Mastro conflict of interest policy

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Posted By: Aaron

So, buried in the biographies section of Mastro's rules, I found what I guess amounts to their conflict of interest policy concerning SCDA and their self-authentiaction of game used material they (or their individual graders) also happen to own:

"Conflict of Interest - For instances where one or more members of SCD Authentic has either a personal or financial interest in an auction item, buyers are afforded 30 days from the time of the receipt of said item to have it examined by a recognized third party expert and returned, if necessary, with verifiable information that the item was not represented properly or accurately."

How to count the flaws of this policy?

1. Well, again, it's buried in the biographies section and not even listed in their authentication section. Not to mention it doesn't actually come out and say: "For instances where one or more members of SCD Authentic has either a personal or financial interest in an auction item THAT THEY HAVE AUTHNETICATED..."

2. The buyer/bidder is not informed of the conflict of interest until AFTER he has won and received the item.

3. Inexplicably the burden (and expense!) is on the buyer/bidder to disprove authenticity rather than on Mastro to prove authenticity.

4. What if Mastro doesn't accept the buyer's authenticator as "recognized"? The buyer is stuck with an item that's been possibly misrepresented by SCDA in order to increase the item's value?

This continues to be an incredibly disappointing display of poor judgment, lack of ethics, and disregard for their customers on the part of both Mastro and SCDA (and their individual graders).

How difficult would it be to include in the item description: "LOA by SCDA. Consigned by SCDA."

Not to mention, why is the same party who has a vested interest in the sale of that item providing the sole authentication?


Again, very disappointing.

I know this is corny, but I can't help thinking about the segment from "The Incurable Collector" where Bill Mastro himself warns collectors as a matter of common sense that "someone ought to look at that item who doesn't have a vested interest in the sale of that item."

It's really sad to know that while Mastro publicly espouses that philosophy, he's not above ignoring it when it comes to fattening his wallet.

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Posted By: PASJD

What is "The Incurable Collector"?

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Posted By: martindl

re the second point

2. The buyer/bidder is not informed of the conflict of interest until AFTER he has won and received the item.


I don't see anywhere where it says that the buyer will be informed of the conflict of interest. The policy statement merely says that 'buyers are afforded 30 days from the time of the receipt.......'

are you told or do you have to ask?

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Posted By: John

It was an hourly show that aired on TLC weekly highlighting different supercollectors (Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, Americana, sports memorabilia, etc.). You can still find re-runs once in a while on TLC. It was a very informative and interesting show for anyone with the collecting sickness.

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Posted By: jay behrens

It used to be that you had to be psychic and ask them whether or not the authenticator owned the item or not. Supposedly, this changing.

The Incurable Collector is a show on HGTV or some such chanbel. Pretty decent show.

Jay

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- WOW, What a ride!

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Posted By: Aaron

As Jay pointed out, 'no', there used to be no way of knowing unless you knew to ask Mastro (which assumes they would share the information with you if confronted).

Supposedly there's a new "check box" system where if there's a conflict of interest, the SCDA LOA will indicate so by checking a box.

The Incurable Collector is currently running on the Biography Channel at 4:00 AM on Sundays (set those Tivo's!). One episode included a profile of Bill Mastro and Mastronet. Really great stuff. Mastro goes on about the need to obtain independent authentication even for inexpensive items, which flies directly in the face of his auction's rules.

His episode should be coming up soon. I'll let the board know when it does.

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Posted By: Julie

???