Best type of cards to obtain an in person auto?

[seanrs1]

Wanted to seek the advice of the board when obtaining an in person auto (at a show, spring training, at the ball park etc). What are the best type of cards to use?
Bowman paper or chrome 1sts?
RC logo cards (flagship, chrome, others)?
SP or SSP cards (parallel or numbered cards)?

I was just wondering because there is a chance while getting the auto the the card could get damaged. Do most people use raw cards that are as mint as possible or nmt?

[Soxrule111]

Vintage Stock, Heritage types.

Anything with a shine/gloss prep it before you have it signed.

[towerymt]

Topps Chrome, no surface prep:



After prep, with that white eraser. Just "erased" over the surface. Don't use a pink eraser, that will scratch the surface (so I've read)

[hammertime]

There really is no "best" it depends on your preference. I like to use cards with light colors where the signature will stand out (see below), dark sigs on dark backgrounds are a major pet peeve for me.

[seanrs1]

Thanks for all of the replies. I guess I am just trying to figure out what cards most people use. Value you wise I would assume Bowman 1st or RC designated cards is the way to go, but might not be worth the risk of getting a mid end sp or ssp signed if it gets damaged or the auto comes out badly?

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by seanrs1

Thanks for all of the replies. I guess I am just trying to figure out what cards most people use. Value you wise I would assume Bowman 1st or RC designated cards is the way to go, but might not be worth the risk of getting a mid end sp or ssp signed if it gets damaged or the auto comes out badly?

Collect IP autos for fun. There’s no value in them. Use cards with nice photos and light backgrounds. If you’re more concerned with resale value, pursue Topps/Bowman certified autos.

[OscarOne]

Originally Posted by MiamiMarlinsFan

Collect IP autos for fun. There’s no value in them. Use cards with nice photos and light backgrounds. If you’re more concerned with resale value, pursue Topps/Bowman certified autos.

Which make the trend that I am seeing now more than ever, of "not signing paper", extra stupid. I assume it's players agents, or in the case of college players, advisors, who have no idea what they are doing.

[clocsta2323]

The IP autograph seeker's biggest attribute is their lack of self-respect. Do you care if everyone rolls their eyes at you while you elbow your way pass children to get someone who can't legally buy booze autograph?

[seanrs1]

Originally Posted by MiamiMarlinsFan

Collect IP autos for fun. There’s no value in them. Use cards with nice photos and light backgrounds. If you’re more concerned with resale value, pursue Topps/Bowman certified autos.

Why is there no value in an ip auto? Seems plenty on Ebay (that have third part authentication) sell for more than the same card without the auto? So you are saying only autos issued by Topps have value?

[seanrs1]

Originally Posted by clocsta2323

The IP autograph seeker's biggest attribute is their lack of self-respect. Do you care if everyone rolls their eyes at you while you elbow your way pass children to get someone who can't legally buy booze autograph?

You realize you can get in person autos from signers at card shows or from other services right?

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by seanrs1

Why is there no value in an ip auto? Seems plenty on Ebay (that have third part authentication) sell for more than the same card without the auto? So you are saying only autos issued by Topps have value?

I’m saying to collect whatever you want.

[seanrs1]

Originally Posted by MiamiMarlinsFan

I’m saying to collect whatever you want.

That is good advice!

[byronscott4ever]

Originally Posted by seanrs1

You realize you can get in person autos from signers at card shows or from other services right?

Or that sometimes people of all ages stand in a line at a store appearance for an autograph?

[towerymt]

I prefer better-than-base cards. Refractor. Tiffany.





Scribble an auto on a sleeve and check how it looks on the card if you havent seen one signed before.

I also decided I dislike Sharpie pen thickness for card autos, so I got these signed with a finer tipped Staedtler lumocolor pen.

[seanrs1]

Originally Posted by towerymt

I prefer better-than-base cards. Refractor. Tiffany.





Scribble an auto on a sleeve and check how it looks on the card if you havent seen one signed before.

I also decided I dislike Sharpie pen thickness for card autos, so I got these signed with a finer tipped Staedtler lumocolor pen.

Thanks for the advice!

[johnlocke36]

I like to get unique items signed for my in person auto collection. Have the standard Pete Rose reds to win WS ticket, a signed folding chair by Bobby Knight and a 8x10 of David Hasselhof by Dirk. I also have signed scorecard from when I got to golf with Dirk and he shot over 200 but would like to add a Charles Barkley scorecard at some point

[abbeyroadwalker]

Originally Posted by hammertime

There really is no "best" it depends on your preference. I like to use cards with light colors where the signature will stand out (see below), dark sigs on dark backgrounds are a major pet peeve for me.

Agreed. Try to choose cards that have a large light colored open area for the player to sign. Usually, they instinctively go right for the clear open area when signing. I review what cards are available for each guy, and buy 10 or 12 of those that fit that criteria. Another tip is to get an 8-1/2" x 11" notebook and position your cards in the notebook with those little diamond shaped corner stickers that hold the card firmly in place. Players love when you just flip open the notebook to 6 or 8 of their cards. It makes a firm surface for them to sign rather than handing them a bunch of loose cards. They like "graphers" that make it easy for them, because they need to start their warm-ups and it's a bit bothersome if they have to spend too much time signing.

[abbeyroadwalker]

Originally Posted by seanrs1

Wanted to seek the advice of the board when obtaining an in person auto (at a show, spring training, at the ball park etc). What are the best type of cards to use?
Bowman paper or chrome 1sts?
RC logo cards (flagship, chrome, others)?
SP or SSP cards (parallel or numbered cards)?

I was just wondering because there is a chance while getting the auto the the card could get damaged. Do most people use raw cards that are as mint as possible or nmt?

To answer another part of your question, I generally don't get very high value inserts signed. You might want to sell that valuable insert card later, and a game-signed auto may not help it sell. I stick with the more basic Topps Pro Debuts or Heritage minors, or their Bowman cards. I might get a /499 color parallel signed but only if the auto will really enhance the card's beauty, not detract from it. Again, you have to choose the right card. Plus, if you have time, look on eBay and see what the player's auto actually looks like. If it's fat and sloppy, choose accordingly what cards you hand the guy if you go to a game. Same goes if the player signs neat and tidy, give him your nicer cards to enhance its' final appearance. For example, Marcelo Mayer signs beautifully, compact and neat, so I learned to bring him some of my nicer cards and he respected me enough to sign them just as neatly as he did for Topps. Great young man, anyone in Portland next year is in for a treat

[VandyCards]

I get fancy refractor and serial numbered cards signed. If they look cool, they might look cool signed. I’ve even had some 1/1s signed. Blue refractors, mega refs, lava all look nice signed. I realize that getting them signed, or dinged up in the process might diminish the value. But once they’re signed, they’re mine forever so that concern sorta goes out the window.

I agree with prepping with white eraser. Some folks use baby powder but I’m not sure how that works. Also the book/craft corners work well. Some players will lump you in with the dealer types if they see that, but it is what it is.


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[r0yals2012]

I love getting refractors and sapphires signed. Yes it is a pain to prep them (I use baby powder) but I got some nice cards signed last year that were refractors. I spent $40 on a Jordan Walker Bowman 1st Refractor and got it signed in red paint pen and it looks so nice. Top prospects I like to get Bowman 1st Refractors signed. Since I graph the minors I am pretty limited to Bowman, Pro Debut, and Heritage minors. I like the Heritage the best as you don't have to prep those. Bowman 2016 and after you have to prep and also pro debut.

[trogdor]

I use Mr. Clean magic erasers on cards with gloss/chrome. Works perfectly

[BrendaStarr]

Is there a good link/YouTube video that shows how to prep chrome cards with baby powder, etc?

[jplarson]

Not baseball but I do enjoy multiplayer IP autographs.

[seanrs1]

Originally Posted by towerymt

Topps Chrome, no surface prep:



After prep, with that white eraser. Just "erased" over the surface. Don't use a pink eraser, that will scratch the surface (so I've read)

What brand white eraser do you recommend?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by seanrs1

What brand white eraser do you recommend?

it is in the first picture