by mharm2k6 » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:42 am
Like the others said, you have to have some form of proof to show legitimacy (at least before a serious collector would consider paying top dollar for it). The washing vs. unwashed thing can depend on the type of item and when they were worn. Some items like tshirts or a pair of jeans- washing isn't a big deal. Items like movie wardrobe or something worn during a special event can lose a lot of value if cleaned. High end designer clothing that even if it had no connection to a celebrity would still have value shouldn't be affected by proper cleaning.
Random other information:
:: Authenticity can be difficult to prove without a LOA from a reputable organization (Grammy Auctions for instance, or directly from a non-profit known to work with the celeb.) or the celebrity themselves. Most people (especially on ebay) will just post a picture of the celebrity wearing the item... but this is problematic because 1. half the time it's the wrong item/size (obvious only to dealers, so people end up paying 500% value of something the celebrity never even touched); 2. most celebrities don't constantly wear some one-off designer thing; there are sites dedicated to finding out exactly where you can buy a ____ like the celebrity is wearing in so-and-so picture.
:: Some places rely on wardrobe tags and inventory markings to "prove" that the celebrity wore a specific piece in a specific role. The truth is- it's far too easy to fabricate your own authentic looking and most of the time these don't prove anything. Also every production I have ever dealt with has had numerous pieces of "wardrobe" that were never worn or used by anyone (famous or otherwise) and were just purchased to have options.
:: The more unique the item- the higher the value and ease of proof as a seller. Trying to sell a celebrity owned pair of Oakley's (which anyone can buy) vs. trying to sell custom made concert wardrobe.
:: Rule of thumb- if it's washed, it's washed... but don't wash it yourself. Never wash a one-off piece. Be careful with the handing of custom made pieces from things like TV shows, because many times they aren't made to last a long time (saves on cost). When trying to sell something that otherwise isn't unique or special as UNWASHED... you have the seller's benefit of getting more creepers and obsessed people <some wacky people, but business is business>. That said, don't purposefully mislead the buyers.
:: Essentially it's very easy to misguide the buyer and because of this, it's difficult with buying items.
I know 95% of this may seem irrelevant, but send me a PM if you have any other questions. I've dealt with a lot of specialized memorabilia for charities and things and have also spent a lot of time trying to deal with fraudulent sellers (Ebay is loaded with people who sell hundreds of pieces of clothing purposefully misleading buyers into thinking something they're not... and sadly end up with high ratings, just because buyers don't know).
-M
Like the others said, you have to have some form of proof to show legitimacy (at least before a serious collector would consider paying top dollar for it). [b]The washing vs. unwashed thing can depend on the type of item and when they were worn. Some items like tshirts or a pair of jeans- washing isn't a big deal. Items like movie wardrobe or something worn during a special event can lose a lot of value if cleaned. High end designer clothing that even if it had no connection to a celebrity would still have value shouldn't be affected by proper cleaning.[/b]
Random other information:
:: Authenticity can be difficult to prove without a LOA from a reputable organization (Grammy Auctions for instance, or directly from a non-profit known to work with the celeb.) or the celebrity themselves. Most people (especially on ebay) will just post a picture of the celebrity wearing the item... but this is problematic because 1. half the time it's the wrong item/size (obvious only to dealers, so people end up paying 500% value of something the celebrity never even touched); 2. most celebrities don't constantly wear some one-off designer thing; there are sites dedicated to finding out exactly where you can buy a ____ like the celebrity is wearing in so-and-so picture.
:: Some places rely on wardrobe tags and inventory markings to "prove" that the celebrity wore a specific piece in a specific role. The truth is- it's far too easy to fabricate your own authentic looking and most of the time these don't prove anything. Also every production I have ever dealt with has had numerous pieces of "wardrobe" that were never worn or used by anyone (famous or otherwise) and were just purchased to have options.
:: The more unique the item- the higher the value and ease of proof as a seller. Trying to sell a celebrity owned pair of Oakley's (which anyone can buy) vs. trying to sell custom made concert wardrobe.
[b]:: Rule of thumb- if it's washed, it's washed... but don't wash it yourself. Never wash a one-off piece. Be careful with the handing of custom made pieces from things like TV shows, because many times they aren't made to last a long time (saves on cost). When trying to sell something that otherwise isn't unique or special as UNWASHED... you have the seller's benefit of getting more creepers and obsessed people <some wacky people, but business is business>. That said, don't purposefully mislead the buyers.
[/b]
:: Essentially it's very easy to misguide the buyer and because of this, it's difficult with buying items.
I know 95% of this may seem irrelevant, but send me a PM if you have any other questions. I've dealt with a lot of specialized memorabilia for charities and things and have also spent a lot of time trying to deal with fraudulent sellers (Ebay is loaded with people who sell hundreds of pieces of clothing purposefully misleading buyers into thinking something they're not... and sadly end up with high ratings, just because buyers don't know).
-M
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