What is the proper etiquette sending TTM for autos?

EagleEyeKid · April 15, 2010 1:35AM

I've enjoyed reading the TTM threads and wanted to start sending some cards in. How do you guys approach it? I don't want to do "can i have your autograph" or "you're my favorite player" and leave it at that. Sincere letter discussing their careers?
I know I want to include a sase for them. Active players, send it to the stadium/arena? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

alifaxwa2 · April 15, 2010 1:45AM

I don't do the biggest fan thing and I only write about half a page (by hand). Ends up being 6-8 sentences.

They know why I am writing, so I don't try to hide it. My first statement is something like "i am writing to ask you to autograph the enclosed xxxxxx" Then I give some reason why I am interested in them; because I am a huge fan of there team or because they were one of the greats of my childhood or because I am working on a set/cast/team/etc. I tell them I would be thrilled to have there autograph as part of my collection. I then thank them and wish them luck in the future.

Actives stadium/arena is fine. For teams that do preseason elsewhere, that is another great place to send to. If you doing hockey, find out if they practice on off days elsewhere. (Like the Caps do, I send to there practice rink).

alifaxwa2 · April 15, 2010 1:46AM

Buy the forever stamps for your SASE

KbKards · April 15, 2010 3:10AM

I include a note. Sign this and return ASAP. I know where you live.

jswieton · April 15, 2010 3:35AM

I usually use 2-3 paragraphs. The first Paragraph I start by thinking them for taking the time to read my letter and why I am a fan of theirs. The second paragraph I ask them politely to sign my card. The third paragraph I thank them again for reading my letter and for taking the time to sign and return my card. I also say "please" and "thank you" whenever I can.

I have mixed opinions on wether or not a hand written letter actually increases your chances of getting a return. I usually hand write the letters for the guys that I really want to get or if I'm sending a valuable card. To be honest, I am not really sure if it increases your chances or not. I think that if a guy is going to take the time to open your letter/package he is probably going to sign your card, unless you say something stupid and offend him I am pretty sure that these guys know what you want before even opening the package.

EagleEyeKid · April 15, 2010 3:54AM

Thanks guys. I'm going to be sending some cards of players on the brink of retirement. These will be overproduced cards from the early 90s. Looking get autos from Teemu Selanne, Scott Neidermayer, Mike Modano, Niklas Lidstrom, Rob Blake, and Paul Kariya. The one I want the most is Mike Modano; the greatest American born player IMO.

Dboneesq · April 15, 2010 4:04AM

I think a handwritten letter is best, but here is something I do. I write my letter but leave out the salutation and my signature. I then make as many copies as I need.

Then I address each letter to the individual ballplayer and sign each one as well. I also add a PS and add something about that person's career.

The letter itself is two paragraphs. The first talks about being a sports fan since I was a kid, which led to the idea of putting together a collection of autographed cards. The second paragraph asks the athlete to please sign and return the SASE enclosed.

As was also mentioned above, use a FOREVER STAMP on the SASE.

GOOD LUCK! It is a LOT of fun!!!

MooseDog · April 15, 2010 4:10AM

Save your stamps on Modano and Kariya. Modano's mail goes to his fan club and everything gets ghost signed. He's cool in person but I don't think he ever sees his mail. Kariya is very anti-autograph, believes they all end up on eBay and is one of the toughest hockey players to get, in person he'd sign only for small kids and refuse any adults. Niedermayer used to be OK TTM but I don't know about now.

The others should respond. Teemu and Lidstrom were super nice in person.

thekid8 · April 15, 2010 4:17AM

A lot of the 1980 USA Hockey team are good signers Craig, Eruzione, Morrow etc....

AFLfan · April 15, 2010 5:06AM

I have typed every autograph request letter that I have ever sent. I know others who write by hand, but I don't know tha there is much of a diffeence either way. I write mostly to guys that played before I was born, so my letters take a bit of a different slant in that I tell the player about myself, how I got interested in a league that ended before I was born, and why I feel that their contribution to the game was so significant. "Please" and "Thank you" are a must. Sometimes, with people who are known to be difficult signers, I will include an Excel printout of the particular set that I am working on. It lists the player's names, card number, whether I have the card autographed or not, and dates of death for each person that has passed away. I also highlight the particular card(s) that I am sending to that player so they see exactly where their card fits in, and why I am writing. I believe that it also illustrates that I am not just randomly sending stuff to be signed to anyone, and hopefully it shows that I will not not around and sell whatever they sign for me. I have gotten some very nice notes back in return, thanking me for these lists, and telling me that they had no idea that so-and-so had passed away. My methods are by no means foolproof, but I have found them to be generally successful.

fur72 · April 15, 2010 5:44AM

Grab some index cards and put the card in between them for protection. Sometimes they sign one of the index card too.

DO NOT: Use top loaders or penny sleeves you are less likely to get the card signed and sometimes they just sign the top loader.

What is the proper etiquette sending TTM for autos?

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