Including money in the request?

[chamino101]

Hi there,

Last night I researched a couple of actors whose autograph I wanted. They are very small time, and they actually have websites where you pay $25 and they'll write whatever you want on a 8x10 and mail it to you. I actually think that's pretty dang nice and I don't mind doing that at all. I actually want a "trio" picture from three actors, so I'm going to buy it signed from one of them, send it to the other and include money, and then send it to the third who does not have a pay-for-autograph system setup.

My question: what do you think about including a little $$$ in the request? Ie, a $20 paper-clipped to the picture & request that you send them. I figure if their agent/assistant opens the mail, then that money may incentivize them to get the pic signed, or perhaps if the celeb themselves opens it, it'd be a good sign to show that you aren't just trying to sell the thing on eBay, and that you genuinely want to collect their autograph.

Or it may be a horrible idea.

What do you think?

Chamino101

[RYAN-J]

I would probably check to see if they have an email contact and ask them first if they prefer you to send cash or check. most like Checks over cash.

RYAN-J

[Nixcilak]

Here is my opinion. If they are well known, they can afford their own pictures, and if they are devoted enough and want to keep making the money, they ought to devote more time to their fan-base.

[Wordsworth]

Well, there are different opinions regarding this. Some may not want a check because of the possibility that it may not clear. Not that you would ever do that...but, then again, cash can be lost or stolen in the mail.

Not sure how to recommend one over the other. However, I would include a nice letter explaining your request and that you noticed their website did not specify a fee for a signature so you are sending $xx.xx in the hopes that it is enough.

Be careful about sending anything you can't afford to lose. Not that the celebrity would keep your already autographed picture, but someone could steal it out of the mailbox, in the mail system itself or in the agency's office/celebrity's address. You don't know who is opening their mail, after all.

Things also get lost or damaged in the mail system too.

I also have no problem paying for an autographed photo, especially from a Classic TV celebrity who, while they may be able to live somewhat comfortably, doesn't get royalties from the endless reruns anymore which means that fame doesn't necessarily translate into millions of dollars in a bank account from which to draw funds for photos and postage.