More additions at PSA Autograph Authentication

[RichardSimon]

If you go to the PSA website and look at the list of their experts it states this about Kevin Keating: "He has been an autograph consultant for PSA/DNA Authentication Services since 2009, where he is now a full-time authenticator."
Though the site does not use those exact words in their descriptions of Rich Albersheim or Bill Corcoran. Though like I said before Bill Corcoran gave up his business and I would assume he is a full time authenticator. Nobody else in their listing of experts is claiming the qualifications to inspect vintage sports autographs.
I just noticed that the site also lists titles for their people. Consultant/authenticators and authenticators are their descriptions. Kevin, Bill, Rich and Zack Rullo are all listed as authenticators. A couple of others are listed as consultant/authenticators.
http://www.psacard.com/experts/

[Klrdds]

I guess the point of the matter is that as usual with PSA no one actually knows who is authenticating what and by what means they are doing it. I mean how do Bill in FL , Kevin in VA , and Rich in NV actually physically see and inspect and authenticate each item submitted to PSA because of their geographical distribution ?
That is what my friend told me about their "authenticating" process and certing the rare ones versus the more common ones , lest we forget that PSA authenticates more than just baseball autographs and with varying turn around times.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Klrdds

I guess the point of the matter is that as usual with PSA no one actually knows who is authenticating what and by what means they are doing it. I mean how do Bill in FL , Kevin in VA , and Rich in NV actually physically see and inspect and authenticate each item submitted to PSA because of their geographical distribution ?

That is a good question. I would guess the viable answer is scans??
Just speculating but personally I never would sign a COA based on just a scan.
It does seem though that the team is appearing at many card shows.

[RichardSimon]

To add answers to some of the open questions in this thread, the three new additions to PSA, Rich Albersheim, Bill Corcoran and Kevin Keating are winding down their autograph businesses and will no longer be buying and selling once they have wound down their inventory.
The team will be traveling extensively and will be spending time in California regularly to examine autographs.
Rich Albersheim will be relocating to California. Kevin and Bill will be staying in Virginia and Florida.
The logistics of all this still seem to me to be possibly difficult.
IMO this might result in slower authentication times but that is my opinion only. I don't know if that will happen.

[Scott Garner]

Hi Richard,
Just curious, I guess the obvious questions are:
1) Whether the autograph business is no longer lucrative or popular enough for the dealer
2) The PSA grading opportunity was much more lucrative for all three
3) A combination of both

I've been a customer of all three of these guys as well as Phil Marks in the past (as well as you and Jim Stinson )

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Hi Richard,
Just curious, I guess the obvious questions are:
1) Whether the autograph business is no longer lucrative or popular enough for the dealer
2) The PSA grading opportunity was much more lucrative for all three
3) A combination of both

I've been a customer of all three of these guys as well as Phil Marks in the past (as well as you and Jim Stinson )

I really did not get into asking those types of questions and answers. I would assume they will make more money with PSA than they did in their own business but obviously they are also giving up their independence.

[Klrdds]

I hope their well-earned respect and reputations do not get lowered or damaged by going to work for a "corporation " that is a business first and as such must turn a profit to be viable.
Giving up your independence for this is a big gamble unless you are looking to slow down and get out of the day to day "rat race' of buying and selling and having customers constantly ask you when making a purchase from you "if their purchase from you will pass PSA ".

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

If you go to the PSA website and look at the list of their experts it states this about Kevin Keating: "He has been an autograph consultant for PSA/DNA Authentication Services since 2009, where he is now a full-time authenticator."
Though the site does not use those exact words in their descriptions of Rich Albersheim or Bill Corcoran. Though like I said before Bill Corcoran gave up his business and I would assume he is a full time authenticator. Nobody else in their listing of experts is claiming the qualifications to inspect vintage sports autographs.
I just noticed that the site also lists titles for their people. Consultant/authenticators and authenticators are their descriptions. Kevin, Bill, Rich and Zack Rullo are all listed as authenticators. A couple of others are listed as consultant/authenticators.
http://www.psacard.com/experts/

Interesting... full time indicates that they are well.. full time rather than consultants on ultra rare stuff to me.