Because of the counterfeiters
that prey on people, especially in the charity industry, there are definite
myths about how autographs are acquired.
I hate to “Smash” the fantasy that you have in your mind, but this is
the reality of it.
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Myth: One or two companies, especially those in the
charity industry, have the exclusive right or are the only people who can get
to Iconic Musicians or Movie Superstars.
They get Guitars and Movie Posters signed either by an entire band or
the entire cast of a movie.
Truth: Entirely False. No one, not one company or individual has the
exclusive right to only carry or get autographs from musicians or bands.
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Myth: When an iconic Athlete or Superstar dies,
their autographs are so plentiful, the price for their autographs stays the
same or is cheaper. Only a few companies
have many of their autographs in stock.
Truth: Entirely false. When an Athlete or Superstar passes away, the
price of their autograph sky rockets, making them very hard to afford. Not one legitimate company in the world that
has these autographs keeps them priced the same – remember, everyone wants to
make money so everyone marks them up so that true autograph collectors will
want them and will pay the exorbitant price.
Immediately these autographs become extremely rare and soon will no
longer be available.
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Myth: Autograph companies wait above dugouts,
outside of stage doors or have very private signings with Athletes and Super
Stars were no one else is invited to be a part of it. Based on this, Iconic Athletes and Super
Stars sign the autographs for free.
Truth: Entirely false. The real autograph industry is more of an
assembly line. It’s
not the “Romantic”
picture everyone sees in their head. In
fact, the real industry performs these signings to ensure that the maximum
amount of autographs are received.
Furthermore, it also ensures that true “Authentication Companies” are on
site and can personally witness the items being signed. Here is how it really works: Helmets are set up in lines with a “Sticky
Note” attached for inscriptions. Photographs
and Jerseys are stacked up for each player.
Also, at these signings, there are normally many Athletes present. Athlete’s charge certain prices for certain
items, helmets are normally more expensive due to the round shape. Because of the high prices for their
autographs, the signing is sent out across the country to wholesalers to reduce
the cost. Regardless, the athlete may
say he will sign 1,000 autographs for
$50,000.00. The more iconic Athletes such as Peyton Manning request an enormous
amount of money to conduct a signing.
One of the highest priced Athletes is Derek Jeter.
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Here are a few ways to test
if an autograph is authentic – Use these before you either buy or ask a company
for your next charity event:
#1 – Does the company which
you are acquiring the autograph from, have photo’s with their employees with
the Athlete or Celebrity? Everyone wants
to get their pictures with these famous people, why doesn’t the company that is
providing the item have these photos.
FACT: This is especially important for us at BW
Unlimited Charity Fundraising. Because
the two other companies that are famous in our industry for providing
autographed Guitars, Drumheads and Cast Signed Movie Posters are counterfeiters
– that’s right, all the autographs that they provide are absolutely counterfeit,
this is especially important to us. As
you will see, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has plenty of photographs of us
with Athletes and Celebrities. Plus our
items come with photos of the items actually being signed and are not “Photo-shopped”
whatsoever.
#2 - Go on line and search
the name of the company and the owners of the companies which are providing the
items. Go to “Autograph Magazine Live”
and search the name of the company before you agree to purchase or receive
items.
#3 – Let’s say you are
considering receiving an autographed Guitar from one of these companies. Search the internet to see if other companies
carry the same guitar. Also, if you find
a similar guitar, check the difference in pricing. For instance – a Rolling Stones or Bruce
Springsteen signed Guitar if it were real, would truly cost $15,000.00 – not $1,500.00
(MAJOR RED FLAG).
#4 – Ask the company where
and when the item was autographed? This
is referred to as “Provenance. The definition of which is – “The
place of origin or earliest known history of something. The beginning of something's existence;
something's origin. A record of
ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or
quality.” The company should be able to
tell you exactly where and when it was signed no questions asked.
#4 – Ask the company who the
authenticator is of the item autographed?
Do not listen to what the company is telling you about the
authenticator. Research the
authentication company. There are only
two (2) truly authenticate Authentication companies – JSA and PSA/DNA. If other
companies do not use these authentication companies, WHY NOT? They are the only authenticators accepted by
EBay and other legitimate sources.
Do your research, don’t be
fooled.
BW Unlimited Charity
Fundraising only carries 100% authentic autographed items. But counterfeiters, especially in the charity
world, will say the same thing. But do
they use authentic authenticators BW uses?
No they don’t. The items which BW
provides come with various certificates of authenticity as well as photos of
the items being signed.
Another issue – why would a
company say that they will take back the item if its not authentic? BW does not guarantee that because all of our
items are 100% authentic.
Don’t be fooled. Only deal with REAL companies providing REAL
Autographed items – BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising. Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.
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