Television Memorabilia Buying Guide

So you're on the hunt for a "Jeopardy" board game  or an autographed David Hasselhoff  photo. But how do you protect yourself from getting ripped off? Well, the most important part of any collecting is educating yourself about the items you're interested in. You don't want to make a time or financial investment in something that turns out to be fake ten years down the road, so be sure to spend time doing a little research.

Because your find may be so rare, the best way to find your gifts or personal treasures on ShopWiki is to enter your specific search first.

Types of Memorabilia

Autographs  Be aware that there's often reprints and originals.	Press Materials  Ads, press books, publicity photos, press kits, newspaper articles, etc.	Props  Clothes, props, scripts, etc.	Games and Toys  Action figures, models, lunchboxes, board games, etc

Educating Yourself

This is the most important part of collecting -- you want to know what you're buying, especially when you're buying online. Don't be afraid to ask the dealer questions. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is very important, but remember a COA is only as good as the person it comes from. There's several highly regarded authenticating companies in the industry so look out for them, but it still isn't an alternative to educating yourself before you make the purchase.

• Collectors Universe -- One of the top third-party authenticators for collectors. They offer online services, grading and certified authentication.
• QuickOpinion -- Another service offered by Collectors Universe. Allows you to get expert advice on an online item within 24 to 36 hours.
• Be cautious about dealers who seem evasive or are unwilling to provide information regarding the item or phone numbers and addresses.

Buying Online

• Read Descriptions -- Listings should have good information with the item's condition, attributes and autograph location.
• Watch out for reprints; check the listing for "copy," "reprint" or "print."
• Some dealers are members of the non-profit Universal Autograph Collectors Club, whose purpose is to keep the collecting industry ethical. Registered dealers agree to the UACC's code of ethics and provide all contact information on their sites. For a list of registered dealers click here.
• Know Prices -- Check up on current market prices in memorabilia pricing guides.
• Item History -- Don't be afraid to ask where the seller got the item. Was it in person? Where and when? Is it a licensed item? Is there a serial number or a tamper-proof hologram with the item?
• Licensed Items are items that are contracted to manufacturers by the studio. It doesn't necessarily make the item any more valuable on its own.

External Links

• Legends Memorabilia -- General, but good information for buyers.
• Universal Autograph Collectors Club -- Main site for the UACC.