I'm starting to get some items in my collection authenticated for various reasons.. The biggest being if something happens to me, its less research for my family later on.. I'm going specifically to get a Carpenters vinyl authenticated to make sure my ebay purchase has another opinion before I'm no longer covered. That sticker will go on the LOA for sure for this specific item signed in ballpoint pen. There is no question of this being a reproduction.

Over the years, I've read a lot of old threads of collectors complaining about TPAs placing their stickers on the front of an item. This has me thinking, I'm also going to take a few index cards and cds where the sticker on the LOA won't be an option and will need to be placed on the item. Im torn with what is best for some of these. Take an index card for example. When buying on eBay, if previously authenticated, id prefer the sticker to be on the item and in front. Ive been duped into buying authenticated cards in the past where the sticker was not on the item and the seller tried to pass off a high quality reproduction claiming it was the original. Sometimes depending on the pen used, it can be difficult to tell between live ink and a printing. Its almost impossible to verify when buying items online just looking at pictures. I feel the sticker, as terrible as it looks, adds another layer of security, especially as technology advances in the future. This also goes along with framing. Once an item is under glass, it can be difficult to tell if is original or reproduced. Having the sticker visible seems like it should be more widely accepted for resale purposes down the road even if the item was never intended to be resold. It will eventually switch hands regardless unless you are buried with your collection.

On the other hand, these stickers are ugly and in most cases, collectors are able to tell the difference easily. Collectors are not the only ones buying these items though.. hard-core fans with deep pockets, who have no knowledge about authenticating, tend to rely on these stickers. At some point, I bet most of our items will hit the market again within the next hundred years.. It kind of makes sense to be more accepting of these eye sores and should be placed on the front of certain items I mentioned. If a sticker is hidden on the back of an item, once framed, how would you know without taking it all apart? 

Wondering what everyone's view on this is. Im asking specifically about the certain items which can be reproduced and passed off as original. Items like glossy photos are not part of this conversation. Ive had some trouble in the past verifying heavy cardstock signed lightly with a rollerball type pen. Not impossible but can be tricky