budget concerns with autograph collecting

[mmik]

First, I'm new to this, although I have collected a few autographs over the years, as a kid, and so on.

Now, I'm giving "collecting" a real try and so far it is way fun.

I'm a baseball guy, pure and simple. I love it and am collecting for myself and my 7 yr old son. I don't want to sell them, I want them for all the other reasons people collect.

So, you get on ebay, and see all these signed baseballs, some waaaay too high, some pretty cheap. Some of the cheap ones are "authenticated" etc. etc. (I know, do your homework, buy at your own risk). I can buy some of the players I love, but always question what I really have, plus, I know that ball wasn't signed for me.

OR-

I can buy the virgin baseballs, write my letters, buy mailers, postage, etc., and send package to the player. Because they can make money selling their autos, I feel obligated to send payment. After doing all of this, I'm getting up their on my financial commitment. Boy, this gets expensive! But, the reward is getting one back that was signed per your request (or at least in response to your letter).

I have not received a ball back yet, but hope to get a couple. I find the letter writing and anticipation to be rewarding, but can't believe how much money is costs just to send a few out.

Anyone else struggle with this? Any tips or words of advice?

Thanks,
MM

[marksautographs]

Yep. I have budget issues too. It does cost a lot to send many requests out!! I have to be very selective to who I send. I have a long list of people who I would love to send to, but haven't yet. I haven't sent baseballs before. But I know postage can be a lot. Maybe you can send baseballs to the ones you really like and you know they reply. If your not sure, you could send pictures. Here are some things that I do to save money:

-I send small pictures. I usually do 4x6 or 5x7. I buy my pictures from Shutterfly and after you have an account and use them a lot you get deals. Sometimes free 10 dollars!! So that really helps! Other times it's 50% off your order.
-sometimes I draw pictures, when I want to send a big 8x10 pic, to save the money from buying it. Celebs always like receiving drawings.

I hope this helped. Sorry I couldn't help you about baseballs.