Collecting Autographs For Fun & Profit
Autograph collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's also
a lucrative business for many entrepreneurs. As a hobby,
autographs are a terrific way to own a piece of memorabilia that
has been personally signed by your favorite actor, musician,
athlete, etc. Collectors across the globe are always looking to
add the unattainable signature to their collection.
Autographs can be obtained either in person or through the mail.
If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where sports
competitions or movie filmings are plentiful, then you may have
a lot of in-person autograph opportunities. For everyone else,
collecting through the mail may be the most economical approach.
Athletes can be written in care of their sports team,
celebrities in care of their television show or on location at a
film set while musicians can be reached through their agent or a
venue at which they are performing.
The value of an autograph depends on who the signature is from.
If you don't want to pay for an appraisal, surf the internet for
autograph dealers and see if you can find an average cost for
the signature. If you are looking to sell autographs, the number
of potential customers can be impressive if you know how to
market your business. A well-publicized website or a presence
with online auctions is often the best success for any business,
including autographs. If you plan to sell autographs, you will
need to be upfront with customers about how the signature was
obtained. If it was through the mail, let them know. If the
autograph was obtained in person, perhaps you would include a
Certificate of Authenticity noting the date and location that
the signature was obtained.
There are a few things to remember when seeking autographs.
Whether in-person or through the mail, always be polite in your
request. Say "please" and "thank you." If you are attending an
autograph show, take your own item to be signed along with a
sharpie permanent marker. If you are sending mailed autograph
requests, always include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Never request more than 2 items to be signed at any given time -
many celebrities consider this to be rude. Some of the best
items to be signed include photos, blank 3x5 index cards,
t-shirts, baseballs, golf balls, footballs, books, etc. Courtesy
is the key to obtaining an autograph - whether as a hobby or for
resale.