be appraised if it is enclosed in an appraised package (slab) from the following grading companies.

  • PSA
    *Buyee Appraisal only verifies the authenticity of the "certified holder (case)." We will not re-authenticate the actual card enclosed within the holder.

[About authentication of unopened items]

Even if the item is unopened, we can only authenticate cards that can be viewed in their entirety (front and back) without opening the packaging.

*If the condition of the card cannot be confirmed, it cannot be appraised.

[Cases where the conditions for appraisal are not met]

If the item arrives in the following condition, it cannot be appraised.

  • Set of two or more single cards
  • When different types of products, such as boxes, are included in the package
  • Unopened promo packs
  • Items other than those of the corresponding brand
  • Items that have deteriorated significantly and do not meet the appraisal standards
  • Cards in languages ​​other than Japanese
  • Extremely large cards (jumbo cards)

Trading Cards (Sealed Boxes with Shrink Wrap)

[Basic conditions]

Only 1 box

[Cases where the conditions for appraisal are not met]

If the item arrives in the following condition, it cannot be appraised.

  • If it arrives in multiple boxes
  • If the shrink wrap is damaged or missing
  • If the shrink wrap is not damaged but the box has a large dent
  • Items that have deteriorated significantly and do not meet the appraisal standards
  • Items other than those of the corresponding brand

What to do if an item is deemed 'Unable to Authenticate' (Indeterminable)

When requesting an authenticity check, you can pre-select one of two options in case the item is determined to be 'Unable to Authenticate'.

Note: The system will automatically process your purchase (continue or cancel) based on your pre-selected option if the authentication result is 'Unable to Authenticate'.

[Options for when an item is deemed 'Unable to Authenticate']

  • Purchase the item as is: Only the authentication fee will be refunded, and the item will be delivered to you.
  • Cancel the transaction: You will receive a full refund, and the transaction will be canceled.

[Cases that qualify as 'Unable to Authenticate']

  • Items whose authenticity is difficult to determine due to age-related deterioration or other factors.
  • Collaboration items
  • Novelty items (e.g., event giveaways, magazine extras, etc.)
  • Items or products from brands not covered by our affiliated authenticators.
  • Other

Q2.

How much is the authentication fee?

A2.

A separate Buyee authentication fee applies in addition to the item price.
Fee varies depending on the item category and brand.
For detailed fee, please check when selecting option on the order page screen.

Q3.

What happens if the item is counterfeit?

A3.

Item price, including the authentication fee, will be refunded, so you can rest assured.
If the authentication option is added, and the item is judged as counterfeit, the order will be canceled.

Q4.

Can I change the authentication option?

A4.

Option cannot be changed after placing the order.

Q5.

Why my order was canceled?

A5.

The following cases are possible. In the event your order is canceled, fees paid will be refunded.

  • If the authentication result cannot definitively confirm that the item meets the standards.
  • Even if an item is eligible for authentication, the order may be canceled if it does not meet the verification conditions (e.g., heavily worn items, collaboration items, etc.).

Q6.

Can I choose a delivery plan?

A6.

If authentication option is selected, Lite Plan (0 yen) or insured delivery plan cannot be used.

Q7.

What if the item was judged as authentic, but turns out to be counterfeit?

A7.

Please contact us within 14 days after receiving the package.

Back to Authentication Services Top

Check Authentication Option of other Services