TTM help

[comfortably9numb]

I was thinking about trying my luck with TTM auto's. I'm only going to send base cards, so it they get lost, or the player doesn't sign them I really won't care too much. I have a question though. What does one say when you send this? Do most people just enclose a letter that says something like...

Dear XXXXX,
I am a huge fan and would be honored if you would sign these cards.


Or what else should I add. Should I enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope too? I've never done it before so any tips would be appreciated!

Also, I noticed that some people are more prone to sign if you include a check or some cash. I get the point of it, but there is no way i'm doing that lol but is including payment common practice?

thanks!

[miscs75]

Write a little more so it doesn't look generic. Personalize each letter stating atleast a reason why you're writing them specifically. I personally wouldn't include cash or a check because it seems like a bribe.

[cool-vintage]

Here is an example of one I have sent(to Bobby Clarke):

Dear Mr.Clarke,
I am a huge fan of yours even though I never saw you play. I would enjoy it if you could sign the card I've enclosed.
Thanks,
[sign your name]

For your second question use a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Best of luck and if you need any more help feel free to PM me.

[tragically fish]

I've been doing ttm for a long time, the only time I send cash is when I am sending to a country that I don't have stamps for (Sweden, Finland, Russia etc). Try to hand write your letters and try to mention something you remember from their careers. If you are working on a project (eg. completing a set) you might want to include that in the letter as well. Good Luck.

[comfortably9numb]

thanks everyone!!! so just ad a personalized letter, the cards I want to auto graph, and a self-addressed envelope in a padded mailer? thanks!!..now to pick some players! i might do golf and tennis too, i just noticed the TTM manager a few hours ago and couldn't believe the number or people in it!

[Blargh]

Use a self-sealing SASE, i.e not one that you have to lick.
A PWE is fine, you don't need a padded one. If you use padded envelopes, you'll spend a lot more $$ in stamps and envelopes if you use padded.
Don't use toploaders or plastic sleeves for card protection. You may end up with that signed instead of the card. I usually use nothing for protection and have never had a badly damaged card, only a few soft corners. A lot of people use index cards. Sometimes the players sign the index cards as well.
Remember to say please and thank you.

[30ranfordfan]

I've sent a few out recently, and I do go with something personalized...... i.e. why I'm writing to them (in my case it's an all-time Oilers project, and I'm writing to guys that didn't exactly have big time careers, and I'll be mine is one of the very few pieces of fan mail they'll get this year, lol). My handwriting is a mess, so I do just type the letters, but sign them. Make sure to thank them too.

Self addressed stamped envelope is a must IMO. I've picked up some American stamps so I can send to American players too.

Cash, I've never done. I can see the point if you're mailing to somewhere that you don't have postage for (not trying to put them out of pocket) but I would rather just plan ahead, get the appropriate postage (buy or trade with another SCF member??) and do it that way.

Having said that, I do remember reading that there are some HOFers out there that request a small donation to charity in exchange for TTM requests. Couldn't say this for sure though.

[blade]

Regular envelopes are fine, you don't need a padded mailer. I've been doing TTM for a long time and the only time I got a card all bent was when the player did it.

Don't send more than 2 or 3 cards.
I type my letters now.
Don't send in a penny sleeve.

I love the old timers, you can actually read their names when they sign.

Any questions, PM me.

Check my sig for my autos.

AJ

[comfortably9numb]

Having said that, I do remember reading that there are some HOFers out there that request a small donation to charity in exchange for TTM requests. Couldn't say this for sure though.

yeah i noticed that Gilbert Perreault charges $10 and people have had their stuff returned unsigned if they don't add money. Luckily i live in buffalo and have met him a dozen times, so I don't need to send it, i just wanted to make sure it wasn't common practice...its kind of strange, i never though Perreault would charge people, but maybe he donates the money to charity like you said

[CoolHandLuke]

thanks everyone!!! so just ad a personalized letter, the cards I want to auto graph, and a self-addressed envelope in a padded mailer? thanks!!..now to pick some players! i might do golf and tennis too, i just noticed the TTM manager a few hours ago and couldn't believe the number or people in it!

The TTM is a good tool to find address and evalute the p[ossibility of return and will also mention if player ask for donation and you can also see what was returned. Also great to track the cards you sent. It keep percentage of what you sent and per player as well.