eBay has converted an iconic gas station in East Hollywood into a drive-thru ‘Authentication Station.’

It forms part of a move to offer people a safe and socially-distanced way to evaluate and sell their watches.

The drive through also offers a service for other collectibles and allows owners to have items authenticated without leaving the comfort of their cars.

The Authentication Station, a first of its kind, comes on the heels of the launch of eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, a new offering changing the way people shop and sell on the marketplace.

Authenticity Guarantee uses independent experts to fully vet and verify items through comprehensive inspections, and is currently available for sneakers and watches – two of the marketplace’s largest and most popular luxury categories.

With this new drive-thru location in LA, eBay is inviting people to experience first-hand how items are appraised – with the option to sell on the spot, while never stepping out of their cars.

General Manager of Luxury at eBay in North America, said: “The community response to authentication on eBay has been incredible, and we wanted to find a way to really bring this to life ahead of the holiday shopping season.

“eBay’s first Authentication Station gives attendees a look under the hood, and follows a simple formula: get your item evaluated by experts, find out what it’s worth, and fill-up your pockets, all while staying in your car.”

Third party authentication partner Sneaker Con as well as top eBay sellers will review every item that comes through and advise what each might be worth on the marketplace.

How It Works:

Drive up with the item you want to sell (i.e. a pair of Jordans, a Rolex watch, a Clayton Kershaw card)

Stay in your car while an eBay attendant takes your item inside for inspection

Once your item is verified, decide whether to accept the offer – with the option to drive away with the money

Find out more about eBay verification with WatchPro and eBay’s Auction Report HERE.

eBay sold over 2 million watches in 2019 with nearly 8 million watches sold over the past three years. 54% of eBay’s watches vertical is comprised of pre-owned inventory, and there has been over a 60% increase for pre-owned in eBay’s watch category from 2019 – August 2020.

There are over 165,000 daily live listings on average for luxury watches, and since 2019, there has been a 10% increase in average daily live listings for luxury watches with Rolex accounting for 40% of luxury watch sales on eBay. Since 2019, Rolex sales have increased 60% on eBay’s marketplace.

Read Volume 1 of the report HERE:

eBay and WatchPro Auction Report — Volume 1: Trust and Authentication