When I worked there (again, 2001-2), Topps was serious about having a rep present at all signings. I myself was sent to sit with Steve Garvey, Orlando Cepeda, and Chris Childress while they signed 2000 cards each. This was a big part of the player reps' jobs. One of those reps did tell me story of a (then) recent football draftee who had his friend signing his Fleer cards while the rep watched him sign the Topps cards!
I don't know if Topps still does this (or even pays it lip service). It would certainly be an easy cost to cut (so I'm guessing Eisner's group did so when they took over).
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