Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rich on June 5, 2012 at 1:23pm

I think there are some small discussion here and there about the seller.  From what I can see, their stuff looks good, and I think a number of people of the forum would agree.  That being said, I'm not really sure that anyone around here has actually done business with them.  I haven't seen or heard anything negative about them yet.

If nothing else, those videos are fun to watch!

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Permalink Reply by Rich on June 5, 2012 at 2:46pm

Is that the same TopPix?  The types of items sold by the ebay seller look much different than what's being offered on the website.

I'll agree, many of the videos don't really give you 100% conclusive proof.  But some of them, I would say, are fairly compelling:  http://www.toppixautographs.com/pmccartney3.html

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Permalink Reply by Michael T on June 7, 2012 at 1:09pm

I agree with Harry I saw them on Ebay back when they were allowed and they had a real mixed bag for sure. Lots of bad TTM stuff.

I can't couch for them now but my guys see them out all the time in NYC so it seems they are legit.

The only thing I do know is they have been seen using the awful 'white sheets'. So be sure to ask if any item you want to purchase is a lab print or an inkjet.

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Permalink Reply by Mike P on June 7, 2012 at 5:55pm

Oh no...I don't understand why so many IP dealers are using those white sheets even though it is easier, cheaper, and the ability to have a signature for a photograph that a celebrity wouldn't sign if he/she had seen it.  Every signature I've seen printed on white sheets looks faint and unappealing in my opinion..

I'm just really skeptical about them.  The stuff I was interesting in looks okay/ typical in person signatures; but when a certain piece is $150 less than what I see it going for, the red flags pop up regardless (even if they need to get rid of because they've been sitting on it and losing money).  

Thanks for your input Michael!

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Permalink Reply by Michael T on June 7, 2012 at 9:22pm

You are welcome and yes white sheets make perfect sense from a dealer perspective. It used to be you could just pull out an index card in situations where you run into a celebrity but have nothing for them to sign but it seems the modern autograph customer really wants color photos and has very little interest in index cards unless the name is quite rare.

I keep an eye on other dealers from time to time and though I am not 100% sure, I think they may have been lowering their prices.

Assuming everything they sell they get themselves, they surely could 'turn and burn' their inventory at lower prices and still do quite well. Its the age old how to make a million dollars dilemma- sell one item for a million dollar profit or sell one million items for a dollar profit each.

I think you know to do your research and compare to known goods. You can always post a pic of what you are interested in here and I am sure you will get some help if needed.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on June 8, 2012 at 5:28am

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but are white sheets just computer photo paper? For some reason, I have an image of my head of people getting blank things signed and then printing a photo on it... but I guess that doesn't make sense because how could you do that without printing over the auto.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on June 8, 2012 at 6:33am

Wouldn't it be glaring to see the printing over the signature? Do Sharpies still "shine" when this process is used? As a buyer, I'd rather purchase a signed index card than something like this.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on June 8, 2012 at 7:38am

That's especially cheap of these collectors.  I understand not wanting a surplus of unsigned photos or albums, but why not just bring some drumheads or pickguards?  I don't think those are particularly expensive.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on June 8, 2012 at 7:54am

I got many guitar cavety covers signed in person to put on my signature model guitars. I couldn't get Ace Frehley, because he won't sign guitars or guitar parts anymore, so I had to go for an older one online. The seller had sprayed clearcoat on it to preserve it so it wouldn't rub off when playing. I bought it, but I hate the fact that the autograph is covered by something, even though it's clear. I feel the same way about laminated posters, etc. I feel like I'd never buy something where there's printing over the autograph. I feel like it ruins something about the signature. I like to look up close at all the little details of signatures, and I'd hate to look at it and see something over it that can't be taken off.

Permalink Reply by JXE on June 5, 2012 at 4:28pm

The basic tone out there with TopPix as far as I understand is to try to stick with the more current stuff that has recent signing dates. They tend to put up stuff shortly after NY events now that they moved their operation to NY. Their older stuff did have some TTM stuff, and the consensus I've seen is to avoid stuff without dates if you're not sure, because it's usually a sign of older stuff that may have been TTM. I bought some in person stuff from Boardwalk Empire, and a David Fincher and I'm happy with them and convinced of their authenticity. 

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Permalink Reply by JXE on June 5, 2012 at 4:54pm

Videos never prove authenticity unless it's some kind of sit down thing or you have a really clear view. I like when some collectors put their videos up in a blog fashion for fun and not to sell an autograph. I'd never go by the video, but rather the reputation of the seller and a careful comparison to known exemplars. I also think timing is an important factor. Sites that offer stuff shortly after public appearances are either really good at faking it or really collecting signatures in person. 

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Permalink Reply by Mike P on June 5, 2012 at 4:42pm

Thanks for all of the responses!  Personally, I think video proof is absolutely useless unless the picture you're buying is in the video being signed.  I'm naturally suspicious, because certain signatures they have up for sale on their website for about $100 less than normal but some are priced exact; I wonder why.  I'm not discrediting them though, but in my experience pricing is a significant factor when trying to determine authenticity.   

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