JSA Story on Autographalert.com

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right probably 90% - 95% of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.

Upon what data do you base the above? How many PSA/JSA authenticated items were looked at? What method was used to determine whether their determination was correct?

Or did you just make it up?

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Upon what data do you base the above? How many PSA/JSA authenticated items were looked at? What method was used to determine whether their determination was correct?

Or did you just make it up?

You strike me as someone who always needs to get the last word and picks everything apart, so I'll just amend my comment to:

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right the vast majority of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.

And I'll leave it at that.

Steve Zarelli

[prewarsports]

It all boils down to this guys.......

The trusted third parties are right the majority of the time, BUT so are trusted dealers and you dont have to pay for a letter from them and they will stand behind the item whereas the authenticators will not stand behind their opinion.

Rhys Yeakley

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

It all boils down to this guys.......

The trusted third parties are right the majority of the time, BUT so are trusted dealers and you dont have to pay for a letter from them and they will stand behind the item whereas the authenticators will not stand behind their opinion.

Rhys Yeakley

I don't disagree with this and I don't recall anyone else in the thread doing so either. If there is something I'm looking for, the trusted dealers are where I look first.

That said, they always don't have what I'm looking for, so the next stop is eBay or a dealer I may not be as familiar with. This is where TPAs add value in my opinion.

In the past I've been fairly critical of TPAs, even writing an award-winning article in the Pen & Quill several years ago that was highly critical of TPAs.

That said, generally they provide a beneficial service and I don't understand the level of hostility toward them.

[barrysloate]

Could you provide a link for your article on TPA?

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Could you provide a link for your article on TPA?

P&Q is not online, but I'll see if I can dig up a copy and post scans.

[barrysloate]

Thanks...Mr. Zipper Would like to read it.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I don't disagree with this and I don't recall anyone else in the thread doing so either. If there is something I'm looking for, the trusted dealers are where I look first.

That said, they always don't have what I'm looking for, so the next stop is eBay or a dealer I may not be as familiar with. This is where TPAs add value in my opinion.

In the past I've been fairly critical of TPAs, even writing an award-winning article in the Pen & Quill several years ago that was highly critical of TPAs.

That said, generally they provide a beneficial service and I don't understand the level of hostility toward them.

Be patient if you cannot get what you want from the good dealers.
There are enough good dealers out there and a few good trusted auction houses and if you stick with them you should be in good shape. And the good dealers can usually turn up most items if you give them enough time.
I think most of us know who the good dealers really are,,, stay with them and you can build a terrific collection.

[Orioles1954]

I guess my difficulty lies with the term "opinion". If TPG is merely an opinion that is subject to change, then these companies should issue an LOO (Letter of Opinion) rather than the signed, sealed and delivered LOA (Letter of Authenticity). The word "Authenticity" means the issuer should stand behind their decision and there is very little room for error.

James

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

You strike me as someone who always needs to get the last word and picks everything apart, so I'll just amend my comment to:

JSA and PSA are far from perfect, but they are still right the vast majority of the time. Compare that to the track record of their critics.

And I'll leave it at that.

Steve Zarelli

It has nothing at all to do with the last word, and you can roll your eyes as much as you want. Your quantitative assessment given previously, and your qualitative assessment given above are nothing but opinions, pulled out of thin air. They are based on nothing substantial.

JSA and PSA get it right more often than they get it wrong. (I can't prove it, but I think all here will agree.) But the same can be said for anyone who's collected for a few years. The crucial thing, though, as Rhys pointed out, is that the third parties do not stand behind their opinions in any way.

[murphusa]

and they also get paid for their opinion

[PhilNap]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

The crucial thing, though, as Rhys pointed out, is that the third parties do not stand behind their opinions in any way.

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

No. She should buy from a reputable dealer, one who has "studied for years," and who fully guarantees his wares.

No third party required.

This is not always true. I had a good experience where PSA made good on a 9 year old mistake to the tune of $900.00.

And the piece in question was purchased (already authenticated by PSA) from a so-called reputable dealer, who despite his written guaranty refused to offer a refund. Had Joe Orlando not stepped in I would not have been made whole.

[David Atkatz]

Well, it was very nice of him to do that. But PSA's small print says they are in no way legally required to do so. When that small print is removed, and Mr Orlando puts into writing that he will guarantee PSA's opinion for every customer, I'll change my tune.

[Big Dave]

Read the story earlier and it is amazing. Sure does cast JSA in a very poor light.

[Scott Garner]

Interesting serve and volley in this thread guys....
Thanks!