Frequently Asked Questions.
Answers to the Questions We’re Asked Most Often
Whether you're a collector looking for a trusted dealer or a business interested in joining CollectorApproved, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Can a business pay to be listed on CollectorApproved?
No.
CollectorApproved is not a "pay-to-list" directory. Businesses cannot simply purchase approval or advertise their way onto the website.
Most businesses are recommended by collectors who have had positive experiences with them. Every recommendation is independently reviewed, and only businesses that satisfy our approval standards are invited to join.
Our reputation depends on maintaining the trust of collectors, so approval must always be earned.
How do you decide which businesses to approve?
Every business is assessed against our approval criteria before being accepted.
This includes reviewing factors such as:
- Business legitimacy
- Professional standards
- Trading practices
- Reputation within the collecting community
- Transparency and customer service
Approved businesses are also subject to ongoing review. If a business no longer meets our standards, its approval may be suspended or withdrawn.
Can you recommend a dealer that isn't listed on your website?
Unfortunately, no.
We only recommend businesses that have successfully completed our approval process.
If you already know a dealer you believe deserves recognition, we'd be delighted if you recommended them to us. Every recommendation is independently assessed before any approval is granted.
Can you authenticate or value my collectables?
No.
CollectorApproved does not provide authentication, valuations or appraisal services.
If you're looking to confirm whether an item is genuine or establish its value, we recommend using one of the specialist authentication or auction services listed within our directory.
Does CollectorApproved guarantee that every item sold by an approved business is genuine?
No organisation can realistically guarantee every item sold by every dealer.
What we do guarantee is that every approved business has met our standards before being accepted onto the directory and has agreed to follow our Code of Conduct.
Your purchase contract is always with the business you buy from, not with CollectorApproved.
However, if you believe an approved business has supplied an item that is not authentic or has acted unfairly, we encourage you to contact us. We take all genuine complaints seriously and will investigate any concerns raised.
What should I do if I have a complaint about an approved business?
We ask that you contact the business first, as many issues can be resolved quickly and professionally.
If you're unable to reach a satisfactory outcome, please contact us with full details of your complaint. We'll review the information carefully and investigate whether the business has breached our approval standards or Code of Conduct.
All complaints are handled confidentially and fairly.
What happens if an approved business fails to meet your standards?
CollectorApproved approval is not permanent.
If we receive credible evidence that a business has failed to meet our standards or breached our Code of Conduct, we will investigate the matter thoroughly.
Where appropriate, businesses may be asked to resolve the issue, suspended from the directory or removed entirely.
Maintaining high standards is essential to protecting collectors and preserving confidence in the CollectorApproved name.
I'm looking for a specific collectable but can't find a suitable dealer.
Our directory continues to grow as more businesses are recommended and approved.
If you can't currently find what you're looking for, we recommend checking back regularly or browsing our Help & Advice section for buying guidance.
You can also recommend a trusted dealer if you believe they would be a valuable addition to CollectorApproved.
How can I recommend a business?
It's easy.
Simply contact us with the business details and tell us why you believe they deserve approval.
Every recommendation is independently reviewed before any decision is made, and businesses must satisfy our approval standards before they can be listed.
Where can I learn more about collecting safely?
CollectorApproved publishes a growing collection of guides and articles covering topics such as:
- Spotting fake autographs
- Authentication advice
- Buying safely at auction
- Collectable valuations
- Storage and preservation
- Fraud prevention
- Best buying practices
Our aim is to help collectors make informed decisions and enjoy the hobby with greater confidence.
Still Have a Question?
If your question hasn't been answered here, we'd be happy to help.
Please get in touch via our contact page and we'll do our best to answer your question.