eBay expands Authenticity Guarantee to Canada

eBay implemented its Authenticity Guarantee program for trading cards in the United States last year. Now it is expanding the program into Canada.

Single ungraded trading cards (including collectible card games, sports and non-sports cards) that sell for $250 or more will now be authenticated in Canada. The service is now available in Canada for both sneakers and trading cards.

According to a recent eBay survey, collectors in Canada cited “financial gain” as one of the top five reasons for buying and selling collectibles. More than half of the respondents also said they regretted selling their collectibles due to a recent increase in value.

Also See: Top hockey cards to collect in 2022-23

eBay says the Authenticity Guarantee will help protect those collectors.

“Authentication is a top priority for collectors, and we’re excited to expand our Authenticity Guarantee offering for trading cards to the Canadian market,” said Gene Cook, Vice President, Global Collectibles at eBay. “eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards represents an industry first for the hobby in terms of size and scale, and supports our community of collectors who are merging their passions with investments. We’re proud of the innovative, market-leading experiences we’re building for collectible card games, sports and non-sports trading card enthusiasts in Canada and around the world.”

Authenticity Guarantee helps ensure accuracy so collectors and enthusiasts can buy and sell with confidence.

Under the program, when a service-eligible trading card purchase is made, the seller ships it directly to a team of authenticators in Canada at Certified Collectibles Group — including its affiliates CGC Trading Cards and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) — for a comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection. The card is then sent to the buyer or seller.

Also See: eBay exec talks sports cards, new online programs 

Details on the process, according to eBay, include:

Thorough Inspection: Using an extensive database, authenticators inspect the overall condition and general quality of the card. Each card is then checked against the listing description for accuracy and authenticity.

Proof of Authentication: The e-tag features a unique QR code that is attached to the card's protective packaging before being placed in the card holder. Collectors can scan the QR code to learn more about the card and its authentication.

Verified Returns: For sellers who offer returns, the Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards ensures the item sold is returned to the seller. Returns are shipped back to the authentication center, where they are verified before being returned to the seller.

The most popular current NHL players in Canada, according to eBay Canada, are Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. They also had the most expensive cards sold in the last five years:

• The most expensive hockey card sold on eBay by a Canadian is the 2015 SP Authentic Connor McDavid ROOKIE RC AUTO /999 #226 (BGS 10 PRISTINE) for $115,500.

Also See: Top Connor McDavid rookie cards to collect 

• The most expensive Toronto Maple Leafs single hockey card sold is the 20-21 Skybox Metal Universe PMG GOLD 1/1 Auston Matthews for $21,100.

• The top searched trading cards in Canada are of Wayne Gretzky and Tim Horton.

• The most expensive basketball card sold by a Canadian on eBay in 2022 was the 2019-20 PANINI DONRUSS OPTIC NEBULA JORDAN POOLE 1/1 (PSA 10 GEM MINT) ROOKIE for $40,900.

• The most expensive baseball card sold by a Canadian on eBay in 2022 was the 1911 T205 Gold Border Ty Cobb (PSA 5.5) POP 4 Scarce Factory 42 for $29,600.

To learn more about eBay Canada’s authentication program, visit ebay.ca/AuthenticCards.