It depends on the scenario. Generally they are good and needed, and I always utilize them as a backup to my opinion. If i like the item on my own, and PSA/JSA agree, it layers on my confidence in the piece.
For those saying "I only collect for me so I don't need it", my counter would be if you were to drop dead tomorrow, would your loved ones know what to do, what is worth what, or would they be the ones trying to fly blind to figure out how to sell your belongings after you're gone. It is for that reason almost entirely, that everything I have also has either PSA, JSA or both (for non first party items). There is also a valuation spreadsheet that I update regularly and instructions on which friends, auction houses and colleagues to contact should something happen to me.
The other component is WHICH TPA to use for what items, generally each has their strong suit and weaker areas. I tend to find JSA the best of the bunch for vintage baseball, followed by PSA and then Beckett. As vintage baseball is my primary collection focus, I tend to weight the opinions of these companies in that order.
Bottom line is they add legitimacy to what you're claiming something is. EVERY one of us started with no knowledge and built up our knowledge base and eyes over time. Some people genuinely cannot judge a signature no matter how long they look at it. Anyone just entering the hobby has that same baseline, and TPAs help make their purchase choice a lot safer. Sure TPAs miss some here and there, but they definitely bat over 90%, and well above 95% on the biggest names.
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