Thursday, May 31, 2012

Making Money Through Autograph Selling And Collecting

By Bernard Bowers


Autograph collecting is both a hobby and a business, and a very good business at that, in terms of profit. Hobbyists who aren't in it for the money are simply happy to own something that has been signed by their music, sports or movie idols. The world is filled with collectors of autographs always seeking to add another one to their collection.

Autographs can be obtained either in person or through the mail. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where sports competitions or movie filming is plentiful, then you may have a lot of in-person autograph opportunities. For everyone else, collecting through the mail may be the most economical approach. Athletes can be written in care of their sports team, celebrities in care of their television show or on location at a film set while musicians can be reached through their agent or a venue at which they are performing.

You can tell how valuable an autograph is by the celebrity's popularity. You can save money by foregoing the appraisal and going online to check autograph dealers' sites for the most updated prices. One good way to ensure you a bigger profit is by marketing your autograph collection business in the right way. A well-publicized website or a presence with online auctions is often the best success for any business, including autographs. Be honest when advising customers how you acquired the celebrity signature. If it was through the mail, let them know. If the autograph was obtained in person, perhaps you would include a Certificate of Authenticity noting the date and location that the signature was obtained.

There are a few things to remember when seeking autographs. Show proper courtesy and manners when making your autograph request. Say "please" and "thank you." If you are attending an autograph show, take your own item to be signed along with a sharpie permanent marker. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope when asking for autographs through mail order. It is impolite to ask for more than two items at the same time to be signed.

You can choose from photos, blank index cards or t-shirts in general when asking for autographs, and for athletes, go with basketballs, baseballs, or anything that symbolizes the person's sport. Courtesy is the key to obtaining an autograph - whether as a hobby or for resale.




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