Can you trust autographs on Ebay?

By Eliud Alano January 24, 2023 11:51

EBay has become quite popular for buying and selling items when the world of online shopping boomed. The market for autographed photos, sports jerseys, and even trading cards also rose along. However, the internet is big and impersonal, making it impossible to know whether you are buying an original or a copy. For anyone purchasing autographs on eBay or considering buying from the platform, we cover some of these factors to consider.

Look for seller feedback first. There are feedback ratings for all eBay sellers and this explains a lot about how trustworthy the seller may prove to be. If the seller's rating is high and they have a ton of positive feedback, this implies that this person sells genuine autographs. But if the seller has a bad rating and some unwelcoming reviews, it would be better to put them on your black list.

You then have to search for any documentation or authentication that has comes with the autograph. Most legitimate online autograph vendors authenticate the signature on your behalf. It would help if you also searched for any certificates of legitimate authenticity, which a person who sells autographs can provide to prove that the signature is genuine.

Lastly, examine the autograph itself. An original autograph will seem natural and free from any peculiarities. If it appears to have been signed quickly or any evidence of smudging and rubbing out is detected, then the autograph may be a forgery. Moreover, if the signature looks too consistent in its enhancements—either typed almost or pixelated with a spitting image—it might be a printed version of one and falsification.

Although EBay is a great place to buy autographs, you would have to do some due diligence before purchasing to avoid forged signatures. Check for dealer feedback, authentication documents, and a careful examination of the signature. Use these tips to help guarantee that you buy the real deal and not get sucked in with a fake.