Autogrpah Authentication Questions

[adampeps]

Hi all,

I was really into the TTM hobby a couple of years ago, took a bit of a break to afford some other things, but am now ready to get back into it again :).

I've never really considered authenticating my TTM successes before, and am not really sure what the point would be outside of personal satisfaction? I read somewhere else that authenticating your autographs means a greater re-sale value. I believe this to be true, but when you are paying $20 for each autograph to be authenticated, it doesn't leave much profit on the table for people sending in cards, or 8X10s does it? When I look through various completed auctions on ebay for "psa dna", or "jsa", they don't look to sell for very much (unless the item is really rare).

For instance, here is a Mark Messier PSA/DNA certified autograph:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/84-85-Topps-Mark-...item27b0f181aa

It sold for just over the authentication price.

Am I missing something? I'm not looking to sell many pieces (if any at all), but i'm wondering how these sellers make money? Are the autogrpahed rookie cards worth more? Any guideance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[indyreds]

I'll make it even worse as JSA charges more for the bigger name guys for authentications! The fee would really make it hard for collectors to afford to authenicate their collections and ever have a chance to get back what they put into it. All I can say is it might be worth buying up a few examples that are certified while the prices seem to be low.