Never be afraid to ask questions. If the dealer is legitimate they will answer your questions and will not get upset if you question them. Remember that some reputable dealers are not a guarantee that you get a forgery. A good forger can fool any professional. We caught a guy some years ago who was buying blank cards with old stamps and postmarks on them relating to 1920's, 30's, 40's, 50's etc. Then they will write a short letter or note signed by, for instance Babe Ruth. If the forgery is good the old stamped card makes you think that this is real because the postmark is from the same era. They will use an old style fountain pen or in a case with say Ty Cobb, they will use green ink which was very popular in that era. You can also find out info that could help explain the reason the items are inexpensive. A good example would be a seller has not much feedback or none. They have to start somewhere. this one person we experienced were from another country. they came to this country for a short stay because their grandfather left them an estate. This deceased man was a collector of autographs from way back. The grandchildren had no idea what anything was worth and had a short time to sell articles from the estate. They posted at cheap prices and not many people bid because the prices are cheap and the seller has a low feedback. Meanwhile the autographs were legitimate, it's just that their inexperience was our gain. If they give you more time to pay there is a good chance that the autographs are legitimate. Most forgers want to sell fast and get their money so they can shut down before somebody catches on. Holograms are also not a guarantee. Anybody can make or purchase holograms that they can put on an article along with the COA. This is still not a guarantee. If you tell the buyer that you have your items authenticated when you receive them, and if they are forgeries you would like to be re-embursed your money plus the price of authentication , they will be glad to do this if they know they are legitimate. If they use a P.O. Box ask them for a home address and phone number. Call the number to veryfy the number is legitimate. In most cases if they are illegal they will give you a fake number. Keep an eye on items thoroughly. For instance, we had a beautifully autographed baseball signed by Lou Gehrig brought to us at a show by some young teenagers. It was a perfect signature and was signed on a official National league baseball with Bart Giamatti as the president. Gehrig would have had to come back from the dead to sign this ball. When somebody ask me a question on an autograph I don't take it personal. I'm happy that the person is researching my product because I have nothing to hide and I'm sure that when I answer the questions in a nice and professional way, I'm going to end up with a potential customer along with word of mouth. The main thing is you are the buyer. You are paying with your money. You have the right to question the authenticity. You are the one in charge. Also remember that in the older days COA's were unheard of. Some of your best COA's is info on the item such as when, where, date, of when the item was signed. Ask for the info to be typed up and signed along with address and phone number. Still the best way is to be knowledgeable and go with your gut. If an item is worth $1,000.00 it may have cost the seller nothing when he got it signed or got it for free from grandpa. $500.00 would not be unreasonable. But you may want ask several questions and do alot of research if it is $100.00. If a guy has a good sale going because he has 50 Ty Cobbs he is getting rid of, unless he is his flesh and blood relative the chances are slim that they are legitimate. In other cases I sold a bunch of autographed baseballs and 8x10's for cheap at one time of Harmon Killebrew. This was because he did a Sports Show that I promoted and had him sign 4 dozen baseballs and a couple hundred 8x10's. When I sold them I included my COA and a copy of the ad that was placed in the newspaper so customers would realize why I had so many. Hope some of this info is helpful and remember ask questions you the buyer are in control.
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