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TPA services. Is it time to join the trend?

I've always believed that an authentic autograph speaks for itself. With that said, it seems fewer and fewer "collectors" have the time or desire to know the "language". Obviously, authenticity is the foundation although it seems that is becoming more on who says it authentic than whether or not it's actually authentic. Especially on higher value signatures.

I've tried to evaluate the current group of TPA services. Since I am a DIY type of person I like to offer my autographs directly to the public. Currently, eBay is the best venue to do that.

With that said it seems to me that PSA would be the best choice to fit my requirements. I would like to hear some opinions about this and if any of the other TPA services are worth consideration.

I know there are others out there in my situation. Would like your insights on what you have experienced.

Thank-you.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 14, 2018 at 10:49am

No argument from me, Eric. But, the vast majority of people are not students of the craft. I'm not talking about stickering anything. I do not like the idea of paying a middleman but the marketplace is evolving and I can note a big difference in what is going on today versus just a couple of years ago.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 14, 2018 at 10:56am

Oh, I know, Joe - I was just stating my position, which you are already familiar with, in this context. For me, whether it is a vintage Bowie, radioactive Hiroshima artifact, a bit of an ocean liner or vintage Kodachrome, I go way off of the normal path to describe, identify and quantify qualities and provenance (esp with Hiroshima) in an effort to bring prices equal to, or higher than, certified/authenticated like items at auction. I believe it can still be done with superior items of quality.

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Permalink Reply by John Spillane on December 14, 2018 at 10:26am

That's a great question, Joe. For instance, If someone is buying just to buy? Doesn't know a lot about the hobby, they just want an autograph, with that reputable company's piece of paper, that's reassuring to someone and comes in handy. Someone like me, who only collects hockey and baseball, and who knows a little bit about the hobby, the COA isn't as important. Especially if I know the autos inside and out. For instance, I purchased a really nice mantle signed ball, for $350, the other day, for what most people are charging twice as much for. Go on ebay and look. It's crazy. That piece of paper. The authenticated merchandise PSA JSA Etc. Now, for whatever reason, if I wanted to resell it, I'd sell it for the same price. If it's authenticated, I can sell it for $450. and a lot faster. But, I'm strictly a buyer. I don't sell. So, I can get a piece for cheaper.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 14, 2018 at 10:54am

Absolutely, John. With that said the paper makes a difference when it comes time to sell. I have sold many autographs to those who sent them to a TPA and resold them. Which is fine with me. I do notice the items sell quicker and much higher with the LOA.

I'm glad for them although is it a wise choice for me to ignore that fact?

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 14, 2018 at 5:22pm

Still hope a few more chime in on this one. It seems that the top two are PSA and BAS. Each comes will certain advantages and neither is perfect. If anyone has done business with one or both I would like to hear how their services have produced results, positively or negatively.

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Permalink Reply by marc e on December 14, 2018 at 5:30pm

I've dealt with bas and there idiots.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 5:58am

You have an interesting perspective, Marc. First you say that BAS is the best bang for the buck service. Then you call them idiots. Can it be both?

Paying for have independent authentication is costly. They charge up to $150 per signature plus shipping. Just like every other dollar I spend, I want it to be money well utilized.

I understand that the end buyer views TPA certifications as value added. I've only sent one item to receive a PSA certificate ever and that was requested by the buyer who also paid for the service. Even the buyer already knew it would, or clearly should, pass. Which it did.

It took about 10 days and the final cost ended up close to $200. It was a Paul & Linda McCartney by the way.

But, I am finding that more and more potential buyers will not even consider a signature without a TPA certification. Either I change with the times or be left behind. It's a simple as that.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on December 14, 2018 at 7:31pm

I have been having the same thoughts recently considering getting a PSA sticker on a Mantle ball. I generally don’t sell, so when I buy, I don’t need the sticker if I know the autograph and can get it less expensive like you mentioned. But I have two beautiful in person signed Mantle baseballs with no.7 inscribed. Large signatures, Snow White and mint. I was considering selling one of them. Knowing that so many people only trust that little sticker, I would be doing my self a disservice by selling without the PSA marking knowing that I would be eliminating a huge section of the buying market. With that sticker, I would sell it quicker and for much more, just like you said. It stinks knowing that has become the reality. I can swear up and down how authentic it is, but the small handful of collectors out there who actually know a real Mantle signature, will keep me from getting top dollar.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 14, 2018 at 7:39pm

You are on target, Steve. It's becoming more apparent than if a collector or small seller wants to offer directly to the public a TPA certification makes a huge difference.