Memorabilia question

[Capital-Sports]

I have always wondered how companies like Elite, ASI, MVP, get into contact with athletes for their memorabilia items. Do they buy them direct from them, or get a percentage of each sale for the item? I am interested to know this. I have in talks with a few minor league players for memorabilia deals and would like to know how the big boys roll. Thank you!

[David]

In many cases I would imagine the companies serve as agents, selling the items for the player for a percentage fee. The player doesn't have the time or expertise to market them himself.

[David]

For autographs the company work as agent (see above) or have the player do a private signing, then they own and sell the items. In the latter, they might just hire him for the signing and are not the player's official agent or anything. They just had a contract for the signing.