Getting started

[drizzt434]

I have just started collecting and I am beginning to notice that it is very expensive.
The cheapest I have found 8x10 are about $6 a pop not to mention the envelopes(i made the mistake of going padded envelopes) postage, return postage, IRC's.

Basically I am wondering what people do to keep costs down. The biggest hit is the $6 plus shipping for the 8x10. Maybe I am just dreaming by trying to get the costs down but it never hurts to ask =)


I'm also looking for general good tips to get replys. The ones I have sent so far I make sure to type a full letter. I really want to be personal and not just have a huge collection of people I don't really like/care about.
I have used the main addresses on this site and since I just started I don't have any successes yet.

I appreciate all the help!

[dgangel]

Where are you located (US,UK,Australia)?

You don't have to send a picture with each request, most celebrities will send you pictures. You can always send an index card if photo costs are too high.

[drizzt434]

I am in the US.

I sent a few to the UK.

Certain celebs I would prefer the specific photos I sent. Is there a good way to determine if the celebs sign things sent to them or their own?

[Skye]

I would check the successes posted here on fanmail.biz

[proud2bevilla]

I don't send out photos with any of my letters and my success rate is still pretty high. If you do want specific photos sending, why don't you get some photo paper and print them off yourself.

[ne0ven0m]

yeah, getting a quality photo printer is the way to go if you want to use your own pics. however, i just try to research up on that person for a bit before i send. that way, you get an idea of whether or not they give you a free pic. some return your pic unsigned while signing their own, so it'd be a waste of money to buy one. best thing is, just read up on past experiences and learn from the actions/advice/lessons of others.

in the end though, if you're going to get something worthwhile, you have to pay in some form or another, which includes patience and money

[Shambler]

you have to pay in some form or another, which includes patience and money

Well said! This is an expensive hobby, and one that is a major waiting game, but that shouldn't put you off at all.

If you look at the successes recieved in Feedback, you will be able to gather whether you need to send a photo, return postage, a return envelope, or not! This can save you a lot of money and increase your success rate. Most people on here send out an SASE for every request regardless, but for a student like myself without any form of income, thats not so feasible. So I pretty much squeeze a letter, SAE and photo into a standard size envelope, and I can say that it has been working! However, you must check previous feedback as it really does help an educated guess!

Michelle {thumb2}

[jasonw]

Hi,
The most ecnomical frienly way (the way I normally use too) is to send 5x3 or 6x4 photos. You can then get smaller sized envelopes which are cheaper. Also, you do not have to include postage if u are sending small photos as it is not that expensive to return it. I send 3 5x3 photos and an index card, not proving return shipping. And the enveleps, postage, and photos in total only cost is less then 0.70 USD, plus I'm in HK. :razz: You should really consider sending smaller photos if money is an issue for you.
By the way, welcome to the forum,
if u need help, pm me.
jason