Personal Note On 2014 National: Examining Photos in Person

[drcy]

I figured out my COA system, but haven't settled on pricing and it might change as the show goes by. I did authenticated photograph auction for auction house, but that was something like 800 lots (including large group lots), no certificates, writing the lot descriptions and was essentially paid by the hour. Hard to figure per photo, as each photo takes a different amount of time, and I neither want to price too high or too low. I rarely do evaluations through the mail, because I don't want be responsible for the items, hate packaging and paperwork. I've done LOAs once in a while via mail if asked, but have never more than that. Never appealed to me and, as I said, I don't like to do things through mail or do paperwork. I thought the in-person, on-the-spot situation of the National would be the best place to try it out. If I like it and people want my services, great. If it doesn't work out, that's okay because the National is also my summer vacation.

But, as I said, general advice or a quick opinion is free of charge. You only have to pay for the piece of paper, if you want my opinion in writing.

I originally wasn't going to issue any certificates, but Scott said collectors would want something on paper. So I made little certificates to write down my opinion on, and got a personalized embosser. The certificates of my opinion are far from fancy, but I plan on photographing everything I write an opinion on for later verification via my website if needed.

Lastly, I give my opinion and not an guaranteer or insurance company. Though if I can't come up with a good opinion on an item, I wouldn't write give a certificate for it. And if something is fake or not worth value-wise of a certificate, the opinion would fall under the 'free advice' section. I'm not an appriser and don't predict resale values, but wouldn't charge $10 for a written opinion on a $2 photo.

Also, I'm not an FBI facial recognition expert and won't do research on the identities of all the members of a team. You'd have to pay me by the hour for the latter, and I'm sure there are many resident Net54 baseball historians who could do a better job than me at baseball history research. I'm a physical photograph historian and can tell you on the spot if the photo is original, reprint, really from the 1800s or made later, etc. I will have my scientific equipment with me.

I thought perhaps I should just have a tip jar and not have to worry about pricing

Hey, now that I write it, maybe I will have a tip jar. Advice and non-written opinions are free, but you can tip if you want and if you think the advise was worth it.

My funny tip story is I volunteer at a local non-profit art gallery and was working at the concessions stand for an art reception where they served wine, soft drinks, cookies and such. For whatever reason there was an empty glass flower vase left on the stand and a guy put in $5 as a tip. I told him that wasn't a tip jar, it was just an empty flower pot and I was just a volunteer who didn't accept any payment including tips. It was crowded with art/society types and he was obviously worried about being seen taking money out of the jar, but I assured him he could it back. He still hesitated, but finally reached in and took it out.

This time I'll have a tip jar and see what happens.

[drcy]

Okay, Scott and I just discussed this. He's a dealer who does show, so is my pricing advisor. The price for a cert is $10 per photo, with negotiable discounts for bulks and lower rates for more inexpensive photos that are easy to identify. Exceptions in price are made if you have something that will be time consuming to identify (ala rare format, something unusual, mystery photo that will take research).

I plan on doing everything while you are there. The photo is examined and you get a certificate while you wait. I have a personalized embossment stamp to finalize the certificates. No dropping off and waiting for it to be mailed to you.

The certificates of opinion are simple and pre-printed and I hand write in the photo's description, then emboss with my stamp. I plan on photographing/documenting all the photos I cert, so they can be verified later.

But general advice and opinions for collectors who don't want anything in writing is still free. The fees are only for those who want an opinion in writing.

And I'm still going to have a tip jar, so see how that experiment works. If my advise or my customer service is unworthy, tipping is entirely optional.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by drcy

II thought perhaps I should just have a tip jar and not have to worry about pricing

Hey, now that I write it, maybe I will have a tip jar. Advice and non-written opinions are free, but you can tip if you want and if you think the advise was worth it.

This time I'll have a tip jar and see what happens.

David,

Reminds me of the new wave dance club I was a bouncer at in the early 1980's. Called 'Spit' and located right behind the centerfield stands of Fenway Park. They had a coat room and the girls put out a jar with a sign - 'Tipping is not a city in China'.

[drcy]

It's all a curious topic, because people are paying me for my knowledge. I'm not selling a product like a piece of memorabilia, unless you consider a piece of paper (certificate) a product. I just consider a cert just a documentation of my opinion. Written instead of voiced.

That's why a tip jar is an interesting idea when giving out something thats not tangible. People pay me if they like the knowledge I give them.

But, seriously, all a collector is required to pay me for is to have an opinion in writing on paper. Feel free to ask me for voiced (rather than documented on paper) advice. I only require payment when paperwork is involved.

The whole endeavor really is a first time experiment for me to see if it's worth my while and if I'll do it a second time. If it turns out I make $1.50 (or $0) an hour for for examining people's photos, I won't do it a second time. I honestly don't have any expectations, beyond what it would take for me to do it again in the future.

A family member has always complained to me that I freely give out authentication advice and opinions to whomever asks for it. She has long said I should charge for my expertise, as a lawyer or psychologist does. I always jokingly respond to her, "But if I charged for my advice, no one would ask for it."

[Steve_NY]

David, When you get bored, walk around the show and look at some of the unbelievable items that will be showing up. I am not sure about Cleveland, but I haven't really been bored at a National in the past 10 years until Sunday. Even then, there is plenty to see. Stop by and say hi, Booth 305P Steve

[YankeeFan]

David, I hope you thoroughly enjoy your experience at the National and get to examine a lot of interesting photos!

Not that you need anyone to vouch for you, but I felt it would be appropriate in this post to publicly thank you for generously sharing your time and expertise with me
regarding the Daily News Roger Maris 61st HR photo. First through several emails (the free opinions you refer to) and then agreeing to inspect it in person.
Now that I know how much you dislike the "through-the-mail" process, I am even more grateful.

I would encourage anyone with a vintage photo to stop by and have David take a look. You can take the free opinion, or leave a tip,
but I'm sure you will get more than your money's worth for the nominal $10 fee for a written opinion.

[SAllen2556]

I'll be stopping by with this photo. It's been in the family forever but the back is blank. Hoping you can possibly date it.

So at least you've got lunch on Friday paid for!

[Scott Garner]

David & Scott F.

I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet you both in person last week.
I hope you had a great National.

All the best,
Scott