Time for gift giving

As black Friday approaches, everyone is looking for deals.  I know I am.  However in the collectible business you will not find Door Busters or items at 50% or more off on black Friday.  You will, however, find reasonable prices that are fair and meet all spenders budgets.  The nice aspect of the collectible business is that pricing will stay consistent throughout the holiday season.

I will start by saying that if you want a good quality item expect to spend a minimum of $20 with any credible company.  Items in the $20 range will include wool pennants, matted 8x10 photos, some autographs, clocks and other novelty items.

If you want to spend up to $70 you will find all sorts of items including autographs from local stars such as Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, & most of the Boston Bruins.  You can find framed and matted 11x14 photos, display pieces, as well as authentic jerseys and hats.

If you are willing to spend in the $100 - $250 range you can find some very high quality photos, autographs, panoramic prints, and other high quality items that will make any collector happy.  Most of the high quality Red Sox, Patriots and Yankees will fall into this range.

Here are some tips to know before shopping for collectibles.
1.  Some companies will offer great deals after you purchase the first item.  For instance New England picture company has a deal where if you buy 1 item at full price you can purchase a 2nd item at 50% off.
2.  If you are purchasing for someone else know exactly what team or player is the recipient's favorite.  That will help the sales person find the best item for you.
3.  Check online for deals.  Sure shot promotions and Steiner sports offer a plethora of deals everyday in December.  I saw a great deal last year on the Steiner website in which you could purchase 3 autographed baseballs for $99.  All the autographs were from living Cy Young winners.  Nobody could top that.
4.  If you are purchasing an autograph for someone ask questions about the authenticity.  Steiner sports, New England Picture company, sure shot promotions are all local legitimate companies.  Their prices will be a bit higher but the item will be authentic.  If the price is too good it's probably a fake.
5.  If you are buying a photo, autographed or not, get it framed if possible.  Most framing will only cost an additional $10-$20.
6.  The best deals will be for items with retired, unpopular or recently traded players. I've seen some phenomenal deals for Mike Lowell, Jim Rice, Randy Moss and Mike Vrabel items.  I'm sure Victor Martinez items will be marked down shortly.
7.  If you are looking for Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Lebron James, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan or Tom Brady items, expect the prices to start at $299 upwards of $2000.
8.  This December there are a number of player appearances occurring in the area.  Rajon Rondo, Zdeno Chara and many patriots will be appearing, which is rare for this time of year.  Please check the Boston Herald or the websites below for more information.  What better gift to give then to meet a local sports hero.

Please check out these websites for great collector deals.

Sureshotpromotions.com
NewEnglandpicture.com