Autograph Signing Tips: How Athletes Can Improve Autos

After another busy weekend of signings, I wanted to share the one thing athletes can do that would instantly improve the autograph experience for collectors. This isn’t a hot take, and it’s not complicated. But when you understand why it matters, it changes how you collect, how you prep items, and even which athletes you prioritize.

Before we dive in, quick note: we added Ovechkin pre-sales on photos of him breaking Gretzky’s all-time goals record. For the price point (like $229 for a 16x20), that’s one of the most historic modern hockey moments you can add to a collection.

Now let’s get into it.

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The #1 Thing Athletes Can Do Better: Improve Autograph Quality

Here’s the truth: autograph quality sells.

Most athletes want to make money (especially younger guys). And if that’s the case, there’s a very simple way to do it: give collectors a clean, readable autograph that looks great on display.

Because when an autograph looks good:

• Collectors are happier with the item

• They show it off to friends

• Other collectors want one too

• Athletes sell more tickets next time

• Everyone wins

A great signature doesn’t mean every letter has to be perfect. But if collectors can read most of it—say 80–90%—that’s a strong, “display-worthy” autograph.

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Real Example: Patrick Surtain (Great Autograph + Great Experience)

One of the highlights this weekend was Patrick Surtain.

Super nice guy. Also… he’s tall. I’m about 6’1”, and he made me feel small. But what really stood out was his autograph. It’s clean, consistent, and looks like a professional signature—not chicken scratch.

And that matters even beyond Broncos fans.

A collector doesn’t have to be a diehard fan to want a great-looking autograph. Quality pulls people in, and it builds long-term demand.

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Why Clean Signatures Make Athletes More Money (Long-Term)

If a player becomes a Pro Bowler, wins awards, or makes the Hall of Fame, autograph signings can turn into a long-term income stream.

But collectors won’t chase messy initials forever.

A great autograph helps athletes:

• Sell more at current signings

• Build reputation among collectors

• Stay in demand for years

• Command higher pricing over time

This is why guys like Barry Sanders and Larry Bird are still “steals” compared to what some young stars charge today—because they deliver elite signatures every time.

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Collector Tip: Stop Crowding the Post-it Notes

Collectors… we need to talk.

Some of you label items like you’re giving the athlete a half-inch box to sign in. Then everyone wonders why the athlete hits the Post-it or signs tiny.

Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Cards: give at least ½ inch of space

• Jerseys: give at least 1 inch away from the number/area

Most athletes already know: don’t sign over the face.
They don’t need the Post-it jammed against the exact spot.

Giving them room helps them:

• sign larger

• sign cleaner

• avoid Post-its

• avoid smudges

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Weekend Highlights: Great Personalities Matter Too

A few athletes stood out for great interactions and strong signing habits:

Phil Simms

Very personable, and yes—he signs left-handed. Some people act like that’s a magic trick. It happens more than you’d think.

James Harrison

You expect the tough-guy vibe, but he was a solid dude—took his time and knew how to place signatures cleanly.

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Wild Story: The Missing $5,900

One of the craziest moments this weekend: a friend of ours somehow misplaced $5,900. Gone for about 10 minutes. We searched everywhere—boxes, under tables, under cloths.

Where was it?

The men’s bathroom.

A well-intentioned kid brought out the envelope and asked, “Is this what you’re looking for?”

Everything was there, and the kid got a $100 tip. Happy ending—but the lesson is obvious:

If you carry that kind of cash, keep it attached to you (fanny pack, zipper bag, something secure). Not loose in an envelope.

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Faster Delivery: Shipping Helmets & Footballs Direct From Signings

We’re starting to do more direct-from-signing shipping for bulky items like full-size helmets and footballs.

Why it helps:

• You get your item faster

• We skip the “ship back to us, then ship to you” step

• Tracking is cleaner (mostly UPS)

• Less handling = less risk

We bring a thermal printer and labels on-site, so it’s smooth and efficient.

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Almost Missed My Flight (But Didn’t)

I had plenty of time, got to Dulles, and security was bizarrely empty. Like… under a minute empty.

Then I checked the gate. It said B.

So I went to B… only to find out they moved it to Z.

I hustled across the airport and barely made it. That flight was full—missing it would’ve meant no ride home that night.

Moral: even when everything looks perfect, airports will still try to humble you.

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Final Thoughts

If athletes want to sell more autographs and make more money, the answer is simple:

Better signatures. Better experience. Better results.

And for collectors, you can dramatically improve your results by:

• giving athletes space to sign

• labeling clearly (without crowding)

• choosing good placement

• understanding which athletes are “quality signers”

Visit: powerssportsmemorabilia.com
Follow: @PowersAutographs