eBay US is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, offering everything from rare collectibles to the latest electronics. For Singapore shoppers, it’s a treasure trove of deals — if you know how to identify genuine items.
The reality is that while eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, it’s also a platform where counterfeit goods occasionally appear. This guide will walk you through practical steps to confirm authenticity, how to shop smarter, and the most efficient way to ship purchases from the US to Singapore.
📌 Why Authenticity Matters for Singapore Buyers
Purchasing a fake item is more than just a waste of money — it can mean:
- Lower product quality (shorter lifespan, unsafe materials)
- Warranty issues (brands often reject non-genuine items for repairs)
- Potential legal trouble (importing counterfeit goods can be risky)
Knowing what to look for before you click “Buy” helps you avoid these problems and ensures your money is spent wisely.
🔍 Step 1: Check the Seller’s Profile Carefully
Before purchasing, click on the seller’s username to review their credentials:
- Feedback Score: Aim for sellers with at least 98% positive feedback
- Number of Transactions: More completed sales often indicate a trustworthy seller
- Membership Duration: Longstanding accounts (5+ years) are less likely to deal in fakes
- Comments from Buyers: Read reviews specifically mentioning authenticity
💡 Tip: eBay’s Top Rated Seller badge is a good sign — it means the seller meets strict performance standards.
📦 Step 2: Read the Full Product Description
Scammers often rely on buyers who skim over listings.
Look for:
- Clear mention of “Brand New” or “Authentic”
- Specific model numbers, barcodes, or SKU references
- Original packaging details (e.g., factory seals, warranty cards)
⚠️ Warning: Phrases like “style inspired” or “compatible with” often indicate non-genuine items.
🖼️ Step 3: Study the Photos Closely
High-quality, original images are a good sign. Here’s what to watch for:
- Multiple angles of the product
- Close-up shots of logos, labels, and serial numbers
- Clear photos of packaging
- Consistency with the brand’s official marketing images
📌 Tip: If the photos look like stock images from Google, ask the seller for real-life pictures.
🏷️ Step 4: Compare Prices with the Market
If a deal seems too good to be true — it probably is.
- Cross-check prices with official brand stores or major retailers
- Watch out for extremely low prices on high-demand items (e.g., luxury handbags, electronics)
- Be cautious with bulk listings from new sellers
🛡️ Step 5: Use eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee Program
For certain categories (sneakers, watches, luxury bags), eBay offers a third-party authentication service:
- The seller sends the product to a certified authenticator before it reaches you
- Only after passing inspection will it be forwarded to you
- This adds an extra layer of trust for high-value purchases
✉️ Step 6: Communicate with the Seller
Don’t be shy about asking questions:
- “Can you confirm the serial number?”
- “Do you have the purchase receipt?”
- “Can you send additional photos?”
Honest sellers are usually happy to provide this information quickly.
🚫 Step 7: Know eBay’s Prohibited Items & Policies
Avoid listings for:
- Items without brand markings or original packaging
- “Replica” or “mirror quality” products (these are almost always counterfeit)
- Products in restricted categories for import into Singapore
You can review Buy&Ship’s restricted items page to ensure your purchase is safe to ship.
🌏 How to Ship eBay US Purchases to Singapore Affordably
Many eBay US sellers don’t ship directly to Singapore — or they charge high international shipping fees. This is where Buy&Ship comes in.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sign up for a free Buy&Ship account → www.buyandship.com.sg
- Get your US warehouse address from Buy&Ship
- Enter it as your delivery address at checkout
- Once your item arrives at the US warehouse, declare it in your Buy&Ship account
- Pay for shipping from S$9/lb, with free consolidation if you’re buying from multiple sellers
- Receive your package in Singapore in as little as 7–12 days
📅 Best Times of Year to Shop on eBay US
If you want to score authentic products at better prices, watch for:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (late November)
- Boxing Day Sales (December 26)
- eBay Daily Deals (year-round flash sales)
- US Public Holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day sales)
🛠️ Quick Checklist for Authentic eBay Shopping
✅ Seller has strong feedback & long selling history
✅ Listing includes detailed description & model numbers
✅ High-quality, original photos provided
✅ Price is reasonable compared to retail
✅ Authentication program available (if applicable)
✅ Buyer-seller communication is clear and responsive
Shopping on eBay US can open the door to exclusive deals, rare finds, and hard-to-get products for Singapore buyers. The key is being vigilant — checking seller history, studying listings, and making use of eBay’s built-in safeguards.
With Buy&Ship, you can bridge the gap between US sellers and your doorstep in Singapore, making your overseas eBay shopping safer, cheaper, and more convenient.