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Hypothetically speaking. What would you do?

This is a follow-up discussion. Here is the scenario.

You decided to sell an autograph from your collection. Congratulations, all is good. You certainly have reason to believe it's authentic. No problems.

A short time later your buyer contacts you and informs you that your autograph did not pass authentication. What would you do?

A. Offer to refund the money.

B. Offer a trade for something else in your collection.

C. Inform your buyer that you know the autograph is authentic. You own it now.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 16, 2020 at 3:07am

Perhaps I'm just a old fashion guy. But I still believe in the golden rule. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on July 15, 2020 at 12:55pm

What reasons do you have to believe that it’s authentic? You asked for opinions from other knowledgeable collectors and no one pointed out anything unusual about it or expressed any doubts about it?

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 15, 2020 at 1:28pm

Not sure what you are referring to Ballroom. I haven't placed any specific autograph with this "hypothetical discussion".

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on July 15, 2020 at 1:42pm

I understand, and I’m asking hypothetically. You said that you have reason to believe that it’s authentic and I was just asking for more detail under your scenario.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 15, 2020 at 2:03pm

My stance on this issue is, if I was a seller of the said autograph and it does not pass TPA authentication, I would immediately offer a refund or exchange based on what the buyer desires. At this point it is only the right choice to make. If I believe the TPA got it incorrect I would seek another TPA service to determine what I will do with the said autograph.

I have the same expectation if I am the buyer and it fails authentication. I would expect the original seller to offer a refund or exchange. I have the same standard both ways.

I frequently ask other experienced collectors their thoughts on specific autographs in order to avoid as many potential pitfalls as possible. In fact, that is what makes this site outstanding. If helps collectors, regardless of experience, gain more knowledge of this hobby.

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on July 15, 2020 at 2:24pm

I agree that issuing a refund is the best choice. If there’s a high degree of confidence in its authenticity, I think you could send it to another TPA service. If there are any questions about it and you send it to another TPA service and it passes, the original TPA could very well have been correct and you’ll end up with an authenticated forgery.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 15, 2020 at 2:33pm

Anything is possible. Is is really not about who is right and who is wrong. More about what is proper in a given situation. Buyers should expect an autograph to pass independent authentication. Sellers, regardless of their personal opinion, should desire their buyer is confident in their business practices.

If they are not willing to accept TPA opinions as a reason for a refund or exchange, they should clearly say so in their description. Then the buyer understands up front they are buying "as is" with no guarantees. Caveat emptor!

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Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on July 15, 2020 at 2:00pm

I think about it that as a buyer I don't know you as a seller. Whilst I don't use TPA's very often if 2 said not real I would expect a refund. As a seller I would make sure the buyer sent proof of the TPA failing the items before refunding and just put it down to experience

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on July 15, 2020 at 5:08pm

If I owned a Lon Chaney autograph in my collection that I purchased twenty years ago at a garage sale, it should not matter if Mike Shepherd was selling it from his personal collection. Particularly if it was purchased at a garage sale. If I sell it, and it fails more than one TPA, I would only be risking my reputation if I refused a refund or an exchange. There comes a time when a seller needs to check their ego, and do what the hobby would expect them to do.