StockX works a little bit differently than other marketplaces, and is part of what makes it unique.
Instead of sellers sending items directly to buyers, they must first send them to a StockX verification center to be authenticated.
But what happens if StockX rejects the item? What if they claim its fake, or not in proper condition to sell?
Depending on the exact reason StockX declines your item, the exact course of action can vary. In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know.
What Happens If StockX Doesn’t Approve Your Item?
If StockX does not approve your item during their verification process, the item will be returned to you and you will be charged 15% of the final sale price of the item. If the item was sold for under $100, you will be charged at minimum a $15 fee.
The one exception to this in regards to fake or counterfeit goods.
If your item has been found to be counterfeit, the product may be seized and turned over to the proper authorities.
While it’s unlikely any further legal action would be taken against you (especially if it’s your first time selling counterfeit items and you didn’t know they were counterfeit), you may be out for the total cost of the item.
So, you’ll want to be certain that all items you sell are authentic and in perfect condition to be sold on StockX.
Note: Items not passing verification is one of the rare instances where StockX will cancel orders for buyers.
What Causes Verification To Fail On StockX?
There are a few different things that can cause verification to fail on StockX.
The first one (as already mentioned) is counterfeit goods. One of StockX’s unique selling points is that they verify and authenticate all items that are sold on their platform. This allows customer to feel confident that they are only purchasing authentic, brand-name merchandise. Therefore, this one of the most strict rules that StockX enforces. Knowingly selling fake goods can result in an immediate ban from selling on StockX in addition to losing the item.
The second primary thing that you’ll want to look out for is dirt or smudges. Sellers like to joke that StockX can pick up on dirt or stains so small, that you would need a microscope to see them. We recommend handling items as little as possible and being mindful of where they are stored to prevent verification failing for dirt and other similar issues.
Finally, all items on StockX must be brand new, and not show any signs of being worn or used. StockX is only a marketplace for deadstock merchandise, and does not accept the sale of worn items. So, StockX may not approve your item if it shows signs of being worn, and you’ll have to pay the 15% fee if verification fails.
Is StockX Verification Too Strict?
Some sellers have expressed frustration, believing that StockX is a little bit too strict with some of their authentication processes.
Obviously, their policy on counterfeits is a good one – we can all agree that nobody should be allowed to get away with selling fake shoes.
Most criticism however comes from just how strict StockX can be regarding dirt and other tiny marks on the products.
Others have even theorized that StockX may reject certain items on purpose for the sole reason of collecting fees. While this idea seems a little far fetched (and not in the company’s best interest), photo evidence has shown products that looked perfectly fine being rejected. Ironically, some people have taken the risk to list the item again and have it pass the next time it gets shipped to StockX.
Experienced sellers have mentioned that StockX tends to be most lenient with their shoes – in fact, some sellers only sell shoes on StockX for this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look over a few more frequently asked questions regarding verification with StockX.
Do You Need The Original Box / Packaging?
Yes. Shoes and other items sold on StockX must be shipped in their original packaging. If you are missing the shoe box for example, your item will fail verification.
Can Fakes Pass StockX?
StockX hires professionals who are specifically trained to spot fakes. They have insider knowledge and expertise that most people do not. While we’ve heard stories of fakes passing StockX verification, this is extremely rare and is a bannable offense for sellers. Thankfully, StockX always makes things right with the customer.
Will StockX Accept Shoes That Have Been Tried On?
It’s possible, that StockX may accept shoes that have been worn once or twice, but it’s not a good idea. Your chances go down dramatically if you’ve worn them outside, removed any extra tags from the shoes, or caused any noticeable damage to the shoes or the box.
What If The Fake Shoes Made It To The Customer?
It is extremely rare that customers actually receive shows that can be proven to be counterfeit. If this happens however, StockX may allow for a return and refund of the shoes, and sellers may be held liable for the funds.
Conclusion
StockX’s verification process keeps things fair, for both buyers and sellers.
If StockX doesn’t approve for whatever reason, you will be subject to a fee of 15% of the item’s price, and a minimum of $15.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about selling on StockX, please ask them using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister
Leave a Reply