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TPA Passed an Autograph but Another TPA Failed It

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Permalink Reply by Dennis on May 22, 2021 at 8:33pm

Not sure what you mean Eric. This is the only Schulz autograph I have.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2021 at 9:33pm

If I am collecting an autograph I create a dedicated file containing as many authentic examples and known forgery styles as I can find. How else can you take part in the authentication process? Only then will I purchase - when I can see it myself. I don't use 3rd parties for anything and have no trouble selling my graphs w/o papers or stickers. Homework is everything. I don't believe a third party authenticator cares as much as I do about my graphs - and I have no stockholder to answer to.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis on May 22, 2021 at 9:58pm

Terrific advice. It's crazy thinking how the value of a autograph can really depend on the opinion of a TPA in most transactions (you see it all the time in Pawn Stars, namely) regardless of whether they are right or wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on May 22, 2021 at 10:00pm

Tpa's can be a grubby part of the hobby esp, when Autograph groups will only let you sell if you have a certain coa!

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Permalink Reply by Eddy on May 22, 2021 at 10:08pm

I've never actually submitted anything as part of a full authentication to any of the TPA's (although I have done a few QUICK OPINIONS).

Is there a way of requesting the name or names of the individuals who examined your piece on behalf of the company? I know the company heads sign off on the letters but I would think it helpful to know who made the judgement.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis on May 22, 2021 at 10:14pm

From my experience of contacting Beckett I was never able to directly speak to their staff at HQ. I would always get transferred to their offshore support center and they were never particularly helpful.

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Permalink Reply by Eddy on May 22, 2021 at 10:37pm

I'm sorry to hear that, Dennis.

I didn't realize that it was so difficult to get in contact with them. Those authentications are not something they are doing out of the goodness of their own hearts. I would think as a paying customer you should have some kind of helpful access and be able to have your questions taken seriously and resolved.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2021 at 10:39pm

I don't think that is their model.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis on May 22, 2021 at 11:03pm

Thank you for your empathy Etienne!

It was a really sketchy experience overall. I was surprised that Beckett would use these offshore support centers as their customer service team (which is understandable; thousands of submissions have to be examined at their offices in Dallas). I felt as though the agents I spoke to over the phone were unqualified in this sort of business. However, I'm grateful that I got some valuable advice from this site.