eBay has converted a circa-1940s Texaco gas station in Wilshire Center — which today operates as Full Service Coffee Co. — into a drive-thru “Authentication Station,” offering people a “safe and socially-distanced way to evaluate and sell their sneakers, watches, and collectibles, without leaving the comfort of their cars,” according to a press release Friday. Situated at 4450 Beverly Blvd, the Authentication Station will have a short run now through November 21. It is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment required.
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.”
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.
“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,” Tirath Kamdar, general manager of luxury, eBay North America, said in the release. “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.”
