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I've been collecting autographs for a couple of months now, and have quite a collection building up. But now I have decided that I would like to start collecting for charity, but I have no idea where I should start! I have a few questions for anyone who can help.

1. Do I need to write to/email the charity I want to support?
2. Will my age (16) stop the charity from letting me do it?
3. How willing are the celebrities to give me items?
4. In the letter I write to the celebrities, do I need to tell them about the charity I am supporting?
5. When selling the signed stuff, should I do them as I get them, or hold them all back and auction loads at once?
6. Should I auction using ebay or something else?

I think that's it for the moment. Thanks for your help!

Hi loopylou555.

I can only advise you as to the way i am doing a charity aution.

1) Yeap defo contactthe charity. As they may provide an letter of introduiction or intent. This will help get results.
2) Age. Hmmm difficult that one. Will come back to that one.
3) It all depends onhow busy they are or if they will support your charity.
4) Yes tell them about the charity also include the charity reg number so they know it is legit.
5) Your choice on that one. I am selling mine off all in one go.
But remember if you sell them all at once then other people can view your items at the same time.
2) Hmmm. still a tough that one. At 36 i had no problem. Still thinking about that one.
6) Ebay is a good place to sell.But remember some celebs won't send stuff as they believe that there is to many fakes on ebay and do not want to be associated with it.
2) Ok loopylou. Regards to age my advise is to meet with a fund raiser from the charity and cobble together an action plan.
Like who you are going to write to. How you are going to auction it off. The date you are going to auction it off. If need by a list of contacts of people who might help you.
If you go with a define action plan i can't se the age being an issue for the charity.

I hope this all helps.

Any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

Also reffer to this forum for any other resources. As it is a huge help.



I have personally have hired a village hall.

Cool. Thanks for your help. You say you've hired a village hall, have you got collectors to come to it, and if so, how? And how are you advertising it?
It sounds like this is going to cost a lot. Does it?

Yes it has cost a fair bit so i have advertised this event to death.

Basically i am hoping to make my money back with the door takings.
This is what we have agreed with the charity.

So to advertise i have contacted local newspapers, radio and also the community newsletters and mags. Also websites that advertise local events.
I have done a business drop and approached local businesses to ask if we could put a poster up in there window.

I haven't tried TV yet but give it time.

You can try approaching local companies for sponsorship.
We did that but not with much sucess. Although some were eager to donate something for a raffle.

Give it some thought.

Don't ask if you have any other questions.

Hmmm collectors.

well i have been in touch with couple of memorbilia shops. but other than that i think it is just people interest.

Hi guys

That's some great advice from Matt {thumb2}

I have held my previous auctions on eBay as it offers the largest audience. Unfortunately the reputation of autograph sellers on there is not all that great which can drastically affect prices.

However, provided you make it quite clear that the auction is for charity and that all items were sourced direct from agents and celebrities than you shouldn't have too much trouble.

On the other hand you can do the same as Matt and hire a venue, or set up your own auction website. Incidentally, we actually registered and set up our own website, but the level of visitors was nowhere near what you can expect from eBay.

Food for thought anyway

Good luck with whatever means you decide to choose!

Ian

That is a good idea.

An celebrity auction site.

Not only where people have to register to sell things but they have got to enter a charity reg no. as well.

Not long now till the big event. Eeeeeeeekkkkkkkk.

Don't suppose you have any copies of signed pics you would like to donate Ian.

I will be giving it rest after the 17th June. Got a wedding to plan.

May be afterwards.

I'll have a check for you.

Ian