• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on eBay
    • Most Watched Graded Rookies
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched BGS, BVG Cards
    • Most Watched SGC Cards
    • Most Watched CSG,CGC Cards
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2023 Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2022 Baseball Rookie Cards
      • Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Ronald Acuna Jr. Cards
      • Shohei Ohtani Cards
      • Mike Trout Cards
      • Fernando Tatis Jr. Cards
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Jackie Robinson Cards:
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • T206 Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2022-23 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2021-22 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2020-21 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
        • Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
        • Ja Morant Rookie Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Nikola Jokic Rookie Cards
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Cards
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • Prizm Basketball Cards
      • Panini National Treasures
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2022 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Brock Purdy Rookie Cards
      • 2021 NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2020 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Joe Burrow Rookie Cards
        • Justin Herbert Rookie Cards
        • Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards
      • Josh Allen Rookie Cards
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
      • Tom Brady Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2021-22 NHL Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2020-21 Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Wayne Gretzky Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched UFC Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Top Sports Card Dealers on eBay
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
      • Vintage Sports Memorabilia
    • Vintage Sports Tickets, Stubs
    • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Soccer Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • UFC Cards
  • Top - Ad

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Around the Hobby / Tips for Submitting Your Items to Private Autograph Sessions

Tips for Submitting Your Items to Private Autograph Sessions

November 17, 2020 By Rich Mueller

Not every player signs autographs through the mail, but even some big name stars are amenable to sitting down for an hour or two on their own time through paid private autograph sessions.  Typically working through the player’s agent but sometimes directly with the athlete, promoters will take in memorabilia and cards sent in by collectors and dealers and work with the athlete on getting those items signed and returned.  

Whether it’s something from your own collection or you just want to buy a piece that’s been freshly signed by a player, the process usually goes off without a hitch but there are some things to keep in mind.

In the second of a series, we chat with Matt Powers of Powers Sports Memorabilia, who offers some tips to collectors on getting items signed through private autograph sessions.

SC Daily: With most public autograph sessions shut down, private signings are one way to add to your collection.  What advice would you give someone in terms of how to go about selecting an item from their collection to send in for an autograph?

Matt Powers

MP:  Generally speaking, non-bulky items are best for private signings.  For example, you don’t want to pay to ship back and forth to a signing a huge piece of artwork that can’t be rolled in a tube.

If you haven’t dealt with the company handling the signing before, it is always a good idea to give them a quick call or email to find out about them and become comfortable with sending in your item to the signing. 

When selecting an item to be signed, I generally tell people who are just getting started to select smaller items, baseballs, mini helmets, and footballs.  Reason being you aren’t quite sure what you like to collect yet.  Start off with smaller, less expensive items in case you get something signed you don’t really like.   Last thing you want is to get a bulky item you have to frame like a jersey or a full-size helmet signed by a guy who is out of the league in two years.

As someone who has conducted a lot of signings over the years, what are some of the more unique pieces you’ve seen turned over to an athlete?

Game-used items are always my favorite.  To have the chance to hold something that an athlete wore is always surreal.  My favorite item from 2020 has to be a Mike Trout game used jersey from 2019 that he hit home run #44 in.

Personal photos are always fun.  Seeing the athletes response to a picture of them and the customer is always cool.

Let’s say a collector has the item picked out and is ready to send it in.  Give me a few tips for making sure it arrives safely and gets back in the same condition.

I have my customers follow a four-step process anytime they send in an item.  1.) They send it in with my submission form (not all dealers have these), which basically covers their contact information and what they want done with their item.  2.) Mark item properly with painter’s tape or post it note.  Painter’s tape is preferred as it generally stays better.  With this tape, mark where you want the item signed, inscription (if applicable), authenticity hologram.  3.) Add your name/order # and also the dealer’s name to the item.  Some signings have multiple dealers there, having their name on the item helps insure it gets back to them should they accidentally get mixed in with another dealer’s items.  4.) Include receipt of your order or payment method inside the shipment.

Shipping method is also important.  If shipping an item in to a firm deadline be sure and use a service like FedEx or UPS ground.  Their services are guaranteed.  While we all like to use USPS because of their affordability, they are very inconsistent in their delivery times.  Last thing you want happening is your item arriving after the required due date.

What’s the most common mistake made by collectors when sending in an item?

Assuming the dealer or athlete know exactly how you want your item signed.  It is absolutely critical that you label your item with the proper instructions and have your and the dealer’s name on the item.

Is it generally OK for a collector or dealer to send their own pen or other writing utensil along if they want to do that for some reason?

I made a YouTube video regarding this.  I generally suggest no unless you have an item that has multiple signatures on it all signed with the same pen and you want to keep it consistent.  Always best to check with dealer 1st to see if they have that pen type or color.  Most signings pretty much have every pen you can imagine.

When you use your own pen and the signature doesn’t turn out the way you want, it makes it hard to go back to the dealer and request a replacement/refund.  I am all about protecting yourself and using the dealer’s pens does that to a certain degree.  Also, you save the cost on buying a pen.

What type of communication should a customer expect from the company conducting the signing and how long should a collector typically expect to wait to get their item back?

The last thing I want is someone contacting me about when they can expect their item back. That means I did a poor job of communicating that info initially.  All of my signing dates are posted on every social channel, on the order page, and also on the website to help avoid confusion.  Inevitably, that information can be missed, so happy to answer questions when they come in.

I generally say that an item should ship back to you within one week of the signing taking place.  Keep in mind, signings may happen 2-3,000 miles away from a dealer’s location.  It will take time to pack everything up and then ship it back to be processed and each item shipped back to the correct customer.

As far as day to day communication if you have a question about the signing, it is 2020.  There is no reason an email or phone call should not be responded to within an hour during normal business hours.  We have so many different ways of communicating now, phone, email, social media, there really is no excuse to not get back to customers quickly.

An 18-year industry veteran, Matt Powers is the founder and sole owner of Powers Sports Memorabilia, based in the Kansas City area. You can connect with him through the company’s website and get insights on the hobby through his YouTube channel.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

Dribbles and Scribbles: Al McGuire and the Strangest Autographed Item in My Collection Signing Day Q&A: From Preparation to Dealing with Athletes Private Autograph Signing Q&A: Selecting an Item to Be Signed COVID’s Autograph Impact: Private Signings Picking Up Audience with “The King” a Memorable Ride Steeler Collector’s Quest Becomes a Book Spring Training: Chasing Autographs The National Continues to be a Family Affair

About Rich Mueller

Rich is the editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily. A broadcaster and writer for over 40 years and a collector for even longer than that, he's usually typing something somewhere. Type him back at [email protected].

Filed Under: Around the Hobby Tagged With: collecting autographs, Matt Powers, private signing, private signings

Primary Sidebar

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click on links to merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

Shop Sports Cards on Ebay
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

High End Cards and Memorabilia

  • BBCE Authenticated Boxes, Packs opens in a new window
  • Graded pre-War Card eBay Auctions
  • PWCC Premier Auction
  • PWCC Fixed Price Marketplace
  • Graded Rookie Cards on eBay opens in a new window
  • Authenticated Photos on eBay opens in a new window
  • Graded Tickets & Stubs opens in a new window

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Kobe Bryant cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Pre-War Cards Under $100 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Football Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Basketball Cards $25 and less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Hockey Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Complete Sets $20 and Less opens in a new window
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1 opens in a new window
  • Buy Boxes Directly from Topps opens in a new window

RSS Auction Report

  • Watch The Iconic Auctions LiveStream Preview Show – October 4, 2023 at 8 PM CST
  • Grey Flannel Auctions Accepting Consignments & Buying
  • Huggins and Scott Accepting Consignments For 2023 Auctions

Footer

Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Featured Articles
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Uncategorized

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forumopens in a new window
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cardsopens in a new window
  • Game Used Jerseysopens in a new window
  • Championship Rings For Saleopens in a new window
  • Vintage Basketball Cardsopens in a new window
  • NBA Signed Itemsopens in a new window
  • Autographed Baseballsopens in a new window
  • NASCAR Autographsopens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cardsopens in a new window
  • Player Picturesopens in a new window
  • Vintage Football Cardsopens in a new window
  • Sports Collectors Storeopens in a new window

Pages

Ending on eBay Soon
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
Top 100 on Ebay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
Most Watched on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Tom Brady Card Auctions on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • What’s Hot on eBay
Sports Memorabilia
  • Sports Card Bargain Bin
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
About Sports Collectors Daily
  • Advertise with SC Daily
  • Contact Us
  • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Sell Your Cards
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?

Copyright © 2023 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Web Design by Wickam Groupopens in a new window