Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on July 1, 2020 at 9:13am

They are more likely to scrutinize rare items, but not necessarily fail them.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 1, 2020 at 9:21am

I would like to see what they failed to pass. Was it a quick opinion or full authentication? I have used quick opinions before although not a fan of them. I think you would be better served by asking members here first. Especially on high dollar autographs.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Miller on July 1, 2020 at 3:20pm

I’d concur. The knowledge base here is second to none 

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Permalink Reply by M. on July 1, 2020 at 4:00pm

If what you mean by "intentionally fail a legitimate item," is purposefully giving the opinion that the item is not authentic when they are absolutely positive that it is authentic, then no, I don't think they'd do that. I think the big TPA's would like their name attached to as many unquestionably authentic item as possible to improve their "image"/reputation.

That said, outside of programs like the JSA's WPP or PSA's ITP where they literally see something signed, I'm not sure how they could ever be absolutely certain something was signed by someone. Thus, I can't think of a case where they even could technically "intentionally fail a legitimate item" unless they watched someone sign something and then decide it was fake which doesn't make any sense. Also, TPA's (at least PSA) say "Questionable Authenticity," and as far as I know, never just say something's "fake" since the whole TPA process is based on opinion.

If you're talking about Quick Opinion services then that's different.

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Permalink Reply by mark harmon on July 4, 2020 at 1:31pm

probably don't itentionally fail, but they do fail items that are good all the time. intentionally pass..now that's a different ball game. yes they will sticker up bad items for companies like presspass collectibles or other businesses that do a lot of business with them

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on July 4, 2020 at 1:41pm

I always find it interesting when members offer their opinions as facts.  Particularly when they mention company names.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 5, 2020 at 3:25am

Although I'm not going to name drop here but I do believe there is some solid validity that certain companies that do a lot of business with the big name TPA services get more grace on rushed or borderline signatures than the average collector.

I own a number of examples that were obtained from the most trusted in person dealers out there and they fail to receive a coveted sticker from PSA, JSA, or Bickett. I cannot, for the life or me, figure out how a similar signature gets a "pass" and mine does not. 

This happens consistently. Far to often. Money talks. There does seem to be a double standard.

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Permalink Reply by RDDB on July 5, 2020 at 6:41am

Would it be correct to say that serious/experienced collectors put less stock in major TPA’s than perhaps your average or novice collectors?

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 5, 2020 at 6:45am

They say they do and some actually do but no one can ignore TPA services when it comes time to sell especially if they try to sell directly and not through an auction. They have a powerful effect on the marketplace. Like it or not.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on July 5, 2020 at 4:36pm

Agree 100% Joe. I know of a few sellers in Australia and at least one here in New Zealand who put endless items through TPA and all seem to pass with no issue even secretarial signatures, autopens, and clear fakes. It makes a mockery of TPA and the sticker collectors don't seem to care.  

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Permalink Reply by mark harmon on July 5, 2020 at 6:41am

i had a walt disney signed postcard that failed beckett authentication. i knew it was good so i took it to psa/dna and they passed it and issued a ful loa. i listed it on ebay and presspass collectibles was the winning bidder. a few months later guess what i saw listed in their ebay store, my walt disney postcard slabbed by beckett

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on July 5, 2020 at 7:55am

Thanks for the clarification, Mark.

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