Who do I trust?

[soxfan]

So after spending many, many sleepless nights over the last 5 weeks ( we had our first baby 5 weeks ago) really going through all the new/old posts about sites/authenticators, etc...I have a burning question.

WHO CAN I TRUST in this business?

When I first started it was UD and MM or Steiner, ASI (we know what happened there!!) but now that I have evolved (years ago) into strictly Game Used items, so who can I trust?

There is Grey Flannel, Ameerican Memorabilia, Steiner, MLB.COM, John Taube (PSA/DNA), Lelands, Historic Auctions, Left Field Collectibles, hofbats.... and the list goes on and on.

What is a collector to do?? I know photo-matching REALYI IS the only way to know for sure, but isn't there anyone out there that we can rely on to be true to their word and the hobby?

Jeremy

macleodjeremy@hotmail.com

[dcgreg25]

While you always have to do your research, I personally feel the most trustworthy sources for authentic items include:

Ball Park Heroes
John Taube (gameusedbats.com)
Steiner
JO Sports
HOF Bats
MLB.com
NFL.com
NBA.com
Left Field Collectibles
Mei Gray
Upper Deck Authenticated (Game Used)

Of the traditional auction houses, I personally feel the best about Mears, Robert Edwards, and Lelands.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and I am sure I am missing more than a few. You can probably add team shops to the above list however they often incorrectly mark GU versus GI. I would also tell you that as far as customer services some of the groups in the above list are great and some are just terrible.

[legaleagle92481]

Yourself. Plain and simple without exception every company on that list has made errors at one time or another no matter how inadvertant they may be they are still errors. Nothing should be a substitute for doing your homework BEFORE you buy if you don't you have only yourself to blame after.

[tbone90]

You can trust me Jeremy...honestly.

[Danny899]

Dave Miedema. That's pretty much it for me if I can't decide for myself.

[emann]

Dave Miedema. That's pretty much it for me if I can't decide for myself.

Agreed, Dave Miedema and I'll add Mike Specht as the two most trustworthy and helpful people I've interacted with regarding GU items.

[BradleyERyon]

Agreed, Dave Miedema and I'll add Mike Specht as the two most trustworthy and helpful people I've interacted with regarding GU items.

Same here.... these two top class guys always amaze me with their knowledge of jerseys (Miedema) & bats (Specht).

[sox83cubs84]

Shucks, guys, you're making me blush.

Dave Miedema

[jbsportstuff]

I would also add to the list Mark Fugate of Diamond Sports Company in Cincinnati. He is one of the best at Red's game used stuff.

[sox83cubs84]

Several guys I always feel comfortable with:

Jim Papaycik (cohiba smoker)
Howard Wolf
Bob Koppel
Larry Pellicioni
Kim Stigall (Ball Park Heroes)
Mark Hayne
Bill Haelig (ironmanfan)

There are, for sure, others I've forgotten, but these guys came to mind most quickly.

Dave Miedema

Dave Miedema