Want to start TTM auto's looking for pointers

Twinsthreepeat

Hello,
I have decided to take the plunge and start TTMing. My goal: Topps basic and traded Twins cards 1961-2006. I am making a list and through 1993 there are around 300 players. I odered a Mieslman's. My questions are these

What is the best way to ask for an auto, handwritten or typed, what to say?

Do I need to sent a sharpie?

How complete is mieslman's?

Best way to protect cards?

Anyother pointers you feel like sharing

brianwintersfan

<< <i>What is the best way to ask for an auto, handwritten or typed, what to say?

Do I need to sent a sharpie?

How complete is mieslman's?

Best way to protect cards? >>



I actually had business cards printed up which makes it a lot easier. I have my name, po box and email address. I figure if I make myself more known to these players they might not think it's someone trying to scam them for an autograph to sell on Ebay.
I also send me own sharpie just because I want the auto to look as good as it can. Harvey's book is very good but I would also spend the $14.99 for a one year subscription to sportscollectors.net. It a great website with a ton of active members. You can also keep track of your autos via their database which in turn helps out others who also might want info about the same players you are collecting. All my cards go in a penny sleeve and then a top load. The card and the sharpie go into a stamped 4 x 8 padded mailer with my return address. Then all that goes into a 6 x 10 padded mailer. I always write out the players name and address and I always put Mr. John Doe as a sign of respect. 63 cents on each padded mailer will get it there and back.

Twinsthreepeat

Brian,
Thanks for the reply. I have been looking at sportscollectors haven't decided weather I'll join or not.

Thought of another question, how do you know who wants to be paid for there auto?

brianwintersfan

Harvey's book usually has a list of who wants a fee and who doesn't. That's the other nice thing about sportscollectors.net is that you can see what other collectors have to say about a certain player.

gregm13

Sportscollector.net is worth the $15 or whatever the annual fee is. In addition, you really should buy one of the address books that are published. Personally, I have the 2006 Meiselman book which has been wonderful. I haven't had one request returned because of a bad address.

As for finding out how much players charge, I agree w/ brianwintersfan that by looking through the posts on sportscollector.net, you can determine whether or not a fee is charged and even whether it's worth sending a request (as many people won't sign through the mail). I've saved a lot of $ by not sending requests to players that won't sign.

Regards,

Greg M.

Tedw9

Here is how I do it.

I hand write everything. You want a hand written signature, I figure the least I can do is hand write them.

In my letters I always say please and thank you. Kindness goes a long way.

I put all my cards (unless it is an index card) in a top loader and put that in a regular envelope along with the letter and SASE.

I never send a sharpie unless I am sending a big item. And if I were to send a big item (anything other than a card) I write them first asking if they would sign for me. I never assume they are just gonna do it. Also less chance of an item not being returned.

Another book I have used in the past is Smallings address book. I had great luck with it.

I hope this helps.