What was wrong with number 9? Was it just too expensive for a used item?

Alex

Who knows if it being used meant some undisclosed wear and tear. Also #9 was #7 too, which meant the gift would have at best been a month late.

All of them are risky except for #5. Craigslist does just fine for being one of the ugliest websites on the web. I recommend that you just make sure to send an email to the seller before hand; make sure he is up to date even if his website isn't. The other 8 I would say are too suspicious to try.

at the end of the day better take her for a romantic dinner .. and do not search for a good restaurant "online" :)

I think this is a case of a specific market where there are no dominant players with a solid reputation. (a very, very, good sign for entrepreneurs who look for what company to start next.)

Alternatively, did you try autographs.com?

Hi Andrew
Yep, I tried there too, but they did not have it.

Were you using search to get the above results... what types of queries were you using? In going for luxury or high-priced items, I usually just go for trusted, well-known brands, rather than relying on search.

Autographed items and memorabilia are not usually sold under "brands" though, so perhaps starting with references from trade associations for the most reputable dealers.

Finding and sourcing authenticity is the most important thing so I'd look for trade association references for authentic goods.

Very interesting post - thanks for sharing.

Hi Jake
I was looking to buy a U2 autographed guitar, and Google search didn't lead me to anything trustworthy.

The fact that autographed items and memorabilia are not usually sold under "brands" indicates that there is a HUGE opportunity in the marketplace to create one. Although I am not sure that I have enough interest in the idea and capital to create it. I already have too many ideas that are half done.

Aaron,

"Google search didn't lead me to anything trustworthy"

I'm not surprised, at all.

I agree there is a huge opportunity for branding memorabilia trade. Steiner http://www.steinersports.com is the only one that comes to top of mind for me, but that is in sports (I have NO affiliation with them - I promise)

Good luck with the gift hunt. That's an amazing idea!

Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler.

1. Call Bono's philantropy group about helping them online.
2. If you find anyone credible there, ask about where one might buy said item.
3. End up with a discount on the item and more exposure.
4. Blog about the experience hilighting the importance of philantropy online and their utter failure at it thusfar -- include a funny image of your wife fake playing her gift.

You know I need to start being more aggressive with that sort of stuff Cygnus.

IMHO 'The site with a design that looks like I created it in January 2003 (my first month on the web)' is probably your best bet... ive bought many things from poor looking sites. usually created on the cheap by tinkerers who wanted to have a go at making a site through using 3rd party software... everything else looks suspect and WTF are you doing surfing caches of sites man thats just weird! lol.

I might have given #6 a shot. It is an autograph that you're looking for, and it's very possible that the person selling it with 0 feedback was thinking, "Hey, what else am I going to do with this autograph, why don't I just put this one eBay?" I'd send them a message and see how trustworthy and genuine their response seems.

He got me a DS lite with tons of cool games (cos he knows I love gadgets) and signed a U2 album of Joshua Tree (Im a huge U2 fan) instead.

Ahh, so thoughtful.