new with TTM, please help!!!

[marclemagnifique]

Hi

I'm new with TTM, and want to try to send some cards to my favorites stars.

Let my know your tips... i already read some sticky in this section, it help me a lot.

What i need most, is if someone could provide me a template letter to join with my cards for signing.

Is there any canadian who's doing it with american stars? How do you join a
SASE without american stamps? Is it available to a candian post office?


Thanks for helping!

[MNsportznut]

I always hand write my requests, usually 2 short paragraphs - first talking about thier career & a certain play or game. Then asking for an auto & what it would mean to me. Remember to say please & thank-you ! But the best advice I can give is be honest & sincere. The more requests you send out, the easier it gets to write your requests. Hope this is helpful, Good Luck !

[BigRedMachine]

My best advice would be to have patience and determination.

I've handwritten most of my letters but some I have typed. I start off by telling them I'm a collector and what I like to collect and were they fit into my collection. You can then comment about what you like about that player, be honest and you will most often be rewarded. The second paragraph is were I ask for the autograph and wish them well or good luck and thank them for their time.

Use the TTMM for addresses and ask members for help with any that are not listed.

As far as the Canadian postage I don't know anything about, maybe some of the Canadian members can help you.

Good luck and welcome do the addiction!

[JVazz29]

I'm sorry, I really can't help out with your Canadien postage.

However, I find that handwritten letters feel more sincere. I tried sending out typed letters and had a sort of "template" but it didn't feel right, and honestly, it seems like I've gotten back more of my requests from my handwritten letters.

I usually write ONE page. I found that writing one page vs typing one page was a lot easier since you are actually saying a lot less. As others have said, I keep mine to 2 paragraphs. The first talks a little about me and my likes and why I enjoy that particular person. The second is the actual request....

As for the request? Remember what your mama always taught you, PLEASE and THANK YOU do go a long way.

I usually write something like, "Recently I began collecting autographs from my favorite athletes and celebrities. If it is not much trouble, can you please spare a moment to sign the provided photo and return it in the enclosed envelope? I cannot thank you enough for the time you have taken to read my letter." I usually throw something else in there like a "Good Luck" with their career and/or a "The photo will look great with the others hanging on my man cave's wall." I change that part up a bit though...but the bold line above the exact 'request' I use.

Patience is a virtue! Good Luck!

[TBTwinsFan]

I now send indexs with a few sentences on them, unless it is a retired/HOFer then I send a good long letter.

[CRJSr9]

hand written letter and at most 2 things to be signed.i always start with im writting to tell you that i think your the best.and i give them something that i liked during there career and then i say ive enclosed 2 cards i the hopes that you would sign them for me. and i would love to add them to my collection.then i say god bless you and your family and thanks for your time.

[Oxxon]

Short, sweet and to the point. In my case my handwriting is so bad that when I write something down my kindergarten teacher rolls over in her grave. So, I type everything. I keep it short to one paragraph but go with what feels right to you.

Good luck!

[marclemagnifique]

thanks all for advice.

May i ask you your success rate?

thanks!

[jerseyman1992]

When it comes to Canadian stamps you need American stamps for your SASE when sending to the States. The best way to get these is by buying them off an American member who has easy access to them.

As far as the letter goes just hand write it and be sincere, talk about any moments of the players career that you though was great or if you admire something the do particularly well. Be polite and thank the player for their time. Realize that the player gets many requests so dont demand an autograph. Always include something for the player to sign and if sending cards I recommend sending 2 3x5 index cards to protect the trading cards you sent, These may also come back signed which is an added bonus.

Ive been doing this for 4 years and my success rates are as follows

Baseball Players 55% if not lower
Hockey Players 65%
Junior Hockey Players (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) 80%


Hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[*censored*]

It varies on how many items to send. If a guy signs just one, then don't send four obviously, or you run the risk of not getting your stuff back. Or if a guy signs five, don't be afraid to send five. The most I've ever sent a player is 6 cards, and as a rule I generally try to limit it to four. Just do your homework on that and you'll be fine.

My success rate combined for all sports is currently 56%. Could be better, but I used a bunch of untested addresses early on that turned out to be failures. Details are in my sig.