I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
What Can Go Wrong at an Autograph Signing?
Learn about the most common issues that can happen during autograph signings, why they occur, and how reputable signing companies handle them.
Autograph signings are carefully planned events with detailed instructions for every item.
Even so, every autograph is created by hand by the athlete—not by a machine.
Every jersey, helmet, baseball, trading card, and photograph is unique.
Because real people are involved throughout the process, unexpected situations can occasionally happen.
The good news is that experienced autograph companies work hard to prevent these issues and resolve them whenever possible.
Here's what collectors should know.
Pen Problems
One of the most common issues involves the pen itself.
Occasionally:
- A paint pen stops working.
- A marker runs out of ink.
- A pen drips.
- A paint pen explodes.
- The ink doesn't adhere well to the item's surface.
Choosing the correct pen type and color for the material being signed helps reduce these risks, but no pen is perfect.
Smudged Autographs or Inscriptions
Fresh ink takes time to dry.
Depending on the surface, an autograph or inscription can occasionally smudge before it's fully dry.
This is uncommon, but it's one of the risks that comes with a hand-signed item.
Incorrect Autograph Placement
Collectors often request a specific signing location.
Occasionally an athlete may:
- Sign slightly outside the requested area.
- Place the autograph in a different location.
- Write the inscription above or below the requested spot.
This is one reason it's important to leave plenty of open space when labeling your memorabilia.
Incorrect or Missing Inscriptions
Inscriptions require the athlete to write additional information beyond their signature.
Occasionally an athlete may:
- Miss an inscription.
- Write the wrong inscription.
- Misspell a word.
- Write it in the wrong location.
Providing clear, detailed instructions helps minimize these situations.
Authentication Issues
Authentication companies work carefully during autograph signings, but mistakes can occasionally occur.
Examples include:
- An authentication sticker being placed in the wrong location.
- An item accidentally receiving the wrong authentication sticker.
- A certification issue requiring correction after the signing.
Reputable signing companies work directly with the authentication company to resolve these situations if they occur.
Shipping Delays
One of the most common reasons an item misses a signing has nothing to do with the signing itself.
It simply arrives too late.
If your memorabilia doesn't reach the signing company by the posted receive-by deadline, it may not be included in that signing.
Shipping early gives you extra time in case of unexpected carrier delays.
Athlete Schedule Changes
Professional athletes have busy and constantly changing schedules.
Occasionally a signing must be:
- Postponed.
- Rescheduled.
- Delayed because of travel or personal commitments.
While this can be disappointing, it's a normal part of coordinating autograph signings with professional athletes.
An Athlete May Decline to Sign an Item
Although uncommon, athletes always have the final decision about what they're willing to sign.
Examples might include:
- Artwork they aren't comfortable signing.
- Items with questionable wording.
- Certain requested inscriptions.
- Claims they cannot personally verify, such as a game-used inscription.
If an athlete declines to sign an item or inscription, the signing company will typically communicate with the collector and handle any applicable refund according to its policies.
How to Reduce the Chances of Problems
Collectors can help make the signing process go smoothly by:
- Shipping their item well before the deadline.
- Using secure packaging.
- Clearly labeling autograph and inscription locations.
- Choosing the correct pen color.
- Reading all signing instructions carefully.
- Keeping inscription requests simple and easy to understand.
The better your preparation, the smoother the signing process is likely to be.
How Powers Sports Memorabilia Handles These Situations
Our team carefully reviews every submitted item before it reaches the athlete.
We verify instructions, check labeling, and contact customers whenever we have questions before the signing.
If an unexpected situation occurs—such as a schedule change, missed inscription, authentication issue, or an athlete declining to sign an item—we work directly with the customer to determine the best solution.
Our goal is to communicate clearly throughout the process and treat every customer's memorabilia with the same care we'd want for our own collection.
Final Thoughts
Autograph signings involve real athletes, real memorabilia, and handwritten signatures.
That means occasional unexpected situations are simply part of the process.
Fortunately, most signings are completed exactly as planned.
By shipping your item early, providing clear instructions, and working with an experienced autograph company, you can greatly reduce the chances of problems and enjoy a smooth autograph signing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pen stop working during an autograph signing?
Yes. Paint pens and markers can occasionally dry out, drip, or stop working, which is why experienced signing companies always have replacement pens available.
What happens if my inscription is written incorrectly?
If an inscription is missed or written incorrectly, contact the signing company. The available solution will depend on the athlete and the circumstances.
Can an athlete refuse to sign my item?
Yes. Athletes always have the final decision about what they are willing to sign or inscribe.
What if my item arrives after the deadline?
If your memorabilia misses the receive-by deadline, it may need to be held for a future signing with that athlete.
Can an autograph signing be postponed?
Yes. Professional athletes occasionally need to reschedule signings because of changes to their schedules.
How can I reduce the chances of problems?
Ship your item early, follow all instructions carefully, clearly label your memorabilia, and work with a reputable autograph signing company.
Related Guides
- How Sports Autograph Signings Work
- How Mail-In Autograph Signings Work
- Shipping & Preparing Items for an Autograph Signing
- Autograph Signing Deadlines Explained
- What Are Inscriptions and Personalizations at an Autograph Signing?
- What Is Witness Authentication at an Autograph Signing?
- Public vs. Private Autograph Signings
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Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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