Expo signings

[stop__dreaming]

Just a quick question; when you see, for example, Gordie Howe charging $99 regular item, $149 medium item and $299 for a premium item at an Expo, what type of memb. falls under the categories?

Also, is this what the player charges and does it goes straight into their pocket? Go to charity?#

Thanks.

[30ranfordfan]

At the Expo.... its AJ Sportsworld (google them, to find their website if you're interested) that books all the autograph guests. My understanding is that it works like this:

AJ's pays Gordie Howe (or whomever the player in question is) '$X'. For that money, they agree to sit and sign autographs for a set amount of time, and I think they also do a private signing for AJ's, where they autograph items that they keep in stock to sell aswell.

After that, the player has no involvment in the cost. What does Gordie make from AJ's??? I have no idea. I would assume they're paying his expenses for the weekend, and then something in the thousands. Howe, in particular, I know does a lot of charity work - so maybe he takes the money he makes from stuff like this and donates it? Maybe he keeps it for himself (no idea how well off he'd be financially). I really can't comment.

As for what the items are - a Regular item is likely an 8x10 photo (or smaller) or a hockey card. Premium items are jerseys for sure..... maybe sticks too?? Sticks might also be in the medium category - and I think other things like posters, larger photos (larger than 8x10) might count as medium. Other equipment (helmets, gloves, whatever) are probably premium too. Not sure.