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I'd like forum members' opinions on celebrities who sign autographs for a fee

I have heard that there are celebrities who charge a fee for their autographs. How common is this practice?

Just out of curiosity, I thought I'd ask forum members' their thoughts on such a practice.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 26, 2023 at 2:13pm

Sometimes, but not always, he would have an assistant. No receipts or record of sales.

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Permalink Reply by Findbooks on September 26, 2023 at 2:20pm

Unbelievable!

I don't mind Captain Kirk getting away with it, mind you!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 26, 2023 at 2:23pm

If you ever met him - he is an unbelievable jerk - and that is coming from me! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Meadows on September 26, 2023 at 7:14pm

I feel that I have already "paid" a celebrity for autograph based on the money I've spent buying tickets to their movies, sporting events, and associated merchandise.

I find it obscene that Tom Brady would charge $1000 for his autograph which is pocket change for him. Has anyone seen the prices for tickets to professional football games? Jerseys? Programs? etc.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 26, 2023 at 7:32pm

To the first part, they sold you, or rather you bought, that performance Sounds even to me. I don't see how they "owe" anyone anything. If I pay for a heart surgery, does that get me a free splinter removal?

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Permalink Reply by MikeEarmantraut on October 24, 2023 at 3:58am

$1000? Holy macaroni that's ridiculous

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Permalink Reply by MikeEarmantraut on October 24, 2023 at 3:49am

Depends on the scenario for me I guess, I mean if im a huge fan and get to meet them and have them sign something for me it would be awesome, however I'm not going to spend upwards of a hundred dollars for an in person signing. I understand for people who resell and have like stacks of stuff to sign but If we're strictly talking 1 just for a fan I can't really justify it but that's just my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Steve P. on October 24, 2023 at 6:17am

I am a big Joe Bonamassa fan. I picked up a pkg deal. 4 DVDs in a marshall stack box (small), 2 tickets in special area in front, and 2 meet and greet passes before the show. The pkg also included a t-shirt. He'll sign 1 item for each ticket. Cost: $499.

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Permalink Reply by Steve P. on December 29, 2023 at 10:33am

Update: Joe signed two items for each person at the M&G. The tiks were not as advertised and were actually about 14 rows back from the stage. I'm guessing that the venue was responsible for that but can't be sure. Emailed the person I got the package from and she never responded about the seats even after she told me I'd have close up seats.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on October 24, 2023 at 6:24am

In my view, this is a golden age of autograph collecting (of sorts). In the past few years we've seen paid autograph signings evolve from C listers to A list stars such as Clint Eastwood, Stallone, Anthony Hopkins, Gene Hackman, Marvel movie leads, Harrison Ford, etc. Never have collectors had this kind of ability to add to their collections undoubtedly authentic examples from top tier celebs.

Some prices are surprisingly reasonable, others are eye popping. That can be debated. But I think it's unrealistic to expect these people to donate their time to sign autographs for a pittance. They know this is a big business and the market value of their signatures. And they know collectors are also "dealers."

Look at the recent frenzy for Arnold Schwarzenegger books. Books that were purchased for $25 plus shipping are being sold in volume for $100 and up now. Many "collectors" (that is, dealers) hoarded dozens to flip. If Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to sign photos for $25 each out of the kindness of his heart, it would be a feeding frenzy beyond belief like the book situation. So if someone wants to place blame for high prices, don't forget to point your finger at so-called collectors who hoard and flip... no different than ticket scalper bots in my opinion.

In their defense, most of the celebrities who participate in these signings also sign generously for free in-person.

I'd love it if it was like the good old days and you could go to a show with $100 and walk out with ten great signed photos. But those days are gone. It's a multi-billion dollar industry.