Elevating Trust and Unboxing for eBay

A brand built on connection and commerce, eBay, is a marketplace where buyers and sellers exchange everything from rare collectibles to luxury goods. As eBay expanded its Authentication services, it sought packaging that could do more than protect a product. The goal was to create an unboxing experience that signaled trust, quality, and the brand’s signature style. Stephen Gould and Manual Creative came together to transform these ambitions into tangible packaging solutions that accomplished their goals.

The Challenge

eBay’s Authentication division faces a unique challenge. High-value items such as watches, trading cards, sneakers, and handbags often arrive without original packaging, leaving the brand responsible for both protection and presentation. The stakes are high because customer trust hinges on the authenticity and quality of what arrives at their door. eBay needed packaging that could do more than just protect items during global transit. It had to deliver a consistent, premium experience that builds trust with every purchase. At the same time, the brand prioritized sustainability wherever possible and required the flexibility to adapt across an expanding range of SKUs.

The Solution

Working in close collaboration, Stephen Gould and Manual Creative developed a family of packaging solutions tailored for eBay’s Authentication program. Each piece was thoughtfully engineered for both structural performance and aesthetic appeal. Rigid boxes and mailers were designed with clean geometry and refined surfaces that showcase eBay’s vibrant color palette and brand assets. For watches without original cases, a custom eBay-branded suede pouch was designed to cradle each timepiece with care and elegance. Trading cards found their place in protective carriers, accented with foil details that add a subtle layer of excitement to the reveal.

Sustainability was woven into the process at every stage. Most corrugated materials used feature recycled content, and textiles for dust bags and pouches were selected for durability and lower environmental impact wherever feasible. The packaging solutions were also designed for efficient production and assembly across manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, ensuring consistent quality and appearance worldwide.

The Result

The final packaging system has become a vital extension of eBay’s brand promise. Customers who choose Authentication services now receive their purchases in beautifully designed, secure packages that speak to eBay’s commitment to quality and trust. The cohesive look and feel across different product categories reinforce the sense of belonging to the eBay community. Beyond aesthetics, the packaging also supports sustainability goals and operational efficiency, enabling global distribution with confidence. Together, Stephen Gould and Manual Creative have helped eBay turn a complex logistical challenge into a memorable unboxing experience that builds loyalty and peace of mind.