Blue-Chip Fine Art or Fake eBay Art?
Many Buyers Purchase Worthless eBay Fake Art
Many Art Buyers find out that the purchased eBay Lot is not authentic, when it is too late, and they are unable to obtain a refund from eBay, PayPal or the Seller. Although eBay brings buyers and sellers together, eBay has not implemented an automatic fraud protection system to eliminate all Counterfeit Art Lots offered. Most disturbing, eBay believes it has no obligation to investigate counterfeit claims unless the complaint originates from the “rights owner”, the party holding the trademark and/or copyright.
No Authenticity Assurance From eBay
Determining whether an eBay Art Seller is offering Authentic Art is not simple nor easy. Unlike most websites, eBay does not have a blanket warranty and/or Seller Guarantee regarding "Any Lot" offered on its site. eBay takes absolutely no position regarding quality, authenticity, accuracy and/or condition of any Lot offered or sold. Read that again for clarity on just what eBay offers and does not offer.
Deceptive Sellers Prefer The eBay "Hands Off" Policy
The absence of a solid Counterfeit vetting system makes eBay ripe for deceptive Sellers who promote Counterfeits with “famous” Brand names. Whether it be Counterfeit Tiffany Jewelry or Counterfeit Andy Warhol Art, the same principles apply. As a result, eBay continues to attract thousands of deceptive Collectible Sellers who convince unsuspecting buyers who seek "great deals".
What About The eBay and PayPal Guarantee?
Both eBay and PayPal now widely proclaim that Buyers are protected against Counterfeits. However, in the case of Art, PayPal and the new eBay Buyer Protection Program require the Buyer obtain an "expert opinion" to obtain the refund. In other words, both PayPal and eBay require the Buyer to obtain an "expert opinion" to prove Authenticity.
Expert Opinions Are Never Fast
Try to obtain a fully documented "expert Authenticity opinion" in one week from any major Artist, Estate and/or Foundation, and you will immediately realize it is virtually impossible. For instance, obtaining an official "Authenticity opinion" from the Estate of Keith Haring can take 6-8 months, a time period beyond what most Sellers state is the allowable time period for refunds.
The Benefits of Buying Art From a Professional Dealer
Too many eBay Art Buyers end up learning the hard way that there are benefits of buying artwork from Art Sellers who are Professional. We encourage Art Buyers to do their own due diligence, and be certain, the Art you purchase is accurately described by legitimate, Professional United States Art Sellers who have a “reasonable” return policy in the event the Work purchased is not Authentic and/or not described properly.
Certificates of Authenticity Do Not Transform Counterfeits
Many eBay Sellers state that their eBay lot is accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity. eBay has made the fake Certificate of Authenticity into a cottage industry. Art Buyers should recognize that the inclusion of a meaningless Certificate of Authenticity does not instantly transform a Fake Work of Art into being "an Authentic Work of Art". To this point, the inclusion of a Certificate of Authenticity cannot magically change a counterfeit, reproduction, photo copy, etc., that is worthless; it is impossible.
All Fine Art offered and sold by Joseph K Levene Fine Art Ltd is GUARANTEED for Authenticity.
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