eBay Authentication Delays Persist As PSA Pushes Back Trading Card Processing Timeframe
eBay buyers and sellers report unacceptable multi-week long trading card authentication delays as PSA increases processing times due to "unprecedented levels" of submissions.
The influx of complaints in eBay's community forums and across social media has grown over the last month or so as users report the authentication process which eBay's own help page says should only take 1-2 business days is instead taking 2-3 weeks, with no communication from either eBay or PSA in the meantime while cards are left in limbo after being received at the authentication center.
Just a few examples of many:
eBay Authentication Delays - UNACCEPTABLE DELAYS
Anyone know what is happening with eBay Authentication? I have one item that was received on 9/3 (15 days ago) and another received on 9/8(10 days ago) that still haven't been authenticated. These are PSA graded items already. WHY SO LONG??? This is really an unacceptable delay.
Long delay for authenticated item
I have an order which has went through authentication process with PSA, which states that the authentication process is one or two days and then will be shipped out to me. Authenticator received item on Wednesday 17th, and have received no information further on today being Saturday 20th.
This process in the past has went through the following steps. Seller ships item, item lands in Santa Ana, Cal and then to authenticator Front desk/mail room and then to hub, then back out to me once authentication has completed. This process has always been no more than two days.
The last three items sent to authentication process has been a lot slower with item arriving in Santa Ana, then to authenticator in the same day, then to hub which took five days and now three days later the item still has not been authenticated. So total now from Authenticator receiving the item is now at 8 days.
Why has this process went from 2 day turn around to now taking over a week to complete? Has something changed, and if so why isn't/wasn't there any type of notification that the process has been delayed and the reasoning been communicated to buyers or sellers explaining the increased delayed process.
eBay's exclusive authentication partner for trading cards, PSA, recently made an announcement acknowledging delays on their side due to "submission volumes are at unprecedented levels", saying unfortunately will need to extend processing timeframe and pricing for select services they offer directly to collectors outside of the their partnership with eBay.
PSA Estimated Turnaround Time Update (September 2025)
We’re seeing continued high demand for our authentication and grading services in 2025, and we’re grateful for your continued trust and patience.
Submission volumes are at unprecedented levels, and we have made the difficult decision to increase estimated turnaround times and pricing for select service levels effective for orders placed on or after Thursday, September 25, 2025.
We are actively working to improve estimated turnaround times, keep you informed, and set clear expectations...
...Behind the Scenes
We’re expanding our team and onboarding new graders to process more submissions while maintaining our trusted grading standards.We’ll continue to keep this page updated with the latest timelines, pricing, and other changes. Thank you for your continued support and patience.
For most services, PSA is adding ~5 business days to their estimates and while these timeframes are for services PSA offers directly to collectors, it's not unreasonable to assume that similar timeframes also may apply to cards being authenticated for eBay - especially considering the amount of eBay customers who are reporting delays of 10 days to 3+ weeks.
Meanwhile, eBay's FAQ for trading card authentication is still advising authentication "typically" takes 1-2 business days, leading to frustration and a negative user experience for both buyers and sellers.
ebay
And while PSA's statement blaming the delays on an "unprecedented" increase in volume may be true, other recent developments involving both PSA and eBay could be in play as well.
First, eBay CEO Jamie Iannone has been taking some heat recently after laughably saying in multiple mainstream media interviews that "to his knowledge" no counterfeits have ever passed through eBay authentication centers - despite hobby enthusiasts being able to point to multiple examples, including last year's now infamous ~$23K fake Michael Jordan PMG debacle.
Liz Morton
While the journalists involved apparently don't know enough about eBay's authentication programs to have offered any pushback on Iannone's claims, more well informed market analysts and investors may have some tough questions about this subject on the next earnings call.
Both eBay and PSA are also currently being sued by an Ohio man alleging they failed to catch purposely altered listing images and clear differences in condition on a ~$53K card sold with Authenticity Guarantee.
Liz Morton
Given the increasing scrutiny sure to be aimed at eBay's authentication programs as a result of the CEO making demonstrably false statements to the media and active litigation hanging over their heads, it's possible PSA may currently be being overly cautious/giving eBay submissions some extra time and attention and that may also be contributing to some of the delays.
@ValueAddedRS probably running slow, as @eBay doesn't want to allow any counterfeits sold on the platform.
— auburn35 (@35auburn) September 16, 2025
https://t.co/DlWi2Ioyem pic.twitter.com/bq2WDfWHyo
Have you been experiencing longer than usual delays for eBay authentication of trading cards, sneakers, handbags, watches, and jewelry? Let us know in the comments below!
