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Autographed Items

Autographed items are unique in that they can be highly valuable but easily forged. eBay tries to keep its marketplace safe for both buyers and sellers of autographs, and has developed the following policies to protect our community members:

  • Sellers may not list blank Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) or sell COAs as stand-alone items.

  • Sellers are strongly urged to follow the listing guidelines described in the Additional Information section below.

Buyers are advised to exercise due caution while purchasing items that are listed as being “original autographed items”. Buyers and sellers should note that some general principles of law and some legislation may be applicable. Please see section on Additional Information.

Disciplinary Action

eBay may remove any listing involving an autographed item if eBay believes that the listing or item may create liability for the buyer, the seller, or any third party.

eBay may also seek a disinterested third party’s opinion regarding any listing of an autograph or autographed item. If the third party has concerns about the autograph’s or item’s authenticity, eBay may remove the listing from the site.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Loss of eBay fees

  • Limits placed on account privileges

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

  • Account suspension

Additional Information

Authentication

Autographs are commonly sold with "Certificates of Authenticity" (COA), which are meant to assure the buyer that the signature is genuinely made by the person claimed. However, COAs are only as valuable as the reputation of the issuing party. Anyone can offer a COA, so it is important to investigate the background of each "authenticator".

Listing Guidelines

eBay strongly recommends that autograph sellers include all relevant information in their listings about the autograph and the item it appears on, including:

  • A clear, scanned image of the actual autographed item for sale.

  • All relevant information about the Certificate of Authenticity (if the signature or item has been authenticated), including the name of the person or company issuing the certificate.

  • A scan of the Certificate of Authenticity (if the signature or item has been authenticated)

  • Seller’s refund policy — in case any reputable dealer (including those dealers listed in the relevant authentication section of eBay's site) find that the item is likely not authentic.

Applicable Laws in Singapore

Buyers and sellers should note that there are general legal principles provided in the law of tort or contract which would govern such a transaction. Buyers may have a claim for breach of contract, or misrepresentation under the Sale of Goods Act ("SOGA") (Cap. 393).

In addition, buyers may have remedies under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act(Cap 52A) which provides that it is an unfair practice for a seller to do or say anything as a result of which a consumer might reasonably be deceived or misled, or to make a false claim.

Why does eBay have this policy?

eBay strives to maintain a marketplace that is safe for both buyers and sellers of autographs. This policy helps to ensure an open trading experience where every party is informed about the items being traded.



Contact Customer Support

Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.


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