Ask before the lot comes up. Public questions on the listing are read by the next buyer too, which is why sellers answer them carefully.
The questions
"How do you know?" The whole category in four words. Present at the signing with a photograph, obtained at a known event, a certificate from a named issuer, bought from a previous owner, or unverified. Each is worth different money. The ladder.
"Worn, issued or replica?" Three objects, three prices. A replica described as match-worn is the serious misdescription here.
"Who issued the certificate?" Name readable on camera, or treat the paper as decoration.
"Can you show the signature close, in daylight?" Fading is a condition fact, and warm light hides it.
"Is this the whole set, and how many signatures can you identify?" For team-signed items, unidentified is an honest answer and should be priced as one.
"How will it be delivered?" Bats are long, frames are glass. For either, ask before you bid rather than after. Delivering cricket memorabilia.
What protection covers
A replica sold as worn, a different item than shown, damage not described: seven days from delivery. A signature you took on trust is not.
Questions people ask
Can Metzee authenticate a signature?
No. Metzee handles money, delivery and disputes about description.
Is a bat signed years later worth less?
Usually, and it must be said. Ask when it was signed.
What about programmes and tickets?
Easier — paper condition is most of it, and provenance matters less.