Shipping & Preparing Items for an Autograph Signing
Learn how to safely package, label, and ship your memorabilia for an autograph signing to help ensure it arrives safely and is processed correctly.
Preparing your memorabilia correctly is one of the most important parts of participating in an autograph signing.
Whether you're sending in a baseball, football helmet, trading card, or jersey, proper packaging helps protect your item during shipping and allows our team to process your order quickly and accurately.
This guide explains exactly how we recommend packaging each type of memorabilia and what to do before you ship your order.
Before You Ship Your Item
Before packing anything, make sure you've completed your order on our website.
During checkout you'll select:
- Number of autographs
- Authentication (if desired)
- Inscriptions
- Card grading (if applicable)
- Any additional services
One of the most common mistakes we see is collectors mailing an item before placing an order or forgetting to include their order number.
Without that information, it becomes much more difficult for us to identify your package when it arrives.
General Packaging Guidelines
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- Protect the item from scratches.
- Prevent movement inside the box.
- Use a sturdy shipping box.
- Include your paperwork.
- Clearly label your item.
- Put your order number on the outside of the box.
Your package should be able to withstand normal shipping conditions without the memorabilia moving around inside.
If the item shifts inside the box, add more packing material.
How to Ship Baseballs
Baseballs are one of the easiest items to ship.
We recommend:
- Place the baseball inside a sandwich bag or similar plastic bag.
- Wrap it with bubble wrap.
- Place it inside a small shipping box.
You do not need to send the baseball inside a display cube.
The plastic bag protects the autograph after the signing, allowing us to place the signed baseball back into the bag before shipping it back to you.
How to Ship Football Helmets & Baseball Helmets
Helmets require a little more protection because of their size.
We recommend:
- Place the helmet inside a large plastic bag.
- Wrap the helmet with bubble wrap.
- Use a sturdy shipping box.
- Fill all empty space with packing material.
The helmet should not move inside the box.
Movement during shipping is one of the biggest causes of damage.
How to Ship Trading Cards
Trading cards require extra care.
We recommend:
- Penny sleeve (if appropriate)
- Card Saver or Top Loader
- Cardboard on both sides
- Bubble wrap
- Place inside a sturdy box
If you don't have a box, a rigid flat mailer may work.
However, make sure the package cannot bend during shipping.
How to Ship Photos
Photos should always be protected from bending.
For standard-sized photos:
- Place inside a Top Loader when possible.
- Sandwich between rigid cardboard.
- Ship inside a sturdy mailer or box.
For oversized photos (such as 16x20s or larger):
- Carefully roll the photo.
- Place it inside a shipping tube.
- Whenever possible, place the tube inside a larger shipping box.
We recommend this because shipping tubes can roll off conveyor systems during transit.
Also, "Do Not Bend" stickers are generally ignored during shipping, so don't rely on them for protection.
How to Ship Jerseys
Jerseys are simple to package.
We recommend:
- Fold neatly.
- Place inside a plastic bag.
- Ship inside a sturdy box.
The plastic bag helps protect the autograph after the signing and keeps the jersey clean during shipping.
How to Ship Footballs & Basketballs
For footballs and basketballs:
- Place the item inside a plastic bag.
- Wrap generously with bubble wrap.
- Ship in a sturdy box.
Again, there should be no movement inside the box.
How to Ship Baseball Bats
Baseball bats should be:
- Wrapped to protect the finish.
- Placed inside a bat shipping box or other sturdy container.
- Secured so they cannot move during transit.
Proper packaging helps prevent dents and scratches.
Why We Recommend Plastic Bags
You'll notice that we recommend placing nearly every item inside a plastic bag.
This serves two purposes:
- Protects the item from dirt and moisture.
- Allows us to place the signed item back inside the bag before returning it to you.
It's a simple step that helps keep your memorabilia in excellent condition.
Choosing a Shipping Carrier
Choosing the right shipping company matters.
Our recommendation is:
1. UPS (Recommended)
UPS has consistently provided the most reliable service for our business.
We find that UPS offers:
- Excellent tracking
- Reliable delivery times
- Consistent handling of packages
2. FedEx
FedEx is another excellent option and generally provides dependable service.
3. USPS
While USPS can certainly be used, we've found its delivery times and tracking to be less consistent for valuable memorabilia shipments.
For that reason, we generally recommend UPS or FedEx whenever possible.
Insurance & Tracking
For valuable collectibles, consider purchasing shipping insurance.
We also recommend shipping with tracking so you can monitor your package until it arrives.
Because you're shipping to our business location, a signature is generally not required, although you're welcome to request one if it gives you additional peace of mind.
What Happens After We Receive Your Package?
Once your package arrives and has been checked into our system, we'll send you a
confirmation email (provided you've included an email address with your order).
That lets you know we've received your memorabilia and it's ready for the upcoming signing.
Labeling Your Memorabilia
Proper labeling is one of the most important parts of the process.
Every item should include clear instructions.
Your label should include:
- Order number
- Authentication requested (if applicable)
- Pen color
- Pen type
- Inscription (exact wording)
- Any special instructions
- Leave enough room on the item so the athlete can easily sign it without moving your notes.
Also, place your order number on the outside of the shipping box so we can quickly identify your package when it arrives.
Common Shipping Mistakes
Some of the most common mistakes we see include:
- Shipping before placing an order.
- Forgetting the order number.
- Not labeling the item.
- Poor packaging.
- Allowing items to move inside the box.
- Forgetting inscription instructions.
- Forgetting authentication selections
Taking a few extra minutes to double-check everything before shipping can help prevent delays.
Shipping Checklist
Before sealing your box, confirm that you've completed each of these steps:
- Placed your order on our website.
- Selected all desired services (autographs, authentication, grading, inscriptions, etc.).
- Packaged your memorabilia correctly for its item type.
- Used a sturdy shipping box.
- Eliminated movement inside the package with adequate padding.
- Placed your memorabilia inside a protective plastic bag (when appropriate).
- Clearly labeled every item with your order number and signing instructions.
- Included all paperwork inside the box.
- Written your order number on the outside of the package.
- Added tracking (and insurance if desired).
Shipping Address
Powers Sports Memorabilia
923 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Suite 203
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
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