Buying Autographs Online
Collecting autographs is a wonderful and potentially profitable hobby. Although collecting autographs of famous people has been around since the creation of pen and paper, it wasn't until the advent of the Internet that autographs gained so much exposure to the general public. The good news is that the number of collectors has grown tremendously. The bad news is that many autographs being purchased online by new found collectors are less than genuine.
Common Sense Approach
Whether you are simply looking to purchase a single autograph to display, as a gift, or building a large collection it is wise to follow as few simple guidelines to insure that any autograph you purchase has the highest degree of authenticity. Don't let the ease of purchase or the attractive price be the determining factor when purchasing an autograph.
Take Five Before You Buy.
It's a busy world but before you buy that perfectly signed Audrey Hepburn photograph you found on eBay it would be wise to compare it to some actual Audrey Hepburn signature examples for comparison. One of the best free sources to find a number of genuine signature examples is R&R Enterprises. By using their completed auctions search you will usually find a number of signature examples plus get a good idea of the recent current market value of any given celebrity.
Get to Know Your Autograph Dealer
Autograph authenticity is all about opinions and everyone seems to have one. Even the bad guys issue Certificates of Authenticity. Look for sellers with a proven history and an understanding of the hobby. Ask questions. Legitimate autograph dealers usually are quite open and honest when communicating with potential customers. Best of all, they will stand by their product if a problem does arise.
Get a Solid Guarantee
A Certificate of Authenticity is NOT a guarantee. When you purchase an autograph make sure that the seller includes a clearly stated written return policy. Make sure all documentation relate directly to the autograph you purchased.
The old saying, "A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." applies to autograph collecting. Taking a few extra minutes before you buy will pay you many dividends in the long run.
Safe collecting is happy collecting!
Please contact me if you have any questions about or comments about this article.
Visit Joe Wasson's Autograph Blog to find more autograph collecting topics.
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