Friday, February 18, 2011

TTM? I WANT SOME SUCCESS! HELP!

Okay so I know this may make me seem like a total hockey signature newbie, but I really want to try a TTM. Problem is, I have no idea how to do one. Hell, I don't even know what TTM stands for! So how do I go about doing this? I know it involves sending cards over to get signed by players. The questions I have are:

How long or short should the letter I send be?
Is there any sort of TTM etiquette I should know about?
How do I know where to send the cards?
And any other tips that may come across your mind...

Thanks in advance for your help and hopefully I didn't sound like a complete idiot asking this to some of you TTM experts!

GO NUCKS GO!

5 comments:

  1. Okay bud,

    TTM stands fot Through The Mail, IP is for In Person
    For retired players, you request letter can be up to two pages, for active, keep it down to one.
    In it, be respectful and polite (should be obvious, I know) Mention something specific about their career so they know you really are a fan of theirs and not some auto dealer.
    At the end, ask if they would mind signing your card, and thank them. I always ask them to personalize it to me, again, so they know I'm not flipping it on ebay.
    For active players, don't send 6 cards. Send one or two. Write to active players care of their respective team, for example

    Mr Hal Gill
    c/o Montreal Canadiens
    1234 Richard Street
    Montreal etc....

    always send a SASE! (self addressed stamped envelope) If you write to a player in the U.S.A, you will need to get american stamps for your SASE. (I'm assuming you live in Canada)

    I can't think of anything else right now, feel free to email me with any questions you have, no matter how basic. I'm always willing to help.

    good luck, have fun!

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  2. Well said Captain! Be polite is the best policy. I am very personal with what I share (i.e fond memories I had during their career).

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  3. I have found that a short, handwritten letter works well. I agree with Captain Canuck, be respectful and be polite. But also be enthusiastic. After all, you're looking to get an autograph of an NHLer.

    Make sure you include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the card to be returned in.

    And last but not least, be patient. Don't expect to get a 100% return ratio.

    There are a couple sites that I really like for TTM info.

    Moody's TTM blog
    http://ttmhound.blogspot.com/

    I really enjoy this one and he's very helpful.

    I also like Sportscollectors.net if you sign up for the free account, you can see the past 7 days worth of TTM successes.

    A good start.

    Best of luck.

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  4. Hey Michael,

    I noticed you mentined the Linden Recollection auto on ebay right now.

    Is this your card by chance?

    If so, I'd be interested in working something out.

    Thanks and let me know.

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  5. Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll be sure to post up my first TTM I receive back!

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