MAS Authentication – Services Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: July 19, 2025
These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern all submissions made by you ("Customer") to MAS Authentication LLC ("MAS") for autograph authentication services, and constitute a binding legal agreement between MAS and the Customer.
1. Scope of Services
By submitting an item for authentication, Customer requests that MAS Authentication examine and evaluate the autograph(s) to determine authenticity based on MAS's proprietary standards and expertise. MAS provides opinions only and makes no guarantee regarding future valuations or marketplace acceptance.
2. Submission Process
Customer agrees to complete all required information on the submission form and package all items securely per MAS’s instructions. Customer certifies the estimated fair market value of each submitted item aligns with the selected service tier. MAS reserves the right to adjust the service tier and related fees if the estimated value is determined to be inaccurate.
3. Authenticity and Tampering
Customer affirms that submitted items are, to the best of their knowledge, genuine and free of undisclosed alterations, enhancements, or tampering (e.g., forgery, signature tracing, or chemical modification). MAS reserves the right to deny service and pursue damages if intentional misrepresentation is discovered.
4. Third-Party Submissions
Dealer accounts may submit items on behalf of third parties with proper authorization. Collector accounts may not submit items for others.
5. Payment Terms
All service fees are due at the time of submission. Additional fees incurred due to tier adjustments or international duties must be paid immediately. MAS reserves the right to withhold items until full payment is received. Overdue balances will incur interest at 1.0% per month. Customer grants MAS a security interest in submitted items until balances are paid in full.
6. International Submissions
For international shipments, Customer must act as the importer of record and is responsible for all related customs duties, taxes, and fees. MAS may advance these charges and add a $25 administrative fee to the invoice.
7. Risk of Loss and Cancellation
Customer assumes full responsibility for items in transit to MAS. MAS's services begin once items are received and inspected. Submissions cannot be canceled once received by MAS.
8. Use of Images and Data
MAS may photograph or digitally scan submitted items and retain authentication data. Customer grants MAS a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such images and data for marketing, archival, and research purposes.
9. Condition of Items
Customer acknowledges that fragile, damaged, or uniquely formatted items may be more susceptible to damage during handling. MAS will take reasonable care but is not responsible for pre-existing defects or vulnerabilities. If MAS determines an item was lost or damaged due to MAS’s negligence, Customer's remedy will be limited to the item’s fair market value or diminished value—whichever is less—subject to the tier limit.
10. Updated Terms
Current terms applicable to specific services and submission types are posted on MAS’s website. Customer agrees to be bound by such updates.
11. Holder Removal
MAS holders are designed to be tamper-evident. If Customer requests removal of an item from a holder, MAS is not liable for any damage incurred during this process unless caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.
12. Service Timelines
MAS will use commercially reasonable efforts to complete services within the estimated turnaround times posted on the MAS website but does not guarantee completion by a specific date.
13. Guarantee
MAS offers no guarantee on authentication results for unwitnessed autographs. All opinions are provided in good faith and are based on MAS’s expert analysis.
14. Limitation of Liability
Except as explicitly stated, MAS offers no warranties, express or implied. MAS is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. In any case, MAS’s total liability will not exceed the fees paid for the specific service.
15. Rejection of Submissions
MAS may reject any item that does not meet its standards or appears to be tampered with. No refund will be issued for rejected items.
16. Unclaimed Items
If Customer fails to update their contact information and retrieve property within one (1) year, MAS may dispose of the property at its discretion. Storage and insurance fees may apply.
17. Return Shipping & Insurance
MAS typically ships via FedEx with insurance up to $100,000 (domestic) or $50,000 (international), based on the selected return service tier. Additional coverage requires prior approval. Customer assumes all risk for return shipments exceeding coverage limits or for shipments using their own shipping account.
18. Lost or Damaged Shipments
Claims for lost or stolen shipments must be reported to MAS within 14 days of the estimated delivery date and no later than 30 days after shipment.
19. Shipping Damage Claims
Inspect all packages before signing. Report damage to the delivery carrier immediately, preserve all packaging, and submit photos. MAS or its insurers may request additional documentation.
20. Inspection Upon Return
Customer must inspect returned items immediately. Damage claims must be submitted to MAS within 14 days of delivery.
21. Clerical Errors
Customer agrees to return any item with a MAS-generated labeling error for correction. MAS will cover all related costs. Customer agrees to indemnify MAS for any third-party claims arising from their failure to comply.
22. Fraudulent Submissions
If an item is later found to be forged or tampered with, Customer agrees to cooperate with MAS and any third party to resolve the matter, including refunding any sales involving the item.
23. Disclaimer of Warranties
MAS disclaims all implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. MAS’s liability is strictly limited as stated herein.
24. Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Customer agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Hidalgo County, Texas.
25. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with the Submission Form, MAS’s Pricing & Services page, Privacy Policy, and Website Terms of Use, constitutes the full agreement between MAS and the Customer. In the event of a conflict, these Terms shall control.
