quick question to experienced TTM collectors

[Mikemjets]

1- YES! Absolutely hand write every one of your letters! It shows you took the time to think specifically of them, and not just copy n pasted some pre written junk. I always hand write and have a 94% success rate- while sending nothing but baseballs! Not cards etc, actual balls.
Some "tricks" I use-
1)be POLITE! Please n thank you, sir or ma'am etc
2) always include intro paragraph- who they are, why u like them/find memory etc
3) 2nd paragraph is the autograph request. Again- be polite! Ask them for it, then explain why u want their auto/ what u plan to do with it
4) 3rd paragraph is thanking them for the time n considerations n wishing them the best of luck this season.
5) I always "decorate" the envelope. Players number/name/position etc, team logo- anything to show I took the time for that specific guy. Does it matter? Who knows. But I seen a Harrison Barnes video where he said it's cool that he can tell people have taken the time when they "could have just typed it out once and just changed names each time after". These players are human, they like the know/feel like people appreciate them etc. don't be afraid to shower the praise on them. But don't just repeat their stats to them, trust me, they know their own stats!
Lastly- Use social media to your advantage. I've gotten 10 or so "yes's" just by asking on Twitter if they'd be able to sign for me if I sent to them. It's a great way for them to "get to know" you (aka, see your page, realize your a fan not a dealer etc)
Best of luck my man!

thanks. I like to in general keep my letter a little shorter than 3 paragraphs because i think these guys are extremely busy but I've still always used your same format of compliment then ask then thank you. Just a little worried that they can't read it, which i think they probably can't. Just wondering if the sentiment of hand writing it out ways the illegibility.

[Mikemjets]

If anyone is still reading this, I forgot to mention that i hand cut my customs. Not a deal breaker but it takes a couple minutes and is just another reason i would prefer not to give them one.iit

[bryanATX]

I always hand write ny letters. My writing is terrible as well, but I just go as slow as I can stand. Those are nice customs (meaning they are 1/1), and cards of themselves that they don't have, and can't get. So I would think they'd want one. if I knew how to do those and sent them out, I would most definitely send an extra for the guy. Its a good trade IMO. Good luck!!

[Mikemjets]

I always hand write ny letters. My writing is terrible as well, but I just go as slow as I can stand. Those are nice customs (meaning they are 1/1), and cards of themselves that they don't have, and can't get. So I would think they'd want one. if I knew how to do those and sent them out, I would most definitely send an extra for the guy. Its a good trade IMO. Good luck!!

thank you very much! very insightful, especially since you also have poor handwriting as well

[alf7624]

I have bad handwriting, especially when I write a couple of paragraph letter. I have typed all my letters, and hand signed them. Been doing very good so far with this format. My letters can not be called a generic, as each letter is written specific to the player/ celebrity bringing up key moments of their career. I believe a typed letter is much easier for the person to read, just make sure you do hand sign it.

[stlcardinalsfan]

i have horrible hand writing due to me being a former art major ;)

anyways i always hand write mine, always say why u are writing them, and be sure to thank them.

all of mine are short and sweet and to the point. i only had 1 i havnt gotten back...lincecum back in 09.

[Oxxon]

All of my LOR are typed, short and to the point.

[Coltron57]

I wouldn't consider myself "experienced", I have only been doing this for 2 years, but I hand write all of my letters since I feel it means more that someone took 10-15 minutes to say why they are a fan, than a tyoed letter than takes maybe 5 minutes and can easily be formulaic. With those cards I would send 2 and offer one in your letter. Players like to have unique things of themselves I'd imagine, and if you took the time to make something like that for them they would probably be more eager to sign. Just my opinion though.

[BLawson87]

I always put in my letters that they can personalize my request To Brandon, if they wish. I feel like that lets them know I'm a fan looking for a cool piece to add to my collection and not someone looking to sell it.

[djauwerda]

I always write my letters out. I've always done it because as others have indicated, I think they players recognize it takes time to do so. I create my own customs 95% of the time and I always offer them to keep one. Like you, I cut mine all by hand. Again, I think the players respect the effort. Manners... pleases & thank yous are essential. I'm currently sitting at about a 68% return rate on my returns since 2010. I have written letters in Spanish in an attempt to secure signatures of young Hispanic prospects. Hasn't helped.

Also, make sure you know if people charge or ask for donations for charity...