| Buying and selling autographs through auction houses | | | | Certificate of Authenticity that are signed in facsimile. |
| can be a rewarding experience. The gratification of | | | | Also beware of using auction companies that use |
| acquiring a key item for your collection or selling an | | | | third-part authenticators to deflect responsibility for |
| autograph at a record-setting price can be exhilarating | | | | authentication. Many of these third-party authenticators |
| experiences. However, there are potential downsides | | | | have numerous complaints that are recorded by the |
| to autograph auction houses, particularly in states | | | | Better Business Bureau. |
| where licensing and regulation is lax and dealer abuse | | | | Who determines minimum selling price? |
| is common. Here are some of the caveats to consider. | | | | Naturally, you want any item sold at auction to be sold |
| Is the auction company properly licensed? | | | | at an equitable and rewarding price that meets your |
| Some companies engage a friend or family member | | | | minimum expectations. Some auction houses impose |
| who knows little or nothing about autographs to be a | | | | their own minimum selling price. Consider consigning to |
| licensed auctioneer and act as a front for the auction | | | | another auction house if their minimum selling price |
| company. | | | | does not meet your needs. |
| Where is the auction company licensed? | | | | Terms for cash advances? |
| Some states have lax auction rules and regulations. | | | | Some auction houses offer generous cash advances |
| This is probably why some auctioneers licensed in one | | | | to entice you to sign up with their auction house. |
| state actually reside in another state. | | | | However, you may be charged monthly interest and |
| Does the auction company substantiate their | | | | not paid for up to three months following the close of |
| autographs? | | | | auction. |
| Many reputable auction companies confirm and | | | | Are there additional fees? |
| guarantee the items they sell at auction. However, | | | | Some auction companies charge additional fees to |
| some companies require the consignor to be | | | | maximize their profits. Cataloging, photography, and |
| responsible for defending any claims of authenticity. | | | | processing fees for returned items are some |
| That means that you bear the costs of responding to | | | | examples of additional fees that add to their profit. |
| and defending allegations of misrepresentation. | | | | If done properly and without onerous restraints, selling |
| Who determines authenticity of autographs? | | | | or consigning your treasured autographs to a reputable |
| Reputable auctioneers stand by the items they sell and | | | | online autograph auction can be a rewarding |
| offer lifetime guarantees that they personally sign. | | | | experience. |
| Beware of auction companies that issue preprinted | | | | |