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Posted By: John

Just my two cents on this subject of trust and record keeping etc. The simple fact is since there is really no true unbiased removed third regulatory firm monitoring auction houses, grading companies and dealers it all just gets chalked up to trust in the end, sad but true.

When it comes to auction houses they can paint a pretty picture all they want with glowing testimonials, extensive PR and bio sections in over the top print catalogs and websites. The sad fact of the matter is these guys most likely have their books/business under the microscope less than your average plumbing contractor or accountant.

When it comes to this hobby folks, like it or not every deal and every purchase of every transaction is a gamble like it or not, if these company’s want to find a way to take advantage of you there’s really not much you can do and there’s even less protecting you from it happening.

There are a few folks around here with the Chicken Little routine that the sky is falling and everyone is out to get you and you can be had so easy etc. But these people aren’t doing anything other than trading in gossip and conspiracy theories which makes the hobby no safer. The fact of the matter is this hobby like many other collecting worlds will never be a truly safe and risk free venture or pastime. However for what its worth I do agree with Jeff and Barry that’s it messed up and shouldn’t be that way.

To me all one can really do is be smart, look for the warning signs and try to do business with people you trust and like, but above all enjoy collecting for the pure joy it can be.