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PSA or Beckett. Which one is most trusted?

I started an earlier discussion on TPA services. Knowing both are imperfect up front my question is which, of these two, impresses you the most? And why?

I am getting ready to pick one to use. Most members here are very knowledgeable and I would like some thoughtful, experienced opinions.

Thank-you.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 6:55pm

There will be NO STICKERS placed on any item I pay to have verified. LOAs with the sticker left off. I understand your position. If you do ever purchase from me in the future, feel free to throw the LOA away!

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Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on December 15, 2018 at 7:06pm

Didnt know they didn’t put stickers on them. That makes these TPAs even more dangerous then I thought. LOAs would be easier to move to other items if they didn’t have the number specific sticker on the item.

Interesting.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 7:18pm

There is a picture of the item on the LOA and, upon my request, the sticker can be left on the LOA. A picture of the exact item will be displayed on PSA's online database as well. I will pay for LOA upgrades and will not have those "Basic cert" cards.

I guess someone can cheat but dangers are around every corner in this hobby. I'm merely analyzing the market and making the best decision I can on how best to meet the demands of a diverse market.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on December 15, 2018 at 7:27pm

Ah ok. Got you. Hope you sell all your stuff. Was nice list to look through.

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Permalink Reply by goodcat on December 15, 2018 at 7:33pm

I'm glad you won't be adding stickers Joe

I don't like them at all

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 7:36pm

I don't either. This is not about degrading a collectible nor to promote any specific service. I collect autographs; not stickers!

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Permalink Reply by goodcat on December 15, 2018 at 7:40pm

I understand your intent here Joe

And if a TPA helps in your sales, then it's the right business move for you

Funny, some folks like the sticker so it's a bit of a catch 22 decision eh?

Ya it's true that us Canadians say "eh" LOL

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 7:53pm

I've been doing this for awhile and studying the numbers and followed the questions and inquires directed to me from many potential buyers.

I will start this new procedure in January. It will take time to complete the conversion and get all the existing plus new autographs processed. It's no small investment in time and money.

I will know more at the end of 2019. Just seeing a trend and trying to come up with the right solution for myself and those who purchase something from me. Hopefully it will be a win-win!

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Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on December 15, 2018 at 7:36pm

I hate stickers too. I wouldn’t even put the dumb Honor Roll sticker my daughter brought on my car. Told her I’d rather she just bring home some C’s so we don’t have this problem.

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Permalink Reply by B. Anderson on December 15, 2018 at 7:16pm

I think there are some good points raised here about forgeries being cert-ed inappropriately.

What I would propose is an independent database that is hosted in a foreign country, thus making it immune to lawsuits, and with redundant backups elsewhere (should it get compromised somehow). No user contact information would be stored (no emails, names, etc.), for the protection of users.

The database could contain information on suspected forgers, bad dealers, as well as specific certs that are questionable.

So if Joe or Eric saw fault in cert by JSA or Beckett or whoever because they have expertise, and they see the exact item number via ebay, they could put that information there about a bad Bowie or Gleason, so that others could then check it and see that while it is certed by JSA or PSA, etc., there are doubts. Those doubts could be, optionally, recorded there.

Just a random thought for someone who has more free time than myself.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 15, 2018 at 7:31pm

I would love to see a way to improve the information flow of this hobby. There are many different forces at work here. Honestly, 80% of the problems with forgeries and bad sellers could be eliminated if the potential buyer would do a less than a 10 search and ask a few questions.

Just takes minimal effort and some common sense!