Jerry Kim’s big break as a sneaker authenticator for eBay Australia

Jerry Kim has a passion for sneakers which has led to him collecting his own prized collection worth $50,000. It’s also given him his dream job.

Jerry Kim has a nose for detecting fake sneakers sold online — and it’s landed him his dream job.

As eBay Australia’s Head Sneaker Authenticator, he also has a one-of-a-kind private sneaker collection worth a cool $50,000.

Mr Kim, 25, was headhunted by the online shopping industry and moved from Adelaide to Sydney before being trained in the art of spotting fake sneakers sold online in New York City.

In his day job, he verifies sneakers based on inspecting the box, sizing labels, stitching, logos, soles, heel tabs, laces and tissue paper.

“We don’t just look at the sneakers. We start off with the box, the packaging and also the accessories before we actually move onto the shoes,” he said.

Jerry Kim, eBay Australia’s Head Sneaker Authenticator. Picture: Jessica Cham

“When we authenticate the sneakers, we look at the general stitching, structure, craftsmanship, and obviously the smell test.”

Jerry Kim, eBay Australia’s Head Sneaker Authenticator, at work. Picture: Jessica Cham

All sneakers are then verified with a unique QR code tag that provides detailed information customers expect, making it easy to re-list and resell.

His 90-pair private collection includes brands ranging from Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Yeezy, New Balance and more.

They range from being worth $400 to $15,000.

Jerry Kim has a one-of-a-kind private sneaker collection worth a cool $50,000. Picture: Jessica Cham

The global sneaker industry is currently worth around $119 Billion and is set to soar an additional $22 billion by 2028, according to Statista.

“My current favourite pair is the Salomon XT6 and it was a collaboration between Sandy Liang that was released this year. I was able to get it for retail at $300 through an Australian retailer raffle, but now they are worth close to $1000,” he said.

Mr Kim started his own self-employed business back in 2016 as a sneaker seller, and was later employed by eBay Australia last year.

“We do regular training with the global network within eBay. All our authenticators are trained in New York across multiple brands,” he said.

“My passion for sneakers has brought me here. I’ve managed a Facebook community with a whole bunch of sneaker enthusiasts and I know that a lot of buyers and sellers on eBay do trust me personally, and also the process that eBay provides to the customers.”

Originally published as Jerry Kim’s big break as a sneaker authenticator for eBay Australia