Before you contact us, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Question: Why did you stop updating your site on a weekly or monthly basis?
Answer: I just don't have the time to update my site like I used to. I do post my successes at sportsgraphing.com. Email me if you're interested in knowing more about it.
Question: How can you say a certain player was cool about signing? He was a jerk to me!
Answer: Please understand that this web site is written from my perspective. If I had a good or bad experience with a player, I write about that good experience. I cannot guarantee that a player will also sign for you as well...but through my own personal experiences, I hope to establish how the player MIGHT treat you when asking for an autograph.
Question: How can you say a certain player was a jerk about signing? He was very cool to me!
Answer: Again, look at the answer above.
Question: Where do teams stay when they're in my hometown?
Answer: I wish I knew the answer to this question but there are way too many cities with professional or college teams. Since my autographing travels have only taken me to very few cities in the U.S., I just can't answer this for you. Most teams will stay at the upper echelon hotel chains so either calling around to the nicer hotels day of the game or driving around town in the hopes of finding the team bus parked outside will work best for you. It never hurts to get in good with a player or coach on a team as they will usually tell you where they're staying.
Question: Wait a minute. You said you got a pre-printed autograph and you call that a SUCCESS?
Answer: OK, you're right. Most people don't call this a success. I used to say that as well. But, because the celeb actually sent me something in return, I call it a success even if the pre-printed item is not the autograph I hoped for.
Question: How often do you update your site?
Answer: As often as I can. Please understand that this web site is meant to celebrate my favorite hobby, namely, autographing. But, it is just a hobby. You can always check out my archives by clicking on the monthly features.
Question: I didn't see a particular photo for sale? Do you have it?
Answer: Nope. I no longer am stocking photos that I don't have an interest in having for my collection.
Question: I noticed in your monthly update that you got a certain player's autograph but I didn't see that autograph for sale? Are you selling it?
Answer: Keep in mind that I am a collector first and a seller second. There are many players that I want for my collection and they may never be for sale. If I am planning on selling it, it will eventually find it's way onto the site.
Question: How many cards or photos should I ask a player to sign?
Answer: When I send out any letters to players, I typically send out 2 to 3 items. The same holds true for in-person experiences. But, if the player is a superstar, your best bet is to only ask for one item. It really varies from player to player. I've had on a number of occassion had players sign up to ten cards (all different of course). Best bet for multiples is when the player is a rookie or a minor leaguer or if the celebrity is still an up and coming star.
Question: I'd like to purchase one of your autographs. How do I do this?
Answer: Just shoot me an email and we can discuss method of payment (Paypal, checks, or money orders are all options), mailing address, etc. I do not do SASE as I have had some bad experiences in the past with a few buyers who used this method of shipping. I also do not encourage cash through the mail.
Question: Now that I know the autograph I wish to purchase is available, what do you charge for shipping and handling?
Answer: Here's the skinny. For photos, either signed or unsigned, shipping and handling is $3 for the first item, and $1 for each subsequent item. For cards, shipping and handling is $3 for cards 1-10, an extra $1 for each additional 10 cards you purchase. For example, you purchase 30 cards, your shipping and handling would be $5 total. I mail cards out in bubble envelopes. If you're only ordering one or two cards, I can reduce the cost down to $2 for bubble envelope and $1 for regular envelope.
Question: Those shipping costs are outrageous! Why are you charging so much?
Answer: I'm never going to get rich off of my shipping and handling costs. Please note that I also include "HANDLING" in the costs. I spend a ton of time verifying that I have the cards available or answering emails from people who never end up "closing the deal" and sending me the money to complete the transaction. Since "time is money" I have to include the "HANDLING" part to my costs. But, I think it's very minimal and my intent is not to pursuade you from purchasing an item you want for your collection.
Question: I sent you a question via email a few weeks ago and you didn't respond. Why not?
Answer: My email address is inundated with junk mail and spam. So, your email may have been confused as junk mail and was deleted before me reading it. Resend your email and be sure to include in the Subject line the word "Autographs." I will be sure to read it if the subject line has anything to do with the best hobby in the planet.
Did I answer your question? I hope so. If not, you can email me at the_autographer @ hotmail.com though I can't guarantee an immediate response.
