I am gradually liquidating my extensive collection of sports autographs and memorabilia (primarily baseball) mostly acquired from 1994-2014. Please feel free to ask me any questions about any of my items.
Of course the biggest question anyone should have as a buyer is - WHAT ABOUT THE AUTHENTICITY?? Although eBay seems to have made some strides in protecting collectors from fakes and forgeries, this hobby is still overrun with questionable items. Here is what I can do to back my listings and give you the same sense of security I seek as a buyer:
With respect to authentication, my autographs fall into three categories:
1) Those that came with a nationally-recognized COA/LOA when I acquired them, or items I have had authenticated after acquisition by one of the same firms. When that is the case, I have uploaded any applicable images. The authentication firms I consider "nationally-recognized" are PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett, and MLB Authentication. They all maintain websites where the COA or LOA may be verified.
2) Items I've acquired that came with some sort of COA (such as TriStar) but may or may not be nationally recognized or verifiable through a website.
3) Those that I acquired in-person and don't have a previously existing COA/LOA. Sometimes the likely sale value of the item just doesn't justify the expense of a new COA/LOA, and sometimes I may get a Quick Opinion from PSA or Beckett for $10, but in general I would rather have the buyer undertake that effort if they so desire.
So here is my offer...best that I can think of... to assure you my items are genuine:
1) If you buy an item from me that comes with a verifiable COA or LOA from PSA/DNA, Beckett, JSA, or MLB, then I am basically done. If you want to get a second opinion from an alternate authentication firm from eBay's list, please do so within my 30-day return window. An on-line opinion is fine. If it comes back "fail" you may return the item and I will refund your cost plus pay you for your authentication cost and an extra $20 for your trouble. After 30 days, the existing COA or LOA stands.
2) If you buy an item from me that has any other type of COA, LOA, an on-line "quick opinion" from PSA/DNA or Beckett, or none at all, and you get a "fail" authenticity opinion from any of eBay's recognized authentication firms (see http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/authentication.html#authentication), I will refund your purchase, refund the cost of authentication, pay for shipping to return it to me, and add $20 for your trouble. After the item is delivered to you this offer will be in effect for the original buyer only for the next year. (Note: I do keep photos of everything I sell.)
3) If you get an on-line opinion (usually PSA/DNA Quick Opinion or Beckett Signature Review) while my listing is live (or before you pay) and it comes back "Likely to Fail," please forward to me via Direct Message and I will reimburse you for your authentication fee (and presumably end the listing).
If there is any better way I can put my money where my mouth is and assure you of my item's genuine pedigree just let me know! I think my feedback rating reflects my integrity-based approach to buying and selling. I want you to bid with confidence and have the same positive experience I always hope for as a buyer! You will receive signed and printed documentation of this guarantee with your item.