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.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or 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 Malaysia
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 1957.
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 has been amended to include coverage of trade transactions conducted through electronic means. However, the amendments have yet to come into force. Once the amendments are in force, buyers may have remedies under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 which provides that it is 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.