Autograph Authenticating For Canadian Sellers of Music & Entertainment Memorabilia -Any Suggestions?

[intimewithmusic]

Hi.

   I'm a little concerned about shipping memorabilia back and forth across the border for authenticating.  I understand in Toronto there's a company called KSA but it appears they mostly process sports cards and autographs. 

    There's a service on eBay for Buyers called eBay PSA Quickopinion. You send them a scan and for $10 they tell you if it MIGHT be authentic or not. Has this service been of help to you as a Seller?

  Beckett and JSA and others charge between $20 and $50USD per signature plus shipping. The turnaround time can be 2-3 months including shipping. The value of the services also relates to the validity and reputation of the company. 

  For many lesser valuable items it's not really necessary but in some cases it can add a lot of value. For example I had Liberace sign his autobiography in 1974 for me.  He signed almost every book they printed so there are a lot out there.  A copy that was authenticated by JSA recently sold for $300.  There's lots of copies without the certificate available for $50. did it help in this case? Yes, I think so. 

  This is a big hardcover weighing in at .65KG and would cost $50CA for return shipping and $25CA for the sticker. Then there are items with multiple signatures that can be very difficult to pack and ship safely. Most of the people I've had this conversation with say forget it. Sell am as is and move on. Most of the signatures I sell I personally obtained. I have no problem with concern about authenticity and often can provide a letter or a picture with the item. 

   That said the added value from professional authentication may be worth it for items that are more high dollar. If Canadian Sellers have opinions on this I'd love to hear from you! 

   Thank you.

InTimeWithMusic

[silverpinups]

I have used PSA Quickopinion with mixed results. You don't send them a scan. You copy and paste the item number (if applicable) and add the auction house where the item is being sold on to the Quickopinion form. 

You will either recieve a "Likely Genuine" or Likely Not Genuine" result.  

They've been quite consistant over the years minus last year.... I purchased an original autograph of a Hollywood starlet from the 1940's. They confirmed that it was "Likely Genuine" so I purchased it. When I went to sell it on my eBay store I had them do another Quickopinion and result was the opposite "Likely Not Genuine. So I paid big money for this autograph based on their expertise and it came back to bite me in the butt.... 

I got into a heated discussion with a supervisor at PSA  and he could not defend himself or the company. He listened and  kept apologizing until I tired out. They offered no compensation for their mistake. I realize that accidents happen but when you don't compensate the buyer for their mistake that is another matter....

I will never use them agan.   

From my experience over the years, to save money, a PSA Quickopinion should be all you need.  If it's a very expensive autograph ie; Marilyn Monroe, then by all means send it down for authentication. 

[intimewithmusic]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. My impression of PSA Quickopinion is it's intended to assist buyers and not provide providence to Sellers. They make it clear that a judgement can't be made without a physical examination. Even then physical judgements are subject to dispute.

I've never used a "professional authentication company" yet. The treatment you received as both a buyer and a seller is somewhat shocking. I understand they clarify the "opinion" is just that and not with any expressed liability. On the other hand they could have at least offered a refund of the $10US fee as the "opinion" provided was unsubstantiated.

Frankly I was hoping after a few years of searching that I might find a reputable Canadian authenticator for music and entertainment memorabilia. The current surge in thte sale of sports cards seems to have a plentiful supply in Canada.

My research suggests authentication services can be as flawed as the skill of autograph forgers. Some lawsuits came up in the research. 

Having said that buyers look at PSA, Beckett and others for verification of value. Whether the results are based on skill or simply. "reputation" doesn't seem to matter. The cost to increase the value of any item is just a cost of sale.  with respect to Quickopinion you have proven that it is only smoke and mirrors intended for buyers.  $10 bucks = Quickopinion. 

You have experienced and illustrated  a very good point. eBay places ALL liability for items sold by Sellers on Sellers. Quickopinion is purely for buyers. Sellers who use Quickopinion to add value absorb the liability for their item AND the liability of Quickopinion. 

It's sad that having made the mistake they couldn't have at least refunded the fees they charged you. 

Thanks for sharing that.

InTime

[marnotom!]

The phrase "You get what you pay for" comes to mind.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@intimewithmusic 

The term "protections" for sellers is basically a misnomer. You can describe perfectly and still end up left hanging in the wind. Kinda like eBay's recent switch to the laughable "Certified refurbished" program. Something only a manufacturer can technically use.

-Lotz

[intimewithmusic]

The whole service is supposed to be "authenticating" but the volume they are doing with sports and ent memorabilia makes you wonder how much training the autheicators themselves get. 

My favorite autograph story I was involved but not the one asking for an autograph. I was sitting on a couch with Buddy Rich (the drummer) who was in a terry cloth shower robe in his dressing room. After about 15 minutes a fan showed up.  Not sure how he evaded security but he did. There was just Buddy and I so Buddy was  was obliged to respond and he was a witty guy.

The fan who was very nervous asked him for an autograph.  Buddy agreed.  Then  the guy just stood there. No pen, no paper, nothing. Buddy said, "Well... what do you want me to sign?" so I handed him my pen. 

The only thing this guy could produce was his check book.  Buddy says, "Seriously? You want me to sign your check?" The fan was  shrinking. Buddy gave him a pretty hard time and then signed the cover of the check book not the check...

[veebho0]

Is there anywhere in Canada to authenticate autographs?
I hesitate to mail my precious merchandise to another country.

[intimewithmusic]

Hi. I looked for your listings but don't see any on eBay. The major companies charge anywhere from $20USD to $$75 to authenticate. I can't tell from your question whether it would be worth it.

Most of them are offering a new online exchange of photos resulting in a virtual statement of authenticity. The service is much cheaper and faster than sending off your item. 

The demand for authentication service is growing and yes, sometimes services appear in Canada. The problem is that buyers do not recognize their credibility for valuable items. I would not use them personally. What's the point if it doesn't add value to your item? Even if you plan on keeping the item insurance companies will not recognize anyone who isn't well known for the specific item. You may have difficulty if your item is stolen or suffers damage. 

To get specific info and get a proper answer to your question you need to give complete details. What is it? Is it sports, entertainment or a comic hero's autograph? 

For example there is an office in Vancouver that claims to authenticate entertainment autographs. I wouldn't use them for a signed baseball. I think most sellers would advise you to use the top company that specializes in your item. Pack it properly, photograph it, insure it and ship it. 

To be clear this is not my advice as I have no idea what your item is. Comics can take a year right now to send off and get back. The authentication and grading process is extremely complicated so sending off a comic can result in a lot of mistakes made by an amateur collector.

If your signature is in the entertainment industry and very rare (not Elvis) you need to send it to  a major company familiar with that autograph. There's no point in sending Beethoven's autograph to someone who has never seen Beethoven's autograph before even if they are in Canada. The credibility only comes from credible organizationsw. Keep in mind they generally charge more to authenticate extremely rare autographs. 

My niche is music related and there is no one or company in Canada that has enough credibility to increase the value. 

If you are uncomfortable shipping to the states have a shipping professional do that part for you. 

Hopefully this gives you a place to start. 

ITWM