( 
)Detect "Bait-N-Switch" Sellers of Non-Sport Autographs & Rare Variants
This area of collecting has seen an upsurge in interest and continued growth means that, as buyers, we have to be more alert to misinformation and outright fraud perpetrated by some sellers. Most deceptive sellers use the old school "bait-n-switch" technique, which has caught me several times, despite being well aware of the dangers.
Here are a few tips I learned the hard way:
• Some sellers will provide a so-called "random scan" of an autograph card in their auctions. Usually showcasing a prime example - then send you one that's not as nice. I use sarcastic quotes around the term random scan because it's a very odd coincidence that these sellers always, always, use an incredible autograph for display in their auctions - a bold clean signature, usually signed early by the celebrity. (later versions, when their hands are tired, you start to see slurred and barely recognizable signatures) Complaining that you didn't get what you won usually results in this response: "It's the same thing." If that's true - why do they always display the best signed exemplar? So ask the seller if the scan shown in the auction is the actual card that you will receive. I got caught buying a 1998 Star Trek DS9 auto of Terry Farrell this way. The pictured scan was stunning, as Ms. Farrell uses an amazing triple-linked-loop on early versions of her signature. However, as time goes on and she tires toward the end of her signing session, her signatures become nearly illegible - just a slurred scribble with only a hint of the early versions. Guess which one I got? I also got burned that same way with a scrawled Topps Lord Of The Rings Fellowship Sean Bean Autograph. You should've seen the example the seller displayed - it must have been one of the very first Mr. Bean did - a sharp signed autograph with every letter smoothly articulated. The one I got was barely a "S" and "B" - and to top it off - it was smeared.
• You might ask - is there a difference? Let me answer you this way: One of the hobby's top independent grading companies, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), gives out TWO grades when encapsulating (slabbing) autographed cards. One for the card itself, and a separate grade for the quality of the signature. This isn't "just me" that notices different signatures from the same celebrity are better than others.
• Rare or unusual signature variants are also misrepresented by some non-sport dealers. This occurs when the celebrity signs their cards with different colored pens, or signs something extra along with their signature. Before making your purchase - compare other signatures from this same celebrity/card issue. A good example: 2004's Strictly Ink CSI Las Vegas Autograph of Marg Helgenberger, who plays Catherine Willows on the popular tv show. During the initial release I saw several sellers claim that her "Peace" addition was only used on a small portion of her cards - therefore they asked for (and received) huge premiums from collectors who were unaware that *all* of Ms. Helgenberger's cards carry that extra notation, it's part of her normal standard signature. But you wouldn't have known that based on the hype written into these auctions.
• Regarding different colored pens. This depends greatly on your desire for "completeness". If you're happy just to get a genuine autograph, don't pay extra for a card signed with a different color. That your celebrity touched and signed the card should be enough. However, if you're a hardcore collector who has to have every single variation, remember to educate yourself before making a purchase. Find out *which* color (or colors) are truly limited and which ones make up the majority of their autographed cards.
• Rare variants (variations) of cut pieces of costumes (Pieceworks, Costume Cards, etc) are a hot item in the non-sports industry. Again, the old ways work the best, and "bait-n-switch" is a commonly used deceptive device used by some sellers. Never buy the scan! Always ask if the card shown is the one you're going to get. I got burned two times this way. In both instances I 'bought' the scan the seller used. Trust me - a gentle, diplomatically worded, question to the seller is your best insurance and your best bet to avoid disappointment and anger. The item in question: 2005's Serenity Pieceworks of Jayne Cobb (Adam Baldwin). There are two versions. The most common "plain" version goes for about US$30. The other, a rare variation, goes for double, sometimes triple that - depending on what's seen on the Pieceworks cut shirt. I've seen one variation which had part of a design with a word you could clearly distinguish go for US$200. So it makes a difference.
• Avoid sellers who do not reply to your question under the guise of "we're much too busy to respond" It's been my experience those are the problematic dealers.
• Not all sellers are intentionally deceptive or deceitful. Some genuinely feel that one autograph or cut costume card is as good as another. But that only means they're uninformed. Better to deal with a seller who is current and up-to-date on hobby trends and understands the ever-growing non-sports industry.
• Some good sellers will actually sell you the card pictured - but only if you ask. So ask.
This area of collecting has seen an upsurge in interest and continued growth means that, as buyers, we have to be more alert to misinformation and outright fraud perpetrated by some sellers. Most deceptive sellers use the old school "bait-n-switch" technique, which has caught me several times, despite being well aware of the dangers.
Here are a few tips I learned the hard way:
• Some sellers will provide a so-called "random scan" of an autograph card in their auctions. Usually showcasing a prime example - then send you one that's not as nice. I use sarcastic quotes around the term random scan because it's a very odd coincidence that these sellers always, always, use an incredible autograph for display in their auctions - a bold clean signature, usually signed early by the celebrity. (later versions, when their hands are tired, you start to see slurred and barely recognizable signatures) Complaining that you didn't get what you won usually results in this response: "It's the same thing." If that's true - why do they always display the best signed exemplar? So ask the seller if the scan shown in the auction is the actual card that you will receive. I got caught buying a 1998 Star Trek DS9 auto of Terry Farrell this way. The pictured scan was stunning, as Ms. Farrell uses an amazing triple-linked-loop on early versions of her signature. However, as time goes on and she tires toward the end of her signing session, her signatures become nearly illegible - just a slurred scribble with only a hint of the early versions. Guess which one I got? I also got burned that same way with a scrawled Topps Lord Of The Rings Fellowship Sean Bean Autograph. You should've seen the example the seller displayed - it must have been one of the very first Mr. Bean did - a sharp signed autograph with every letter smoothly articulated. The one I got was barely a "S" and "B" - and to top it off - it was smeared.
• You might ask - is there a difference? Let me answer you this way: One of the hobby's top independent grading companies, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), gives out TWO grades when encapsulating (slabbing) autographed cards. One for the card itself, and a separate grade for the quality of the signature. This isn't "just me" that notices different signatures from the same celebrity are better than others.
• Rare or unusual signature variants are also misrepresented by some non-sport dealers. This occurs when the celebrity signs their cards with different colored pens, or signs something extra along with their signature. Before making your purchase - compare other signatures from this same celebrity/card issue. A good example: 2004's Strictly Ink CSI Las Vegas Autograph of Marg Helgenberger, who plays Catherine Willows on the popular tv show. During the initial release I saw several sellers claim that her "Peace" addition was only used on a small portion of her cards - therefore they asked for (and received) huge premiums from collectors who were unaware that *all* of Ms. Helgenberger's cards carry that extra notation, it's part of her normal standard signature. But you wouldn't have known that based on the hype written into these auctions.
• Regarding different colored pens. This depends greatly on your desire for "completeness". If you're happy just to get a genuine autograph, don't pay extra for a card signed with a different color. That your celebrity touched and signed the card should be enough. However, if you're a hardcore collector who has to have every single variation, remember to educate yourself before making a purchase. Find out *which* color (or colors) are truly limited and which ones make up the majority of their autographed cards.
• Rare variants (variations) of cut pieces of costumes (Pieceworks, Costume Cards, etc) are a hot item in the non-sports industry. Again, the old ways work the best, and "bait-n-switch" is a commonly used deceptive device used by some sellers. Never buy the scan! Always ask if the card shown is the one you're going to get. I got burned two times this way. In both instances I 'bought' the scan the seller used. Trust me - a gentle, diplomatically worded, question to the seller is your best insurance and your best bet to avoid disappointment and anger. The item in question: 2005's Serenity Pieceworks of Jayne Cobb (Adam Baldwin). There are two versions. The most common "plain" version goes for about US$30. The other, a rare variation, goes for double, sometimes triple that - depending on what's seen on the Pieceworks cut shirt. I've seen one variation which had part of a design with a word you could clearly distinguish go for US$200. So it makes a difference.
• Avoid sellers who do not reply to your question under the guise of "we're much too busy to respond" It's been my experience those are the problematic dealers.
• Not all sellers are intentionally deceptive or deceitful. Some genuinely feel that one autograph or cut costume card is as good as another. But that only means they're uninformed. Better to deal with a seller who is current and up-to-date on hobby trends and understands the ever-growing non-sports industry.
• Some good sellers will actually sell you the card pictured - but only if you ask. So ask.
Guide created: 08/11/06 (updated 03/12/08)
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