Before we purchase any item, we do an initial inspection. We look at picture/s of the autograph and make an initial judgment on the item. We use our expert knowledge about autographs and sports memorabilia to analyze the item. We also use our gut feeling about the item and judge whether or not the dealer we are buying from can be trusted.

The next step is a background check on the item. We question where, when, and how the item was obtained. The story must be logical and must be consistent. For instance, if we are offered an OMLB (Selig) baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio, we know that this is not authentic. DiMaggio passed away in 1999, making it impossible for him to sign Official MLB (Selig) baseballs which were produced beginning in 2000.

 If the item passed through the first two steps, it goes through  tests are utilize advanced signature verification techniques. This step is the most intensive during the entire autehntication process. We compare the item with authentic examples and do intense comparisons. We study the strokes in the signature in question, as well as the pressure used to sign the item. We do these tests using the most advanced techniques and equipment available.

If we cannot unamiously decide on the initial authenticity of the item, we contact our peers in the industry. Throughout the years, we have befriended many other experts in the hobby. We call those experts about their opinions on the item and use their opinions in our decision to continue with the authentication process.

Step 5: At this point, the item has been believed to be authentic and has been purchased and received. During this step, the item is now in our physical possesion and can be physically inspected. We repeat step 3, but instead of using pictures of the item, we now use the actual item to compare and contrast to authentic examples. 

The item has now been deemed authentic. We now create a unique Certificated of Authenticity (COA) or Letter of Authenticity (LOA) for the item. A matching pair of unique serial numbered holograms are now also attached to the item and COA.

The item's unique serial number is now entered into the database. With this serial number, anyone can obtain each item's specific details.