eBay’s fake trainers test will be next

eBay is preparing to crack down on sales of fake luxury watches after successfully launching a checking scheme for expensive trainers in the UK last week. 

The online marketplace is now offering an Authenticity Guarantee service with shoe experts based at a warehouse in London analysing expensive trainers to root out counterfeits. 

When an eBay customer buys trainers under the guarantee, the seller is instructed to post the goods to the company’s warehouse where they are closely examined. 

Seal of approval: The online marketplace is now offering an Authenticity Guarantee service with shoe experts based at a warehouse in London analysing expensive trainers

Costly trainers including Adidas Yeezys, Nike Air Jordans and Nike Air Max are put through rigorous inspections – and even a smell test. If the shoes pass, eBay sends them on to the buyer. 

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the service will be broadened to include pricey watches later this year. 

In the US, where the certification service is already available, experts make detailed inspections of $2,000 (£1,440)-plus timepieces from brands including Rolex and Omega. 

A rare pair of Kanye West’s Yeezy trainers last week broke the world record for footwear by selling for $1.8million at a Sotheby’s auction. 

Rob Hattrell, head of eBay Europe, said: ‘In recent years, sneakers have almost become a new asset class for collectors and investors. 

‘For the first time in our 25-year history we’ll actually be touching the product to check and authenticate.’