Clever..

Duration : 0:0:15

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags: Autograph, football autographs, Giants, New, sports autographs, York

It’s a problem – let’s not fool ourselves. On the surface it seems like a pretty easy scam – I’ll just copy someone’s signature, stick it on ebay and before you know it I’ll have made a fortune.

Well, unfortunately that seems to be the thought process of a number of scammers that exist out there. So, our job as collectors, fans etc is to keep as vigilant as possible and make sure we’re not one of the scammers victims.

So, how do we go about doing this? First off – make sure if you aren’t actually getting the autograph in person yourself (ideal scenario!) then get a Certificate of Authenticity. ‘Great - end of story, job done. That was easy’- you may be thinking. Well, unfortunately it ain’t that easy. You see the COA is good, but it’s far from foolproof and does not guarantee that what you’ve got it authentic. People make mistakes when authenticating, so to minimise your chances of being caught out then I would tend to suggest you need to do some homework.

If you go online you can check signatures from established traders. Have a close look at the pictures that are available online, get to know the autograph in question and study it well. You can save these pictures, or print them off (check re: permission first though) and take them with you when going to see an item. Obviously you need to make sure you are printing off a picture from a reputable website / dealer so I’d tend to suggest you use UACC or IACC accredited sites. If you know that a dealer is reputable then so long as you feel completely happy using them then that’s fine too.

There is an issue with more famous subjects. The more famous they are the more likely you are to come across a counterfeit autograph. It makes sense. So, if you come across the opportunity to buy a real ‘biggy’ then make sure you do as much homework before hand as possible. Some autographs can fetch thousands, so if you’re contemplating spending any amount that would hurt if you lost it then take your time.

At the end of the day if you are not comfortable with making a purchase then maybe you need to walk away. If you’ve done your background work though maybe you won’t have to walk and you can go and grab that football autograph with confidence.

Technorati Tags: football autographed, football autographs, football signature, sports autograph, sports autographs, sports memorabilia

When you are looking to get an autographed ball (or whatever) from a pro-footballer, or any other pro sports person there are a few points that you really need to bear in mind.

First off, try and think about the situation from their perspective. They may have just walked off the field after the most gruelling day of their lives. They may have lost a huge game in the dying seconds. They may have blown the best chance they will have for years in the Superbowl. Who knows - but whatever the situation, try to bear it in mind. They may not be too receptive to having a ball and pen shoved in their face! Tact - that’s what’s called for here.

Another thing to keep in mind is ‘do your homework’. This may sound a little silly - but trust me it happens - please make sure you know who you are talking to. If you are looking to take up someones time to get an autograph it’s kinda nice if you know who they actually are. And it’s always a good idea to demonstrate that too when you talk to them. Everyone likes hearing their name when people are talking to them - pro footballers are no different. It strokes the ego, and it also shows you are a fan and have some interest in who they are and what they do (and are not just there to scavenge any autograph you can!)

You need to make sure you have something to be autographed (and no, skin doesn’t count). Take a proper autograph book, a jersey or an autograph football (my preference). And take a pen! One that works is preferable - saves an awful lot of embarrassment all round. Personally, I take two - just in case.

If you can’t make the event in person, and you can’t talk a friend into going to the game instead then an alternative approach is good old fashioned mail. You can contact the home stadium for address details of where to send post. Don’t worry about trying to send it to their house - it might spook people a little, plus you can be at least as successful by sending it to the team HQ.

If sending a request for an autograph by post make sure you enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope for it to be returned. Obviously you will need to include the item you want signed - use your discretion here. Common sense should prevail. If you are a bit unsure go with the safer options.

It is common courtesy to also include a bit of a note requesting the football players autograph, and I always find a brief acknowledgement of their achievements, or why you like them so much etc goes a long way. Remember, they don’t have to do this - so massaging the ego often goes a long way.

Don’t expect an instant reply - these guys may receive several requests daily, so be patient.

Technorati Tags: football autographed, football autographs, football signature, sports autograph, sports autographs, sports memorabilia