Small rant on the state of signings nowadays

[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.

[Republicaninmass]

I almost shat myself when I saw Mariano rivera was charging 350 and auto. I jokingly asked, how many are left. They were already sold out.

As long as the fools are lined up, priced will surge.

[Exhibitman]

It's all about the Benjamins. There's a burgeoning market in graded signed cards, especially rookie cards and rare cards. The numbers are truly staggering in some cases. Case in point, this 2013 Upper Deck PMG Tyson with autograph:



$58,800.00 at Goldin.

The base card is rare: UD made 125 numbered sets and gave them to employees as a bonus. About 1-2 a year are sold. Until a few years ago it would run you about $500 for a Tyson. Even now, you can get the card for under $5K. Get one and have it signed, it has a massive multiplier, even without dual grading. It makes it worthwhile to bite the bullet and pay up. There are lots of cards like that. Koufax's RC sells for a fortune dual-graded, so he now charges over $3K to sign it, and he sells out every time he offers a private signing. Jabbar's handlers justify four-figure up-charges for signing his RC based on what they think PSA will grade it.

What's even worse are reports that some guys won't sign their RCs or specific issues any more. This used to be a rare thing; now it is increasingly commonplace. I suspect they are trying to create a perception of rarity over certain cards that they can sign and give to family members as investments.

Then there are the rare items that you just have to get signed at whatever the cost because they are (nearly) irreplaceable...and you think they will sell for a bundle if offered. I am going to spend well into three figures to get Dr. J to sign this 1971 Virginia Squires team issue at the National:



An impossible item signed by a legendary player, again, cha-ching if I want to sell it.

[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.

[scmavl]

At a recent Sandy Koufax signing, if memory serves (can't find the site now), he was charging $3750 to sign his '55 Topps card.

WHAT. IS. THAT.

[Deertick]

The players are not charging anything for an autograph. They are paid an appearance fee for the time spent at the event. There is a physical limit to how many can be cranked out, and most promoters are trying to maximize their return. That is why some shows you would get whisked along, or "no talking, no pics, no personalization, etc. At least that was how it was back when I helped at shows. I remember one promotor "Ramada KOP?) ranting about "losing his ass" on Warren Spahn and Bob Feller, because despite the instructions, they spoke or took pics with anyone who asked, lol.

Had to pay them another hr to clear the line, but they signed a couple of dozen balls for him as a sort of apology. While they talked to each other.

Not sure if all the specific items and prices come from players or agents now, but wouldn't surprise me if it is still just an appearance fee and the jacking up is done by the companies.

[rjackson44]

Originally Posted by scmavl

At a recent Sandy Koufax signing, if memory serves (can't find the site now), he was charging $3750 to sign his '55 Topps card.

WHAT. IS. THAT.

Jarrod lol

[Seven]

Originally Posted by scmavl

At a recent Sandy Koufax signing, if memory serves (can't find the site now), he was charging $3750 to sign his '55 Topps card.

WHAT. IS. THAT.

I think at one point over the past few years, a Koufax signing was running $600 but I could be wrong. The steep price jump is incredible. I understand that he was doing some sort of partnership with a charity, but that's still an absurd number.