How to get TTM autographs on cards
thenavarro
Posts: 7,497 ✭✭✭
I had a board member ask how I get TTM (through the mail) autographs and I wrote up this short advice to PM him and when I got finished, I thought it might help anyone thinking about starting to get TTM autographs so I decided to post it for everyone. By all means, it's not the only way to do it, just the way I do it.
First, get yourself a subscription to sportscollectors.net , it's about $15.00 for a whole year and will be your primary source for addresses. Then, you are going to need the basic supplies. Bubble mailers (you will use two with each request so get enough, I use the 6.25 inch x 9.375 inch ones from Office Depot, you can occasionally catch them on special for 12 for $3.50 or so), top loaders, tape, plenty of stamps, some spare cardboard to use as backing, and the cards. Now, start perusing sportscollectors.net for the star you are interested. It's easy to navigate, just type their last name in the search box. Once you find the star from the list that pops up, click on the number in the column titled requests. this will pull up the TTM screen for that athlete. You will see from the responses there, who signs, who doesn't, if they charge, how much, addresses, probability of success, etc.. Then use that information to prepare your request. I generally write a very short sincere letter getting straight to the point. I never go over one page as I don't want them to waste their time. If they are charging, I simply am polite and include the necessary donation and specific instructions if any how I'd like them to sign. If I do not include a donation, then on your short note, mention why you want it, is it special to you, a childhood memory, etc., something specific that will make yours stand out, maybe even tell a joke or something. Make it stick out from other requests by using humor or funny stories. They are people just like us and like to be entertained. Don't get greedy and take advantage of their generosity. I generally only send one card to be signed unless you are paying, then send whatever you want. Once the letter is written, take one of the bubble mailers and address it to yourself and put there address in the return address area, I typically write "The Great Insert their name" as the return address as everyone likes to have their ego stroked a little. Put adequate return postage using stamps on this envelope to get the package back to you, I usually put $1.75 on it. Put your card in the toploader with your donation (if you have one) and sandwich the toploader between two small pieces of cardboard. Use a couple of pieces of scotch tape to secure the cardboard, but don't put so much on it that they have trouble removing your card for signing. I typically put tape on 3 sides only and leave the top of the toploader overhanging the cardboard so it's simple for them to simply slide out, sign and slide back in. I write on the outside of the cardboard "Card and check enclosed" or simply Card enclosed. This way there is no doubt to them what's inside. I also write my address on the other side of the cardboard in case they separate it and lose the SASE, then they might still get it back to you. Now, place the stamped envelope addressed to yourself, and the cardboard sandwich, into the 2nd bubble mailer. On this one, address it to the athlete and use your return address. Either use stamps for it, or if its valuable, take it to the PO and insure it just like any other package. You can't expect them to do it for the return trip, but at least it minimizes the chances of getting it lost. Then sit back and wait and every day you go to the mailbox, you have the opportunity of getting a nice surprise. Extra hints: If you are sending donations and your bank is one that sends your actual check back in your statements, then make the checks payable to them and a lot of times they will endorse it and you willl get a free autograph when the bank returns it to you.
For some signers that are not known to sign, you can try to send them a donation (I usually send $25.00 via check) as everyone even millionaires likes to have a little Taco Bell money and that will make your request stand out as a non-free loader and they just might sign for you. Or perhaps send a long a donation to a charity they are affiliated with. I haven't had anyone cash my checks and then not sign. Or, if you find out the person accepts some mail and not all, then you might want to disguise your envelope and make it look like business and not fan mail and it will have a chance to get through.
The above is for TTM directly to the player. There is another segment, and that is TTM via promoter's. There is a great site called signingshotline.com that lists most signings in the USA and is a great tool to find in person and TTM pay signings. It is subscription only as well, and spring for the Deluxe membership of about $29.95. That gets you discounts off the signing fees and some guys will only sign at shows so this is your chance to get them. It will have the promoters info and you simply contact them and they will instruct you how to send, ship to them, etc. Some promoters are obviously better than others, see my thread on MAB Celebrity Services if you want to see an example.
Other than that, that's pretty much the basics. If you have any ????'s let me know.
Take care,
Mike
First, get yourself a subscription to sportscollectors.net , it's about $15.00 for a whole year and will be your primary source for addresses. Then, you are going to need the basic supplies. Bubble mailers (you will use two with each request so get enough, I use the 6.25 inch x 9.375 inch ones from Office Depot, you can occasionally catch them on special for 12 for $3.50 or so), top loaders, tape, plenty of stamps, some spare cardboard to use as backing, and the cards. Now, start perusing sportscollectors.net for the star you are interested. It's easy to navigate, just type their last name in the search box. Once you find the star from the list that pops up, click on the number in the column titled requests. this will pull up the TTM screen for that athlete. You will see from the responses there, who signs, who doesn't, if they charge, how much, addresses, probability of success, etc.. Then use that information to prepare your request. I generally write a very short sincere letter getting straight to the point. I never go over one page as I don't want them to waste their time. If they are charging, I simply am polite and include the necessary donation and specific instructions if any how I'd like them to sign. If I do not include a donation, then on your short note, mention why you want it, is it special to you, a childhood memory, etc., something specific that will make yours stand out, maybe even tell a joke or something. Make it stick out from other requests by using humor or funny stories. They are people just like us and like to be entertained. Don't get greedy and take advantage of their generosity. I generally only send one card to be signed unless you are paying, then send whatever you want. Once the letter is written, take one of the bubble mailers and address it to yourself and put there address in the return address area, I typically write "The Great Insert their name" as the return address as everyone likes to have their ego stroked a little. Put adequate return postage using stamps on this envelope to get the package back to you, I usually put $1.75 on it. Put your card in the toploader with your donation (if you have one) and sandwich the toploader between two small pieces of cardboard. Use a couple of pieces of scotch tape to secure the cardboard, but don't put so much on it that they have trouble removing your card for signing. I typically put tape on 3 sides only and leave the top of the toploader overhanging the cardboard so it's simple for them to simply slide out, sign and slide back in. I write on the outside of the cardboard "Card and check enclosed" or simply Card enclosed. This way there is no doubt to them what's inside. I also write my address on the other side of the cardboard in case they separate it and lose the SASE, then they might still get it back to you. Now, place the stamped envelope addressed to yourself, and the cardboard sandwich, into the 2nd bubble mailer. On this one, address it to the athlete and use your return address. Either use stamps for it, or if its valuable, take it to the PO and insure it just like any other package. You can't expect them to do it for the return trip, but at least it minimizes the chances of getting it lost. Then sit back and wait and every day you go to the mailbox, you have the opportunity of getting a nice surprise. Extra hints: If you are sending donations and your bank is one that sends your actual check back in your statements, then make the checks payable to them and a lot of times they will endorse it and you willl get a free autograph when the bank returns it to you.
For some signers that are not known to sign, you can try to send them a donation (I usually send $25.00 via check) as everyone even millionaires likes to have a little Taco Bell money and that will make your request stand out as a non-free loader and they just might sign for you. Or perhaps send a long a donation to a charity they are affiliated with. I haven't had anyone cash my checks and then not sign. Or, if you find out the person accepts some mail and not all, then you might want to disguise your envelope and make it look like business and not fan mail and it will have a chance to get through.
The above is for TTM directly to the player. There is another segment, and that is TTM via promoter's. There is a great site called signingshotline.com that lists most signings in the USA and is a great tool to find in person and TTM pay signings. It is subscription only as well, and spring for the Deluxe membership of about $29.95. That gets you discounts off the signing fees and some guys will only sign at shows so this is your chance to get them. It will have the promoters info and you simply contact them and they will instruct you how to send, ship to them, etc. Some promoters are obviously better than others, see my thread on MAB Celebrity Services if you want to see an example.
Other than that, that's pretty much the basics. If you have any ????'s let me know.
Take care,
Mike
Buying US Presidential autographs
0
Comments
John
HOF SIGNED FOOTBALL RCS
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set
Brian
I hope you don't mind me adding a couple of tips from and old-school TTM guy.
1) Especially with older players, you'll do well to hand write your requests. AND BE POLITE! The words "pleae" and "thank you" can go a long way to insure success. Yeah, it's real easy to mail merge 1000 requests on your computer, but the older players grew up in a time when a hand written letter showed respect and common courtesy. Current players, especially popular ones, will likely have their fan mail handled by their agent/management company so it's probably less of an issue. And don't make up stories about having illnesses, dying relatives, etc.unless true. Several players have been burned recently by scams involving people claiming their kids had terminal illnesses only to turn out the scammers were just trying to get money and memorabilia to resell.
2) Limit yourself to 1-2 different items unless you are paying money for the autographs. Don't send 8 of the same card and say you are giving them out to kids on the street. Not all athletes are that dumb.
3) Realize that there are hundreds if not thousands of others doing the same TTM thing as you are doing now, and with the advent of addresses and success rates available on the Internet players are getting more and more hip to people selling their autographs on eBay. People are busier these days and many don't want to spend hours signing autographs.
4) Don't send detailed instructions on where to sign, what to sign with, etc. It's rude.
5) Do your homework! Even one sentence or question about a player's career, or if you are particular team collector, might result in the player writing you back with a short note, if nothing else to wish you success in your endeavor. These have been some of my favorite replies. It shows you do have a personal interest in the player.
6) Mike gave some great instructions about shipping, bubble mailers, etc...but I would recommend that unless the items you send are particularly fragile or valuable. When I sent out requests back in the 1970s I usually just put two index cards or two trading cards in the return envelope (small size) and sent the request in a standard #10 letter envelope. One stamp postage each way and never had a problem. Make it as easy as possible for the player to respond.
7) Your best bet with current players is to get them when they are in the minor leagues. Having had a couple of players that I coached in high school reach the minors, I asked them about fan mail, and they both said that they got very little of it. You can also find a lot of former major leaguers coaching and playing in the minors.
It was always a great thrill to come home from school/work and find a few return envelopes in the day's mail.
Enjoy!
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set
I like the idea of "The Great....". I will keep that in mind when going for a tough one.
Shane
me too,plus thers alot more than sports on it anymore thanx to someone