Beginner’s guide to investing in celebrity autographs: dos and don’ts

It's never been easier to invest in celebrity autographs.

Even as a beginner, you can have the start of an impressive collection in the time it takes to browse some well-known reselling sites, send off some payments, and wait for the post to arrive.

And you can easily waste your money.

So slow down and think first.

The advice in this article will help you get started safely.

And make your first steps in a rewarding collecting career that will give you decades of enjoyment. And maybe, long-term investment returns to beat anything in a high street bank.

5 Dos for collecting celebrity autographs

a star signs autographs on a red carpet

1 - Do research how to authenticate an autograph

There's no need for paranoia, but fakes are an issue for every autograph collector.

They can be deliberate deceptions, or more innocent. Forgers make fakes to rip off buyers. And sometimes in-demand celebrities use short-cuts to supply the thousands of calls on their time - you need to know about autopens, for a start.

Provenance, history, evidence... all things you need to add to your armoury as you enter the autograph buying world.

2 - Do focus on stars with mass appeal

If you're buying for long-term you need stars with long-term appeal.

When I was a kid a parade of boy and girl bands looked like the biggest stars in the world. But, while B*Witched released some cracking records they're not highly sought after autographs today.

If you're buying from the past look for genuinely legendary names: Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, The Beatles (if you can find them).

Muhammad Ali's star will probably never fade.

You may pay more, but you're also more likely to get good returns in future.

3 - Do think about the long-term

Absolutely the best way to make money from autographs is to accurately predict the future.

That's a skill no-one will ever perfect. However, if you'd like good returns on your hobby you'd do well to keep your eye on emerging talent. Spotting the next big thing and snapping up their signature cheaply - or for free by going to an event and asking for it - is a great way to see appreciation.

4 - Do deal in person when you can

Signatures that have been collected face-to-face are the safest to buy, with the necessary proof of course.

It's also no bad idea to shop for autographs in person. A good relationship with a reputable dealer is worth its weight in gold. People who want returning customers deal honestly.

The collectibles world is something of a community and you'll find that you can get good advice for free once you start to build relationships.

This official Christmas card was owned by a royal artist. There's no doubting its authenticity.

5 - Do look after your signatures

Modern paper isn't up to much. Most of it will not stand the test of time without careful storage.

Light, damp, cold... it's all bad for your autographs. Invest in some simple storage solutions, including acid-free plastic envelopes, to keep your treasures in good condition. If your house can't guarantee a paper-friendly climate you may wish to invest in outside storage as your collection grows. You should be able to provide a constant temperature of 18 C to 23 C (65 to 75 F) and a relative humidity between 35 and 55 percent.

5 Don'ts for collecting celebrity autographs

1 - Don't buy items you don't know are genuine

An autograph is worth as much as its provenance. That may be a certificated authentication. Or a history of sales from reputable sellers.

If you're serious about your collection you should avoid suspicious bargains and stick to the tried-and-tested.

2 - Don't be too keen on trends

Reality stars and teen pop groups probably won't last.

You should be on the lookout for future stars, but don't be tempted to jump on every new trend.

The doodle on this Bono signature adds interest, charm, and value.

3 - Don't buy just for the returns

A lot of this advice is aimed at getting good returns on your outlay.

But perhaps the guiding star of your autograph collection should be your own personal enthusiasm.

As traders in collectibles we know very well that the best items come from people who are passionate about the subjects of their collections.

If you love 50s Hollywood stars then aim for them. If you love 80s Scream Queens then collect those.

Build a collection you'll love and be proud of.

4 - Don't forget insurance

Once your collection starts to grow you need to get it properly valued and protected.

If you go for outside storage ensure that it comes with insurance. If you're storing at home you may need to add certain items to your home insurance.

5 - Don't horde

A good autograph collection is a managed one.

To turn a set of signatures into the basis of a rewarding personal pursuit takes a little time an effort.

So, play with your collection. Sell names you no longer love in order to get ones you do. If you have a signature of your favourite star, perhaps you can find a better one, on a letter or important document.

Trading adds another dimension to the interest.

And if your collection isn't a living thing that you can proudly show off then is it really worth having at all?

Tennis balls signed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic