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Is Pristine Auction Legit? Sports Memorabilia Review

Updated: January 2026

MIXED

Pristine Auction is real and ships items with proper certification.

However, major issues: fake bidders act as hidden reserves, same items relist 20+ times without selling, items bought from them won't be accepted back for resale, custom jerseys look cheap, mystery boxes are garbage, and no owner response to complaints. Autographs are properly certified but bidding is rigged. Consignors say it's solid, buyers say it's sketchy. Use cautiously.

Key Findings

What It Is

Online sports memorabilia auction site

Main Risk

Fake bidders act as hidden reserves

Best Action

Only bid on certified autographs (PSA, JSA, Beckett)

The Pattern

→Online sports memorabilia auction site
→All autographs have proper certification (PSA, JSA, etc.)
→Custom jerseys common (cheaper than authentic)
→Buyer's premium added to winning bids
→Mystery boxes available (high complaint rate)
→Consignor-friendly platform
→Active auctions for collectibles and signed items

Red Flags

Warning: Fake bidders act as hidden reserves
Warning: Same unique 1/1 items end unsold 20+ times
Warning: Items relisted repeatedly with same disclosed flaws (like stains)
Warning: Bought $3500 from them, they rejected same items for resale
Warning: Won't accept back items they originally sold
Warning: Owner never responds to complaints
Warning: Mystery boxes are complete ripoffs
Warning: Custom jerseys look like pee-wee knockoffs
Warning: Bidding pushed up artificially to minimum prices
Warning: Customer service guy 'Nick' dismisses fake signature complaints

What To Do

1Only bid on certified autographs (PSA, JSA, Beckett)
2Check photos carefully - many are custom jerseys not retail
3Research item value before bidding (don't overpay)
4Factor in buyer's premium to total cost
5Screenshot winning bid and item description
6Verify certification immediately upon receipt
7NEVER buy mystery boxes (guaranteed loss)
8Consider ALT Auctions as alternative (better reputation)

What NOT To Do

✕Don't buy mystery boxes (scam within the platform)
✕Don't expect to flip items back through them (they reject)
✕Don't trust that items actually sold (many relist 20+ times)
✕Don't bid assuming others are real (likely shill bidding)
✕Don't chase unique items past value (artificial inflation)
✕Don't expect custom jerseys to look authentic
✕Don't buy if you're a serious collector (quality issues)
✕Don't expect owner to resolve complaints (no response)

Copy-Paste Script

Won item [number] on [date]. Paid $[X] + premium. Item has fake signature despite certification, OR is not as described. Request full refund within 48 hours or I dispute charge and report to payment processor.

FAQ

Is Pristine Auction a scam?

Not a complete scam - items are real and properly certified. But bidding is rigged with fake bidders acting as hidden reserves. Same items relist 20+ times, suggesting shill bidding to meet minimums. Autographs are authenticated but the auction process is deceptive.

Are Pristine Auction autographs real?

Generally yes - they use proper third-party authentication (PSA, JSA, Beckett). However, some buyers report fake signatures that somehow got through. The bigger issue is custom jerseys that look cheap despite authentic autographs. Verify certification immediately when you receive.

Why does Pristine Auction relist the same items?

Fake bidders act as hidden reserves. If bidding doesn't reach seller's secret minimum, they don't actually sell. The item relists. One user saw unique 1/1 items end '20 times' - that's not multiple copies, it's not selling at reserve. Deceptive auction practice.

Can I resell items bought from Pristine Auction back to them?

No - multiple buyers report Pristine rejected items for consignment that they originally sold. One buyer spent $3500, tried to resell through Pristine, told items 'don't meet standards.' Same items they sold. They don't stand behind what they sell.

Should I buy from Pristine Auction?

Only if: (1) You want properly certified autographs (they do that right), (2) You don't mind custom jerseys, (3) You understand bidding is rigged, (4) You research market value before bidding. Don't use for: mystery boxes (scam), serious collecting (quality issues), flipping (they won't take items back). Consider ALT Auctions instead for cleaner operation.

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