What Sells: Sports Memorabilia
Sports & Entertainment Memorabilia
Sports and entertainment memorabilia is valuable not because the items being offered
have inherent value but because of the stories that usually accompany each item.
To sell an item in this collectibles category, it is critical to discover the history
of the item, to tell the story well in the listing, and to document and authenticate
the claims as much as possible. With full verification and authentication of an
item’s origin and history, demand for the item along with its value will increase
substantially.
What Sells
A wide range of memorabilia is sold online, much of it autographed:
- Awards and gold records
- Concert programs, t-shirts and tour jackets
- Movie posters and lobby cards
- Baseballs, footballs and sports equipment
- Jerseys and uniforms
- Trading cards
- Photographs, magazine and newspaper articles about celebrities
- Celebrities’ personal items (TV, movie and concert wardrobes, personal clothing
from estate sales, etc.)
Authentication
Forged celebrity signatures are prevalent, so proving authenticity is very important.
If an item doesn’t have a Certificate of Authentication, consider getting one before
listing it.
PSA/DNA is one of the best-known authentication services for sports memorabilia.
Fees vary depending on the item and signature in question. Visit the website at
http://www.psadna.com/.
Autograph World maintains an online authentication guide with pictures of thousands
of autographs. This guide can help you eliminate obvious forgeries, but should not
be used as a substitute for having a professional review the signature. Visit the
website at http://www.autographworld.com/sigs/about.asp.
If you want to have an autograph authenticated by a professional (or would like
to learn how to authenticate autographs yourself), visit the Universal Autograph
Collectors Club website at http://www.uacc.org/.
Condition
Note the following in your listing:
- Faded, smudged or smeared ink (if signed)
- Damage to the item (tears, creases, holes, yellowed paper, etc.)
Key Details
Include these details in your listing:
- Name of the person (last name alone may be sufficient), team, band, movie, etc.
- Description of the item (football, 8x10 photo, record album, autographed, etc.)
- Certificate of Authenticity (if included)
- Framed (if the item is framed)
- Age (if known)
Storage and Shipment
Autographed items and sports memorabilia should be stored in a well-ventilated
room, away from children, pets, smoke and cooking odors. Never place an item in
direct sunlight; cover it with a sheet or better yet, keep the windows covered.
Don’t place an item next to heating vents or air conditioners, either, since temperature/humidity
changes can cause damage.
If an item includes a case, place the item in the case, pack the case in bubble
wrap and place it into a bed of packing peanuts for shipment.
The size and delicacy of an autographed item can require special shipping. It’s
best to determine the shipping method in advance and to include an estimate of the
total shipping cost in your listing.
