So, you are going to The National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland next week, and you are trying to decide whose autograph you should get at the Tri-Star Autograph Pavilion.
Cllct is here to help.
First, a necessary disclaimer. If you just want something for your collection because you are a fan of someone and want to meet them for 30 seconds, or if you want to take a picture with your hero, we can't help you. The value of doing that is priceless, and we'd never try to convince you otherwise.
But, if your goal is to actually get something of value, that's where we come into play.
What should I get signed?
The first mistake collectors make is they don't actually get something of value signed. Photos have very minimal value; same for standard balls and helmets. You can often get an authenticated piece on eBay for cheaper.
So, here's the most important thing we are going to say in this article: Most of the work for a collector, as far as value goes, is done BEFORE THE SIGNING.
The card world covets the one-of-one item. How do you create that? At last year's National, we saw a collector with a huge Wrestlemania III sign from Detroit in 1987. He had Hulk Hogan sign it. That guy probably got the best value of everyone.
So, think about what you can get ahead of time that's unique. Is it a ticket? A program? What you can you get signed that will stand out in the years to come.
Who should I get?
The second mistake collectors make is they don't account for how much athletes have signed in the past. You must do your research.
At $203, Bo Jackson might seem like a value. Well, the two-sport star also has signed everywhere for years and years.
Albert Pujols costs a fortune in Cleveland, but it's only his second show ever, and who knows, given the money he made in his career, if he'll be back.
Everything is relative. Do yourself a favor and look on eBay ahead of the National and see how much authenticated stuff is available for the athletes and celebrities in the pavilion.
You might think it's novel to get Chevy Chase — but he has signed almost everything in the past five years.
Is it worth paying to skip lines?
This is a personal decision. First-in-line priority costs $520. It gets you to the beginning of every line. Is it worth it? Well, it's like buying a Disney guide. What else do you have to do? How many autograph lines do you have to get on? Do you want to do autographs and get a lot done at the show?
If you are getting five or more autographs, I think I'd bite the bullet here, but I also hate waiting on line.
Should I get my autographs authenticated?
It's $11 for a first authentication, and $6 after that. It's a necessary add-on if you ever think you are going to sell what you get signed.
All else being equal, who are the best values in the Autograph Pavilion?
As we said earlier in the week, we love the 1999 Women's World Cup soccer team at $41 apiece if you get all eight of them. That's your top value.
Part of being at the National is getting the autographs in person. These are the guys we love for the value of having a conversation: Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, Pete Rose and Eddie George come to mind.
At $115, George is an outstanding win, especially in the state of Ohio. I also like Doug Flutie, who is attending his first National, at a $73 minimum.
It's Penny Hardaway's first National and for $135 minimum, we love the price. Great player, Nike icon and "Blue Chips" actor.
Former Steelers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann aren't cheap — they are $207 and $240, respectively, to start — but there's a reason, as they haven't signed much.
What are quirky autograph rules and premium add-on costs?
As cards have gotten more popular, guys have added rookie card premiums. Here are some of them: Joe Montana ($935), Pete Rose ($519), Mike Schmidt ($468), Dan Marino ($468), Roger Clemens ($416), Reggie Jackson ($416), Fred McGriff ($156) and Walt Frazier ($155).
Prices for inscriptions: Reggie Jackson ("Game Used," $1,560, "Reginald Martinez Jackson," $312, "Mr. October," $73), Emmitt Smith ("HOF '10 or "NFL ROY '90," $182, "America's Team" or "3X SB Champs," $208, "NFL Top 100," $260), Jim Kelly ("Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills!," $94), Thurman Thomas ("Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills!" $82), Bruce Smith ("All-Time Sacks Leader or "Bad Things Man," $94), Lawrence Taylor ("LT Was A Bad MF'er," $103), Pete Rose ("Game Used," $519, "I'm sorry I bet on baseball," $124, "Charlie Hustle," $62), Albert Pujols ("Game Used," $602), Chevy Chase ("Ty Webb" or "Clark Griswold," $156), Dominique Wilkins ("Human Highlight Film," $52), Joe Montana ("'77 National Champs," $203, "SB MVP," $307, "I left my heart in San Francisco," $619)
Will Not Sign: Bo Jackson (No "Bo Knows," no artwork, card or photo of him with the bat on shoulder pads, no Techmo Bowl Items, jersey numbers, any Heisman trophy, Cam Newton or Pat Sullivan Items, Tampa Bay items, stat jerseys, or unauthorized biography), Joe Greene (Coca-Cola items), Roger Clemens (Piazza Bat Incident), Mike Piazza (Clemens Bat Incident), Cal Ripken Jr. (Inscriptions on trading cards), Mike Schmidt ("game used" inscriptions), Julius Erving (any items of his fight with Larry Bird), Rickey Henderson (bases, or Howard Bryant's book on him).
Special provisions: Michael Irvin ($260 extra for any item already signed by Troy Aikman and or Emmitt Smith.) Joe Montana ($1,560 for any item already signed by Tom Brady) and ($623 for any item already signed by non-NFL players).
Darren Rovell is the founder of cllct.com and one of the country's leading reporters on the collectibles market. He previously worked for ESPN, CNBC and The Action Network.