Small rant on the state of signings nowadays

[swarmee]

So why not get an autographed Montana card for $100 instead? Leaf just put a whole bunch on the market through their Art of Sport release.

Or $300 for a Trout auto card? You don't have to pay to get items signed. You can get their autograph much cheaper if you choose to.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by swarmee

So why not get an autographed Montana card for $100 instead? Leaf just put a whole bunch on the market through their Art of Sport release.

Or $300 for a Trout auto card? You don't have to pay to get items signed. You can get their autograph much cheaper if you choose to.

John,

I think you bring up a good point, I was referring more to having the experience of having them sign an item of yours in person, or maybe having them sign an item of significance for you. The counterargument would be that your paying for the experience + them signing an item of your choosing, but I still think the prices have gone a little haywire. The idea you presented is a very cost friendly one though.

[Steve D]

Originally Posted by Seven

John,

I think you bring up a good point, I was referring more to having the experience of having them sign an item of yours in person, or maybe having them sign an item of significance for you. The counterargument would be that your paying for the experience + them signing an item of your choosing, but I still think the prices have gone a little haywire. The idea you presented is a very cost friendly one though.

Thing is, if you are paying for the experience, i.e., paying for the actual face-to-face thing, why aren't mail-in signings less expensive?

If you're actually there and meeting the player in person, then maybe I could see the expense, but if you're just mailing in an item to be signed, or getting a signed ball or photo that the promoter provides, then it should be substantially less expensive. It is not less expensive. All the major promoters charge the same amount for the autograph, whether it's obtained in-person, or via mail-in.

Steve

[Bigdaddy]

I agree that the prices are crazy and that's the reason I've slowed way down collecting newer players. Too much for me.

But let's take Joe Montana for instance: The OP stated: "If you want Joe Montana to sign something with Tom Brady's auto already on it he's charging $1500." Now lets look at what collectors are paying for a PSA 9 Joe RC. PSA's price guide is showing that card at $1925. So I ask, which is crazier? A collectible that Joe himself handled and signed that you got to witness, or a piece of cardboard with his picture and sharp corners?

Either way, both prices are set by what folks are willing to pay. And I don't think that folks shelling out thousands of dollars for cardboard photos of dead ballplayers have room to criticize folks shelling out thousands of dollars for autographs.

BTW, I collect and enjoy both cards and autos.

[Snapolit1]

At the last National in AC I paid the $95 or whatever it was and got a nice 8x10 glossy with Darryl Strawberry. We chatted for a few minutes about the addiction work he does and I told him stories of watching him play. Didn't even get an autograph. I loved it. Was giddy like a small kid. If there are one or two people at the National this year I have a strong connection with I would happily do the same.

I'd pay a few bucks to get a photo with Mike Tyson but I don't believe he's coming this year.

Originally Posted by Steve D

Thing is, if you are paying for the experience, i.e., paying for the actual face-to-face thing, why aren't mail-in signings less expensive?

If you're actually there and meeting the player in person, then maybe I could see the expense, but if you're just mailing in an item to be signed, or getting a signed ball or photo that the promoter provides, then it should be substantially less expensive. It is not less expensive. All the major promoters charge the same amount for the autograph, whether it's obtained in-person, or via mail-in.

Steve

[mr2686]

I don't think I can add too much to what's already been written. At one time I was going to get every living HOF'er (from the time I came back to the hobby in the mid-ish 1980's in my hardback HOF book and on single signed balls. Several of the current crop of members have priced me out (oh I can afford them, I just won't pay those stupid prices). I've just decided to pick up the reasonable players, finish my existing projects (if possible), matt and frame and be done with the whole mess. I have plenty of stuff to sit in the middle of and enjoy with a cold one.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by mr2686

I don't think I can add too much to what's already been written. At one time I was going to get every living HOF'er (from the time I came back to the hobby in the mid-ish 1980's in my hardback HOF book and on single signed balls. Several of the current crop of members have priced me out (oh I can afford them, I just won't pay those stupid prices). I've just decided to pick up the reasonable players, finish my existing projects (if possible), matt and frame and be done with the whole mess. I have plenty of stuff to sit in the middle of and enjoy with a cold one.

Mike I'll build off what you said, I believe it was Ted Simmons who was charging literal peanuts for his signature before his Hall of Fame induction, and then his prices instantly became higher the moment after he was inducted. I commend you for getting as far as you did. What year in the Hall of Fame did you stop collecting?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Jack Morris and Tim Raines were also next to nothing pre-induction. Both Baines and Raines were free TTM when they felt like signing (and I don't recall ever having a single request from anyone looking for their autographs). There was definitely more overall collector demand for Morris and Simmons.

[mr2686]

Originally Posted by Seven

Mike I'll build off what you said, I believe it was Ted Simmons who was charging literal peanuts for his signature before his Hall of Fame induction, and then his prices instantly became higher the moment after he was inducted. I commend you for getting as far as you did. What year in the Hall of Fame did you stop collecting?

It's weird but it's not a particular year that I stopped, mainly because I've always picked up autographs of players I felt would be hall of famers. Seems like this year and almost every year prior I have at least one of the players that has gone in (most of the time when they were much cheaper to get). I just won't be going out of my way to spend $350 on any of the living members. When you look at it realistically, most of us won't be able to get all the hall of fame members (living and dead) anyway, so no big loss. What really hurts is when you need a player for a team signed project and you pretty much have to spend the money so that you can complete it.