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As recently as 1997, the FBI estimated that between 50% and 90% of all collectibles on the market are not authentic. Any person who cares about the hobby agrees that something must be done. And most think that autograph authentication to pay a third party to certify that the autograph is real – is a logical solution that benefits everyone involved and eliminates counterfeiting.

Month Last, we presented a story by a small owner business (and friends) who would strongly disagree with this statement. He sold a Michael Vick autographed mini helmet on eBay. The buyer sent to be authenticated by PSA / DNA and, when receiving no authentication, demanded a refund. My friend stood his ground and rejected this request.

In my opinion, it was a movement to right the autograph is real and it can not create a precedent to allow PSA / DNA dictate his sales. A business owner wants to make a decision that will result in an unsatisfied customer, but what should he do? Give the customer a refund on something quite good because the ITA opinion of another companyA that the article is false? It would be even worse for his reputation as a dissatisfied customer! It seems that collectors, we've given authentication companies far too much control over the hobby.

Autograph Authentication Kills Small Businesses

Consider my friends business for a second-or himself or his associate gets every autograph he sells himself. He produced a certificate of authenticity stating the date and place of signature. In industry Todai, this good enough simply isnÂ't. How an entrepreneur who wants to create a legitimate autograph business supposed to start? PSA / DNA is what makes virtually impossible for these businesses to get their foot on the ground. When they start up their business, a false positive can ruin their reputation. My friend will have no way of knowing how bad his name has been ruined by this customer who thinks he bought a fake item.

Autograph Authentication gives PSA, Steiner Sports and Upper Deck Too Much Control

I certainly hope that's not SPAA intention to crush small businesses, but the fact that they have the power to do so much bother me. Everyone must understand that all PSA is made that give their opinion as to the validity of the autograph. PSA states this on their site for http://www.psadna.com/faq.chtml Section FAQ:

Q: Do you guarantee that the autographs you certify are genuine and those you do not are fake?

A: No, we do not guarantee autographs under the Vintage Certified program. By using this program, you pay for the advice of top experts in the world, using state-of-the-art examination techniques.

The problem with this is that most people donÂ't treat it as an opinion. For one reason or another people are wrong to treat it like it is made. And in so doing, they give PSA power shouldnÂ't they have. Their findings are treated as final if PSA says ITA real, then it is real. If PSA says ITA false then it is false. It is for them as a company to scare consumers into thinking their service. We must ask ourselves: is it good for our hobby?

Autograph authentication means higher price for collectors

In the same vein, companies autographs exclusive as Steiner Sports and Upper Deck benefit by scaring collectors. By making collectors think that everything that is not exclusive to them is not real, collectors are scared into paying exorbitant prices for their memorabilia and taught that everything at reasonable prices is false. This is just simply not true.

So What Should You Do?

My recommendation: Get your autographs yourself. It will give you the most satisfaction and there will never be a question of authenticity. However, if you need to buy an autograph, search the signature you're looking for, search for company for which you purchase, and find a seller that you trust is selling you something authentic. If doing so you decide to pay PSA / DNA for their opinions, keep in mind that what you are getting – an opinion.

Adam McFarland owns SportsLizard.com – an online marketplace for buying and selling sports collectibles http://www.sportslizard.com

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