Most appropriate way to sell unverified autographs?

[JLange]

Hypothetically speaking, let's say you pick up a lot with several baseball related items and in this lot is an autographed card that you do not wish to keep. You intend to sell this item, but you have no idea of whether the autograph is real or fake. What is the best thing to do? Sell it "as is" with a disclaimer that you have no idea if auto is real? Authenticate (if you can) and then sell with the authentication? Sell as is and offer to take return if buyer attempts authentication and is rejected? I am looking for some ideas on what others would consider fair and appropriate. I occasionally purchase lots that have these "problem" cards and don't really know what to do with them. I worry more about perpetuating another fake auto in the hobby than in losing out somehow if the auto is real.

[slidekellyslide]

There seem to be many in this forum that are qualified to give an educated opinion on autographs. I'd post it here and ask...if it's good then I'd sell it on ebay with a money back guarantee if it doesn't pass JSA or PSA. That's what I'd do, and that's what I have done in the past. If it can't pass Net54 muster it goes in the junkpile.

[travrosty]

Whatever you do, dont promise a refund base on psa's or jsa's authentication skills regarding the autograph after the sale. that's crazy.

They have knocked down good autographs and passed bad ones. Do you want to refund based on that?

If someone asks if you guarantee it to pass psa or jsa, say no, you don't recognize those services as reliable.

http://www.fighttoys.com/Jeffries-Corbett-Sharkey.htm


They call James Jeffries "James Jeffers" for crying out loud.

all the entries for sunday are in the same hand, all the entries for monday are in the same hand, but a different hand from sundays entries. then the james jeffries at the bottom is in the same hand as the sunday entries again. None of these entries are in the actual boxers hand, but both jsa and psa certed this.

Is anybody home?




Travis Roste

[GrayGhost]

Trav, that is PATHETIC that someone would pass that. Even Moorales might have got that one right.

To not open up this same can of worms, to the original poster, I think Dan's idea is the best one, and as Travis said, don't count on the Alphabet boys either.

[jbsports33]

I would do your own research first!!!


Jimmy

[drc]

I wouldn't put it up for auction if you don't have an idea if it's real-- even with disclaimer. However, when you do put it up for sale, include a big clear image so bidders can make judgments for themselves.

I agree that posting an image here and asking for opinions is a good idea.

The source of your hypothetical lot is relevant. There's a difference between the lot coming from an anonyous garage sale and an experienced/reputable dealer. Authentic autographs can come from both, but you and others will have more confidence in the opinion and reliability of said dealer.