Is getting Autographs at card shows a waste of money?

In this video I am discussing if getting autographs at card shows a good idea or a bad idea. Is it a waste of money?

[@BaseballCollector]

Love your thoughts. Your rationale is solid.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thanks Mike!

[@BudgetRips]

A lot of things in the hobby don't make much sense financially. That's an awesome 84' yearbook project! I have that yearbook and would love to get some autos in it.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thanks! That’s awesome that you have the yearbook also. It’s a fun project.

[@3GoodNerds]

I agree about it being worth if for the unique items.

[@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648]

I don’t collect autographs but I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. It makes sense to get something that has special meaning.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thank you!

[@Hodges1455]

Really fun you collect autographs with inscriptions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Enjoyed the video.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thank you!

[@stuke1976]

Your reason to get autographs at shows makes perfect sense. You probably get a lot of chances for Denny McLain in Michigan, but he has come to Minnesota a few times, and he wasn't expensive. He signed my 31-win glove I had for little league and Babe Ruth. Had a few other items signed too, and plenty of inscriptions. You get some good stories from him too.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Haha yes Denny McLain is a character for sure. That’s an awesome piece to get signed by him. He has started to come around more often which is nice. Thanks for sharing!

[@FreedomsuffererCards]

For me as long as you're happy, it's a win. More likely it's authentic than from some random ebay seller but you never really know. Came over from Lisa Z. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thanks for the support. I returned the favor!

[@vintagecardssteve8582]

Great stuff buddy. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts here. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thanks Steve! Always appreciate your support.

[@PickerJimS]

I agree, some things you just can’t go out and buy while others are readily available and inexpensive. Also if there was a player that I really wanted to meet I would have no problem paying a premium to get his autograph at a show.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Totally agree, meeting a person you really admire would make a difference for sure.

[@SouthernFriedCards]

I have not collected autographs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I will definitely keep this in mind if I start getting autographs.

[@PositiveBreaks]

I really enjoyed this video. You brought up some really unique collecting goals. I have not jumped into autos, but I might. I do feel a little left out that I never got a Gibson or Musial autograph in person. I need to meet and get an auto with Ozzie Smith!

[@thedetroitcollector]

Thank you! Ozzie would be awesome to meet.

[@tigers727]

I agree with you. I don’t buy a lot of autos but getting autos in person is that much more special I think however it does get pricey. I like to buy Tiger autographed baseballs at the game used kiosk at Comerica. I always remember those better.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Yeah that’s a great way to get Tigers Autos

[@poormansstack]

I think they charge a little too much at the shows to get an auto. I know I can get most already certified for less, I guess they add in the experience of face to face having some value. I guess I would do a Jose Canseco or Altuve or Astudillo or Ruiz at a show but not many more, just to say I have meet them.

[@DansVintageBaseballPC]

The experience of meeting the player, if only for a minute or so, is worth the extra money. Additionally, some of these guys don't do TTM and don't sign often. If you have an autograph project like I do, then in person autographs are part of the process.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Great points, TTMs are very popular and a lot of guys don’t do them, so shows are the only options.

[@Time2Rip]

I collect in person autographs. I consider those my PC and the only things I would never sell. I do get some autographs at the ballpark but that is very tough so card shows is another place I pick them up. I don't mind paying there because I got them in person and its an experience. The prices do range, but this year at the national rollie fingers was like 35, goose gossage and andre dawson were like 60. I can't see going and trying to make a profit though.

[@thedetroitcollector]

Yes, I should have mentioned the experience is also an important factor. Those are actually really good prices for autos at the National. I agree you can’t really go into it to try and make a profit. It’s more for the PC/experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReindeerStudios]

I have found getting to meet some of these guys can be well worth the price of a show auto. It can also be disappointing (cough cough Fred McGriff). A hum drum interaction can leave a bad taste in your mouth. But yeah, there are definitely plenty good reasons. I have found lately that I don't want to invest the time standing in autograph lines (especially at the National).

[@thedetroitcollector]

Yes, I can totally agree and relate. Seeing Barry Sanders was awesome. What made the experience special was the way he interacted with me and everyone. Jack Morris on the other hand left a sour taste in my mouth. The person signing can definitely make the moment worth it. Thanks for sharing.