Autograph Inscriptions or No Inscriptions? That is the Question

Every time I do an autograph signing I usually offer the chance for customers to have the athlete write a special inscription on their item.  What are inscriptions?  Inscriptions are stats or personalizations that the athlete writes next to their signature for an extra fee.  Take for example the recentIvan Rodriguez signing I took part in.  Pudge as he sometimes goes by has a plethora of inscription options to choose from.  14 x All Star, 03 WS CHAMP, 99 AL MVP, 03 NLCS MVP, 13 x Gold Glove, and of course HOF 17 for his recent Hall of Fame induction.  Depending on the item you are getting signed, one of those inscriptions would add tremendous value to it.  For example adding HOF 17 to a baseball, or 03 WS CHAMP to a 2003 World Series baseball.  But when should you not get inscriptions?  Here are a couple of examples.

1.) Generally speaking, if an athlete is still playing, some inscriptions are not a good choice to get.  Tom Brady just won his 5th Super Bowl, however, last year many people had him inscribe 4 x SB CHAMP on items.  Obviously, that stat is not incorrect.  So try and stay away from stats that could potentially change.

2.) Getting an item personalized such as TO MIKE is always a topic I hear a lot about.  “Should I get it personalized?”  Here is my take on this.  If you ever plan on re-selling your item having it personalized will devalue it tremendously.  So if you think you might ever do that, I would stay away from doing so.  However, let’s say you are a HUGE Ivan Rodriguez fan.  Followed him his whole career.  Met him a few times.  Definitely your favorite player.  Something you would never dream of selling.  Then in that case you may want to get something personalized.  “TO MIKE, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY #1 FAN.”  Something like that would be super cool.

3.) A team signed item, I would try and stay away from an inscription.  To many inscriptions on one item tends to jumble the autographs together too closely.  Unless of course every other athlete on the item has inscribed like their Hall of Fame year for example.  Try and keep those consistent if possible.

4.) Mix and matching items and inscriptions.  Take Rodriguez for example.  He won the 2003 World Series as a member of the Marlins.  Getting a Texas Rangers jersey signed and inscribed 03 WS CHAMPS wouldn’t make any sense.  Try and stay away from that.

Powers Sports Memorabilia was started by me, Matt Powers as a way for sports autograph enthusiasts and collectors to have a high-quality product available at affordable pricing.  You deal directly with me when ordering anything from my company, so I ensure you get the best quality service and personal care you deserve.  Let me be YOUR sports memorabiliaguy!