# Mobile Sneaker Authenticators eBay UK is Helping Sneakerheads Authenticate Sneakers in Person By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-08-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneaker-authenticator References: [fashionunited.uk](https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/hey-sneakerheads-is-ebay-s-mobile-authenticator-coming-to-your-town/2021081657154) [eBay](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canal-street-wear) debuted its Mobile Authenticator at Europe’s largest Sneaker Festival, Crepe City in London, and now the [sneaker authenticator](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osmo-ai) is coming to various cities to help sneaker collectors authenticate their styles in person. The experience, which operates out of a converted ice cream truck, shares the expertise of independent experts and sneaker fans will get a 100% authenticity guarantee stamp of approval and can sell the products on at no extra cost. eBay's Mobile Authenticator is an extension of its already successful [Authenticity Guarantee program](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mx-authenticity-check) and it makes sure that products are genuine, and that they are uploaded with listings that are consistent with the description, title and images. Just as there's a market for appraising antiques and heirlooms, eBay is introducing solutions to serve a younger demographic of collectors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mobile Sneaker Authenticators:** The trend toward mobile, in-person sneaker authentication is disrupting traditional authentication methods and offering an opportunity for tech and fashion companies to partner together. - **Authenticity Guarantee Programs:** As more marketplaces like eBay implement authenticity guarantee programs, there is an opportunity for startups to offer similar services or for established players to enter this emerging market. - **Specialized Appraisal Services:** Customized appraisal services for niche collector communities like sneakerheads is a growing trend, with ample opportunity for new businesses to enter this space and more established players to expand their offerings to include sneaker authentication. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **E-commerce and Online Marketplaces:** E-commerce and online marketplaces like eBay are embracing in-person authenticators to help reduce fraud and build trust with online shoppers. - **Mobile Technology:** As mobile technology continues to improve, there is ample opportunity for tech and fashion companies to partner together to offer mobile, in-person authentication services at events and conferences. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry and sneaker market are both ripe for disruption and innovation, with specialized appraisal and authentication services offering a unique opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves and provide new value to customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Sneaker Authentication Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-authentication.md) - [Authenticated Trading Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authentication-for-trading-cards.md) - [Frictionless QR-Based Resale Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-1.md) - [Authenticated Luxury Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-luxury-exchange.md) - [Trading Card Collector Camps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectors-camp.md) - [Elite Authenticator Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vestiaire-academie.md) - [Sneaker-Validating AI Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osmo-ai.md) - [Online Luxury Resale Platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-consignment-platform.md) - [eCommerce Consignment Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-consignment.md)