I am 100% for the eBay authentication program. I have sold about 10 graded cards so far that have gone through the process with no problems at all.
I think many are underestimating the sheer volume of scams / "bad" listings that were / are happening on eBay. Just because you think you can determine a scam listing or fake / "bad" card being sold, does not mean the vast majority of buyers can.
Some keep saying "why does a graded card need to be authenticated again?". The counterfeit holders are getting better and better every day - many buyers would probably have a hard time detecting a counterfeit slab these days. Also, a seller can picture a graded card and send a rock, an empty package, a different card in a different graded holder, an empty card holder, etc. And if you're the buyer and it says the package was delivered, good luck trying to argue your case that you didn't receive what you bought. Who should eBay believe in that situation? This program clears up that problem immediately.
And as far as raw cards go, the amount of problems that can be solved by involving an independent third party is extremely valuable. Buyers can't make up any condition excuse for a return, and sellers can't sell altered cards or cards with undisclosed damage to unsuspecting buyers.
It was clearly impossible for eBay to implement an authentication guarantee that would please everyone, but at least they are attempting to do something. I do agree that the program should be optional for buyers, but if you opt out, you void any buyer protection no matter what - you don't receive what you bought or are not happy with your purchase, you're out of luck.
|