Why do you want to buy autographs from dealers?

[Nate31]

Hi guys. I have seen some threads asking for reliable sellers or dealers. I wonder why do some of you "need" to buy autographs from dealers like on eBay. I know that you may wanna have your favorite celeb's autograph so badly, but do you really "need" to have it? Some celebs do not wanna sign TTM or even in person, because these dealers are taking an advantage on them. The dealers are the big reason why some celebs do not wanna sign for you, so why do you still want to support them to do so? I don't have a problem with someone who sell or trade just to get rid of some collections, but i'll never support anybody who sells autographs as a career.

[Wordsworth]

It's a vicious cycle. Aggressive autograph hunters turn around and sell the autographs and then legitimate fans have an even more difficult time getting that hard-to-find autograph so they resort to purchasing one.

I won't buy on ebay...too many fakes for me to be confident...when I buy, it's from the celebrity themself either at a convention or from their website.

I agree with you in principle, but I can see why a fan might be desperate enough to go that route. Of course, this website proves that there are plenty of celebrities who still sign in-person and TTM even if they would ordinarily charge at a show.

[nickmoore777]

I wonder why do some of you "need" to buy autographs from dealers like on eBay.

That's a silly thing to say. No one "needs" to buy autographs, just like no one "needs" dvds, football shirts, posters, decorations, designer clothes and other things that aren't essentials. They don't "need" it, but they want it because it is part of their hobby. If no one had hobbies, then they'd be pretty sad and boring people.

In reply to supporting dealers, when they may be the reason the celebrity doesn't sign. I may never buy an autograph off a dealer in my life, but that's not going to stop others. So me not buying something isn't going to change anything. If everyone stopped buying then maybe you have a point, but that's not going to happen.

I'm not attacking you, I can see where you're coming from, I just disagree completely. Yes, we don't "need" to, but most things we don't "need". It's healthy to have a hobby and if that's what people want to buy with their own money, then so be it.

[Nate31]

Thank you for both comments. Everybody has his/her own opinion and I respect yours, nick.

[Orby's blue angel]

I agree. I wouldn't buy from a dealer. I'm not gonna help the dealer get rich from something (the autograph) they get for free. But I guess it makes sense to buy an autograph from them if the actor or singer is deceased, and you really really want the autograph. But if someone wants to purchase an autograph, they have the $$, and are willing to pay, I'm not criticizing. It's totally fine.

[Nate31]

I forgot to clarify the word "need" I used. I used that word because some collectors who posted on many threads used this word. For example, "Oh, I need to send to him." "Oh, I need this one. Is it authentic?" and that's why I put the word "need" in the quotation mark.

[Wordsworth]

Perhaps, they are referring to part of a collection, such as Harry Potter or Star Wars. It could be a hole that they "need", so to speak, to fill.

Or the word is just used synonymously with want, which is too often what happens with other things like cars and fast food meals, as well.