How TTM Works – Your One Stop for Getting Started

raiderguy10 · 07-28-2010, 01:30 PM

I’ve been getting a lot of questions on starting a TTM, and thought making a sticky thread would be a great solution. I’ve compiled the questions I’ve received into a Q&A thread to help anyone with TTM questions out. If there are more questions to add, or if anyone has suggestions to add (or disagree with the answers I’ve given) to the answers please either PM me or post in here and I’ll add it to the original post.

Q: What is TTM stand for?

A: TTM stands for “through the mail,” and we are talking about writing to celebrities/athletes/entertainers/etc and asking for an autograph in return.

Q: How does it work?

A: The way I do TTM is I include a small letter (sometimes even just a 3”x5” index card) and I write a VERY SHORT note explaining how much I appreciate whatever it is they do, and I request an autograph. Remember they are famous, and extra time is hard to come by. The shorter the letter is; the better. I also include (2) trading cards if it’s sports related (one for me, and one for my son) or 4x6 photos that can fit into a standard envelope to save on shipping. I also include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) which is just an envelope addressed from: you, to: you. I always include my address in the upper left hand corner in case there is insufficient postage or there is a problem with the address in the middle of the envelope. Some athletes will send extra items along with the ones you’ve requested (ie Ray Berry will send 2-3 extra items). It basically doubles my chances of ensuring that if the letter gets mailed back I will receive it.

Q: Can I have a sample letter?

A:
Dear _______
I am a huge fan of yours and I was hoping you could sign the card/photo I included. I know you are very busy with other requests so I thank you for taking the opportunity out of your day to consider my request.

Have a nice day,

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Assuming you send a letter, SASE, and a couple trading cards/photos, you can do it all for one stamp on a normal envelope. So basically it’ll cost you one stamp to get to the celebrity, and one to get back.

Q: Do you include a smaller envelope for the SASE, or fold a regular sized envelope?

A:Most say to use a smaller sized envelope. I don't know why they suggest this though. I fold a regular sized envelope into thirds and stick it in. Reason being, as I eluded to earlier some celebrities send photos/HOF plaques/etc of their own for you. If you have a smaller sized envelope, a 4x6 won't fit and you won't get the "free" extras they would normally send. It doesn't cost anymore (except a few cents for the envelopes) to send, so do it!!

Q: What is your success rate?

A: Assuming you mean a “success” as an authentic autograph, I’d say between 30-40%. If you include preprints/autopens it’s closer to 50%. It all depends on who you are trying to send to. If you are hoping for Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, etc. you are SOL. These threads have great information on the successes people have had, and do a good job identifying preprints to help minimize the “failures.” Each person who does TTM has started a thread, and they all do a great job of answering question/sharing information if you need help. Most also keep a running tab of successes on the original post of their thread.

Q: If someone ghost signs or autopens, what is it?

A: Not all TTM successes are real signatures by the celebrity. Some have a secretary do it (ghostsigned), some have a ink pad and stamp their signature on the auto (stamp), and some have a machine sign an item for them (autopen). There are also preprints that celebritys send where the picture is printed with a signature already on the picture and is not done by the celebrity. If you follow the right boards and watch closely, they are easy to spot and you'll know whether or not to waste your stamps if you are only interested in an authentic signature.
Q: Where do you obtain your addresses?

A: There are a lot of places to obtain your addresses from. If you have a couple you are looking for, most of the individuals doing TTM will be happy to share via PM. These are the most popular places I’ve found:

For Sports I use Harvey’s list. It’s highly regarded as the best in the business, and provides more information and updates than the websites (again, that’s my personal preference).

Sports Address Lists

For celebrities/entertainers/sports stars/singers/basically everyone else, I use startiger. You have to pay, but it’s worth the money.

Tested Celebrity Addresses - Collect Autographs - Manage Your Collection at StarTiger

To track successes, I use the following website outside of our own Blowout:

SportsCollectors.Net - Sports Autograph Resource and Community (Free – Can view 14 days worth)

Q: Some of the cards I send are glossy and the autographs don’t stick well. Is there a solution to this problem?

A: I’ve found using a magic eraser is the best, easiest and most cost effective way to take the glossy finish off the card. The card obtains its original look, but the signature sticks great. I’m not sure if it would hurt the card for grading purposes as I’m not into TTM for grading (unless I’m grading the signature, not the card). If you rub baby powder on the card it will also help, but is messy and isn’t as effective as the magic eraser IMHO.

Q: Do you include your own pen?

A: I would not recommend sending your own pen unless there is a special item you want signed with a specific marker. For instance if you send an 8x10 photo that is dark and you want to make sure it’s signed in silver so you can see it, send a silver sharpie. Or sending in a baseball, most prefer a blue signature and have a pen of choice. The celebrities/athletes all have markers at their disposal, and 99% are good about using appropriate markets. IMO you are just wasting time/money/additional postage in sending the markers with the items.

Q: There are some athlete's that want a donation for their charity... do you make the check out to their charity or to them?

A: I guess the easiest answer is, it depends. Some athletes have a charity/foundation they sponsor and want the check made out to them. That's good for you to, because you can get a tax write off (just don't tell anyone you received anything in return). Other celebrities want the check made out to them, as it's a way to supplement their own income. When in doubt, if you don't know they charity/cause; make it out to the celebrity themselves.

07-28-2010, 01:30 PM	#1
raiderguy10 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 5,941 raiderguy100	How TTM Works – Your One Stop for Getting Started I’ve been getting a lot of questions on starting a TTM, and thought making a sticky thread would be a great solution. I’ve compiled the questions I’ve received into a Q&A thread to help anyone with TTM questions out. If there are more questions to add, or if anyone has suggestions to add (or disagree with the answers I’ve given) to the answers please either PM me or post in here and I’ll add it to the original post. Q: What is TTM stand for? A: TTM stands for “through the mail,” and we are talking about writing to celebrities/athletes/entertainers/etc and asking for an autograph in return. Q: How does it work? A: The way I do TTM is I include a small letter (sometimes even just a 3”x5” index card) and I write a VERY SHORT note explaining how much I appreciate whatever it is they do, and I request an autograph. Remember they are famous, and extra time is hard to come by. The shorter the letter is; the better. I also include (2) trading cards if it’s sports related (one for me, and one for my son) or 4x6 photos that can fit into a standard envelope to save on shipping. I also include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) which is just an envelope addressed from: you, to: you. I always include my address in the upper left hand corner in case there is insufficient postage or there is a problem with the address in the middle of the envelope. Some athletes will send extra items along with the ones you’ve requested (ie Ray Berry will send 2-3 extra items). It basically doubles my chances of ensuring that if the letter gets mailed back I will receive it. Q: Can I have a sample letter? A: Dear _______ I am a huge fan of yours and I was hoping you could sign the card/photo I included. I know you are very busy with other requests so I thank you for taking the opportunity out of your day to consider my request. Have a nice day, Q: How much does it cost? A: Assuming you send a letter, SASE, and a couple trading cards/photos, you can do it all for one stamp on a normal envelope. So basically it’ll cost you one stamp to get to the celebrity, and one to get back. Q: Do you include a smaller envelope for the SASE, or fold a regular sized envelope? A:Most say to use a smaller sized envelope. I don't know why they suggest this though. I fold a regular sized envelope into thirds and stick it in. Reason being, as I eluded to earlier some celebrities send photos/HOF plaques/etc of their own for you. If you have a smaller sized envelope, a 4x6 won't fit and you won't get the "free" extras they would normally send. It doesn't cost anymore (except a few cents for the envelopes) to send, so do it!! Q: What is your success rate? A: Assuming you mean a “success” as an authentic autograph, I’d say between 30-40%. If you include preprints/autopens it’s closer to 50%. It all depends on who you are trying to send to. If you are hoping for Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, etc. you are SOL. These threads have great information on the successes people have had, and do a good job identifying preprints to help minimize the “failures.” Each person who does TTM has started a thread, and they all do a great job of answering question/sharing information if you need help. Most also keep a running tab of successes on the original post of their thread. Q: If someone ghost signs or autopens, what is it? A: Not all TTM successes are real signatures by the celebrity. Some have a secretary do it (ghostsigned), some have a ink pad and stamp their signature on the auto (stamp), and some have a machine sign an item for them (autopen). There are also preprints that celebritys send where the picture is printed with a signature already on the picture and is not done by the celebrity. If you follow the right boards and watch closely, they are easy to spot and you'll know whether or not to waste your stamps if you are only interested in an authentic signature. Q: Where do you obtain your addresses? A: There are a lot of places to obtain your addresses from. If you have a couple you are looking for, most of the individuals doing TTM will be happy to share via PM. These are the most popular places I’ve found: For Sports I use Harvey’s list. It’s highly regarded as the best in the business, and provides more information and updates than the websites (again, that’s my personal preference). Sports Address Lists For celebrities/entertainers/sports stars/singers/basically everyone else, I use startiger. You have to pay, but it’s worth the money. Tested Celebrity Addresses - Collect Autographs - Manage Your Collection at StarTiger To track successes, I use the following website outside of our own Blowout: SportsCollectors.Net - Sports Autograph Resource and Community (Free – Can view 14 days worth) Q: Some of the cards I send are glossy and the autographs don’t stick well. Is there a solution to this problem? A: I’ve found using a magic eraser is the best, easiest and most cost effective way to take the glossy finish off the card. The card obtains its original look, but the signature sticks great. I’m not sure if it would hurt the card for grading purposes as I’m not into TTM for grading (unless I’m grading the signature, not the card). If you rub baby powder on the card it will also help, but is messy and isn’t as effective as the magic eraser IMHO. Q: Do you include your own pen? A: I would not recommend sending your own pen unless there is a special item you want signed with a specific marker. For instance if you send an 8x10 photo that is dark and you want to make sure it’s signed in silver so you can see it, send a silver sharpie. Or sending in a baseball, most prefer a blue signature and have a pen of choice. The celebrities/athletes all have markers at their disposal, and 99% are good about using appropriate markets. IMO you are just wasting time/money/additional postage in sending the markers with the items. Q: There are some athlete's that want a donation for their charity... do you make the check out to their charity or to them? A: I guess the easiest answer is, it depends. Some athletes have a charity/foundation they sponsor and want the check made out to them. That's good for you to, because you can get a tax write off (just don't tell anyone you received anything in return). Other celebrities want the check made out to them, as it's a way to supplement their own income. When in doubt, if you don't know they charity/cause; make it out to the celebrity themselves. __________________ Need customs done?? Contact Alifaxwa2 !!!!! My HOF Autograph PC Needs: NONE - 100% COMPLETED!!!! Last edited by raiderguy10; 11-24-2010 at 11:46 AM.