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Who determines the price of your autograph?

Lady ga ga just sold a bunch of signed cd covers on pre order for 20 dollars and then I see people selling them close to 200 and up.

Are dealers asking too much for their graphs?

I'm not talking about people who have passed on.

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Permalink Reply by Samuel John Clifford on October 26, 2016 at 12:29am

Cherie Currie has her own store on eBay, which she sells 8x10s for $40 and 11x14s for $50 which are really good prices. As far as other places or dealers I've seen sellers selling them for $70-$80 which is a little high when she herself is seller them for $40-$50.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on October 26, 2016 at 4:56am

I would say the Lady Gaga example you mention as excessive mark-up. Experienced collectors will not pay that and soon those prices will drop as more sellers have them to sell. In the end, the buyer determines the final price. And, for the most part, it's a buyer's market.

The Cherie Currie mark-up from $50 direct from her to $80 for a reseller is not excessive. With eBay fees, Paypal fees, and shipping time and expenses that sounds fair and reasonable. Of course, wouldn't a smart shopper compare prices and get the one offered by her at the lower price?

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Permalink Reply by Samuel John Clifford on October 26, 2016 at 6:30am

True Joe, I forgot about the whole fees a seller has to go through. Wasn't thinking of it that way. You're right with the fees that seller has to go through they would have to put it up for the higher price. Yes of course a smart shopper would go through her store to buy.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on October 26, 2016 at 1:21pm

Ebays global shipping doesnt help being a dealer. I looked at a poster from the states and they wanted 125 us dollars to ship.
I see items consigned to dealers, where they want to make 20 percent of an already inflated piece.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on October 26, 2016 at 12:44pm

Who wouldn't prefer getting it straight from the source, too.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on October 26, 2016 at 12:49pm

I was thinking about Chris Cornell when he had signed cd's for 15 dollars, great deal from the source or people ask 125 ish for an lp signed by Chris.

I wouldn't buy a Bette Midler for 250 dollars on Raac ,when you can buy them way cheaper else where.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on October 26, 2016 at 1:49pm

I think I saw Bette's signed book for like $20 somewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on October 26, 2016 at 1:06pm

I understand when some of these sellers say that the price is negotiable, but sometimes they're so out of touch with their prices I don't know what to say. I've seen some sellers sit on their items for years because they just have no idea.

My main interest is indie artists - people who you'll see on late night shows or SNL and whose music gets plenty of exposure but aren't necessarily household names. The prices I see on some of these bands that I've gotten with ease are pretty dumb. Most of these artists happily sign postshow or sell signed items at the merch table at fair prices. Since sellers seem hell bent on intercepting them at airports or hotels (and hence sort of telegraphing that they probably aren't fans), I think their perspective on just how difficult some of these artists are to get is a bit distorted.

My favorite band (CHVRCHES) has headlined fests, appeared on US and foreign TV many times, has their work featured in movies and games. They're successful and popular. I see professional sellers putting pretty high prices on their items, and a general sentiment among collectors that they've become more difficult. However, if you're a big fan, you know that's not exactly true. Hence most fans don't even bother looking at Ebay listings unless it's for a charity auction - or something genuinely unique. I see relatively few sales of their items because 1) The prices are stupid and 2) Fans know they're especially difficult to get if they want one.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on October 26, 2016 at 1:47pm

250 dollars.

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Permalink Reply by James on October 26, 2016 at 6:57pm

Well...I think it's kind of like going to a book signing where you buy the book and get the autograph for free...even though you know the autograph is worth more than nothing. For example, 12 years ago, I went to a Hillary Clinton book signing. I got my ticket in advance from the bookstore which was hosting the event. All I had to pay for the price of the hardback book, about $25. Then Hillary signed the book right in front of me. So I had a Hillary signed book for $25. Now they sell for $350 or so. Even then, they were worth $150 or so, but mine only cost $25...way below market value.

Just because Lady Gaga is signing these for $20 doesn't mean that's the market value. I'm sure market value is in fact close to 10 times that amount.