Autograph question for the audience

[Exhibitman]

The answer depends on the goal of the purchase. Fun? Collection? Make money? If it is make money, forget signings and go with an already-signed item that is certified. Koufax has been signing for decades, so there is plenty to choose from and be choosy about, and it sells at a discount to signing fees.

Interesting question, though, about how amazing these costs have gotten. I have only paid for one autograph signing in the last several years and it was strictly to get a rare item signed, a 1971 Dr. J rookie year team issue:



As for Koufax charging what he can get, hey, hate the game, not the player. if the market decides his charge has reached its ceiling, we will know.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Interesting question, though, about how amazing these costs have gotten. I have only paid for one autograph signing in the last several years and it was strictly to get a rare item signed, a 1971 Dr. J rookie year team issue:

I think about this a bunch when I see people standing for hours and spending big bucks to lose money on most auto costs.

I might be acting like the "I walked up the hill both ways to school" guy, but even as a GenXer I remember thinking the 20 or whatever bucks Mantle would charge was nuts at shows in the early 80's. All my autos are from appearances or the occasional fiver from mom that Kaline would charge at the mall when I was a kid.

I have plenty of certed autos in my office, but I bought them all. The two seconds of saying hi just doesn't make it worth the premium to me.

That said, everything is worth what people are willing to pay...so if they have a line for signatures then they are charging the right price.

[packs]

I've been waiting for John Elway to do a signing forever so I can get his Yankees minor league card signed. I'd pay whatever he wanted.