Great experience once again! From start to finish Powers Sports Memorabilia hit it out of the park on my Ricky Williams Newpapers.
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 4855 reviews.
Finally caught the ghost!!!
Great to add another one to the 70 Topps set. Fantastic service!
All hail the Chief!!! Robert Parrish .. 4x NBA champion inscription.. Double 00..
I waited a long time for this one especially being a huge fan of the Showtime era Lakers. Kevin Mchale was a thorn in my side but I have the utmost respect for him and the Celtics.. A great addition to my growing collection..
The Hall of Fame ticket!! Earl Campbell thanks to the team at PSM!! Keep up the good work!!
My new favorite Funko!! #1 … Warren Moon
Nice autograph
The autograph looks great and full
Signature smaller than I requested...
Came out great!
Came out good
PSM always does an excellent job. They took care of my Dream rookie card. I like the fact that when I send my items into PSM I never have to worry about them.
The CJ auto hits for me. Upper Deck, sharp placement, and honestly, it makes my collection much better. Greatly appreciate the auto.
AWESOME
So awesome
Beautiful
Sweet
Beautiful
Great piece
Awesome
Smooth transaction
AWESOME
Beautiful piece of memorabilia!!!
To finally get one of my baseball idols is an absolute dream come true but to get this card with an on card auto really made it all worth the wait! Thank you!!
Excellent service with this signing. Thank you!
Autograph came out great!
Awesome experience as always, I’d highly recommend Powers to anyone looking to expand their sports memorabilia collection!
Once again, Powers Sports came through big time! I had been waiting for many, many years to have this mini helmet signed by Carson Palmer. With special thanks to Natalie and Mathew, they were able to coordinate this endeavor exactly as I wanted it. Excellent autograph, perfectly positioned, using the exact paint pen requested and the C.O.A. sticker positioned right where I wanted it. Thank you folks so very much!
Matt and his team did a great job as usual. I highly recommend power’s!
Always great dealing with Powers. Got to watch Earl Singing on their website. Couldn't be happier with the helmet and the signature. Another perfect purchase. Thanks Powers crew!
I submitted 2 cards for signing by Dennis Rodman and came back very nice but one of the cards corner was damaged when returned back. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
I submitted 2 cards for signing by Hakeem Olajuwon & came back very nice. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Power Sports Memorabilia is the best and always my "go to" autograph company to deal with. They are so accommodating and always get what you want and how you want it !!!! A+ on ALL counts !!!
I wasn't at the convention to be there for his signing. However, he has a killer autograph very happy with this autograph
Another great jersey signing!
PSM never let's me down. Another great auto on my multi signed piece. Thank you again.
The Barry Larkin auto in my PC is pure heat. Crisp ink, great placement, total keeper.
Just received by Bo Jackson Rookie Card back from Powers Sports Memorabilia. Once again, Powers Sports was able to get my card signed exactly as requested. Excellent signature, perfectly positioned and using the right kind and color marker.
Everything at Powers is first rate. They posted the videos on Facebook so I actually got to watch LT sign my helmet. And then they shipped me my helmet it's perfect could not be happier.
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