Hello, belari-ga!
I have researched the Football and Wrestling Memorabilia industry as
you requested and have compiled the results of my findings below.
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WHAT KINDS OF THINGS ARE INCLUDED IN FOOTBALL AND WRESTLING MEMORABILIA?
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The following websites will provide you with insight into the wide
range of memorabilia offered for Football and Wrestling, as well as
other sports. These collections include cards, pictures, jerseys,
helmets, autographs, footballs, posters, wrestling videos and even
action figures! The collections go on to include most anything related
to the sport that could be considered valuable and collectable.
There is a noticeable difference between the Football and Wrestling
memorabilia collections. Football is a major sport with a long
history. The collections include sports equipment and clothing worn by
the players. Wrestling memorabilia collections are less extensive
since no teams are involved, there are no pennants, specific uniforms
or team logos, and the sport has extended over into the "toy" realm
with wrestling action figures making up part of the collector's
inventory.
==
Incidentally, baseball is tops in the billion dollar Sports
Memorabilia business, followed by basketball and hockey. Football is
further down the list. Wrestling is small time compared to the major
league sports.
Read "Trading In Sosas And Alis," by Missy Sullivan, Forbes.com, (12.26.01)
http://www.forbes.com/2001/12/26/1226adviser.html
FOOTBALL MEMORABILIA
=====================
From Hall of Fame Memorabilia
http://www.halloffamememorabilia.com/football_memorabilia.htm
A few examples, which can then be cross-referenced by team:
Footballs
Jerseys
Helmets
Mini Helmets
Plaques
8 x 10 Photos
16 x 20 Photos
Super Bowl Items
Event Covers
Quarterbacks Of The
Century Items
Wheaties Boxes
Notice that Wheaties Boxes are a valuable item! See the following example
http://www.halloffamememorabilia.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=MM-WHTUCOW075
=
Also see examples of items offered by Grandstand Sports
http://www.grandstandsports.com/pages/sport3_1.htm
Other sites, like Hunt Auctions, offer football figurines, decorative
steins, plaques, mugs, vintage photographs, vintage football gear and
lithographs.
http://www.huntauctions.com/
WRESTLING MEMORABILIA
=====================
Wrestling memorabilia is a much smaller market. It consists primarily
of autographed pictures, magazines and posters, videos, wrestling
action figures as well as accessories with no historical value like
t-shirts, hats, etc.
Read a little about how the Wrestling Memorabilia market got its start
on the Fameabilia site:
http://www.fameabilia.com/cgi-bin/store/webstore.plx?user_action=category&category=Sports%3BWrestling
"On March 31, 1985, the legacy of WrestleMania was born at Madison
Square Garden in New York City. Prior to the event, the World
Wrestling Federation had held many events, however, none were as
successful as WrestleMania. Seen by more than one million fans via
closed-circuit television, WrestleMania proved to be the originator of
what would come to be know as the greatest spectacular in
sports-entertainment history. The following are celebrities that
appeared at WrestleMania. Cyndi Lauper served as Wendi Richter's
manager. Under Lauper's guidance, Richter went on to defeat Lelani Kai
for the Women's Championship. Billy Martin served as the guest ring
announcer in the night's main event. The late Billy Martin was most
known for his career with the New York Yankees, both as a player and
manager. Muhammad Ali served as the guest official in the night's main
event. Ali is best known for being one of the most successful
professional boxers of all-time. Liberace served as the guest time
keeper in the night's main event. The Rockettes accompanied Liberace
to ringside. Once there, the Rockettes and Liberace danced in the
middle of the ring, prior to the night's main event. Mr. T served as
Hulk Hogan's tag team partner in the night's main event. And that is
how it began......"
=
For some examples of Wrestling memorabilia items, see:
Grandstand Sports
http://www.grandstandsports.com/pages/sport12_1.htm
These true collectibles consist primarily of Autographed Posters and
Cards, which can be quite expensive.
=
Also see the Wrestling Items listed on Fameabilia
http://www.fameabilia.com/cgi-bin/store/webstore.plx?user_action=list&category=Sports%3BWrestling
=
For a different representation of collectibles plus alot of
miscellaneous items, see:
Rasslers.com
http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/bcarson/
See the collectibles portion of the site:
http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/bcarson/stuff.html
=
Do people actually pay for old wrestling action figures?
"One of the most frequent questions I receive via email or letter is,
"I bought an action figure last year. It's still on the original
blister card, what's it worth now?"
My stock reply is, "Your figure is worth whatever someone else is
willing to pay for it."
From "How collectible are your Grappling Goodies?" by Micheal O'Hara.
New Wave Wrestling. http://www.newwavewrestling.net/page2.html
See the collectible section of the site for some other items that
people collect: http://www.nbizz.com/newwavewrestling/listings.html
===============
Memorabilia can be quite valuable, especially if the sport is popular
and the collectibles are authentic. As the following article excerpt
conveys, the collectibles do not have to be "old" to be highly prized
by individuals who want to add an item to their own collection.
=
"Sports memorabilia is one area where there is little disparity of
price between the modern collectible and the antique item and the
world of football memorabilia is no exception. While antique football
programmes may attract some serious interest, so will the football
boots, shirts and shorts worn by stars from the latest season. The
general trend in football memorabilia is that prices are rising pretty
steeply. Last year, Christie?s sold a pair of David Beckham?s football
boots for £14,000 ($24,000). The result of this steep rise in the cost
of football memorabilia is that people are limited in what they can
collect. This is forcing them to specialise in certain areas like
programmes, medals or jerseys and to therefore buy from all different
periods of football history."
From "Football Memorabilia Ancient and Modern." Collector Cafe.
http://www.collectorcafe.com/article.asp?article=750
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HOW CAN E-COMMERCE BE APPLIED TO THESE TYPES OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA?
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Sports memorabilia sites are becoming very popular. The internet
provides a medium for even the smallest collector to "set up shop" and
display their wares for sale. The sites may not always be reputable
and there is great potential for fraudulent items to be sold to
unsuspecting buyers, but the websites abound in numbers.
Many websites not only supply the actual memorabilia, but also the
accessories to show them off, like display cases, card-holder books,
frames, etc.
=
A survey by Beckett reports the following statistics:
Of the people who purchase sports memorabilia online -
33.1% prefer to buy from Online Auctions (like eBay, for example)
and
24.5% prefer Fixed Price Dealer sites.
From the "Beckett Readership Survey - July 2002."
http://www.beckett.com/cdkit/aud_circ_demo/research_demos.htm#OtherSpedingHabits
WHAT TYPES OF ONLINE SITES SELL FOOTBALL AND WRESTLING MEMORABILIA?
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Online Auctions
===============
Of course, eBay is the first that comes to everyone's mind. But
sports memorabilia auction sites can be highly specialized and do a
tremendous amount of business among serious collectors.
See Hunt Auctions (Auctioneers of Baseball and Football Memorabilia)
http://www.huntauctions.com/hunt.html
Individuals may place single or entire collections on consignment to
be auctioned off. Bidders can place orders via website or telephone.
(See Current Auction link)
See Superior Auctions
http://www.superiorsports.com/auc_about.chtml
"Our mailing list consists of virtually every leading collector and
dealer in the country, all of whom are constantly looking to add to
their holdings by bidding in our auctions. In addition, our web site,
which you're reading, has opened the doors to thousands of previously
unknown potential bidders who can view each catalog in full-color and
plan their bidding strategy."
Combination Online Store and Auction Sites
==========================================
Steiner Sports Marketing & Memorabilia, Inc is a good example of a
website that offers both auctions and standard online purchases.
http://www.steinersports.com/
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Memorabilia - "Steiner Sports is the fastest growing producer of
authentic hand-signed collectibles and the best source for all your
sports gift needs."
Internet/Online Auctions - "Steinersports.com is open 24 hours a day
for all of your sports memorabilia needs. You can shop on-line for
that perfect gift or just browse the store for the latest collectible
of your favorite athletes. Steiner Sports on-line auctions are the
place to find that rare one of a kind collectible that no one else
has. There are new items to bid on every day and if you get lucky you
might just get the deal of a lifetime."
http://store.yahoo.com/sportstation-steinersports/coin.html
Offline stores with Online Representation
==========================================
Fameabilia
http://www.fameabilia.com/cgi-bin/store/webstore.plx?user_action=link&link=mainpage
Rasslers.com
http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/bcarson/
This is not to say, however, that individuals sites or larger online
enterprises are not just as reputable. One just needs to be careful
(as I have highlighted in the last section of your question)
Smalltime operations with online presence
=========================================
Many websites selling online sports memorabilia seem to be small
operations started by individuals highlighting and selling their small
collections.
JBK's Wrestling Memorabilia is an example of a newer site that started
in 2001. http://www.jbkswrestling.com/index.asp
Sports Card Sites run like Online Stock Trading!
=================================================
There is no doubt that one of the most sought-after items are sports
trading cards, of which Football cards make up a large percentage.
The Pit.com
http://www.thepit.com/
ThePit.com is an interesting example of a card trading site that even
has a moving banner of card prices and sports news running across the
bottom, similar to a stock trading Website! The website allows for "on
and after hours trading"
Following is the Press Release announcing the initial October 2000 launch:
"Beginning October 2000, thePit.com (www.thepit.com) will merge two of
America's favorite passions -- sports and stocks -- and launch the
world's first live online "sports stock market." Not a fantasy
league, thePit.com will permit users to invest in professional
athletes through actual physical commodities -- sports trading cards."
"The card industry has evolved from an adolescent hobby of the 1950's
into a largely commoditized, active, multi-billion dollar market.
thePit.com will make a market in which card prices fluctuate according
to a player's performance on the field, and sports knowledge is the
key to making money."
"Sports cards are the most actively traded collectible on Internet
auctions. The recent emergence of third party card grading services
has created the perfect commodity. thePit.com's business model states
that all commodities, whether securities, bonds, or sports trading
cards, should trade in what is universally recognized as the most
efficient forum of exchange -- the stock market."
"Members of thePit.com will be able to buy and sell the industry's
hottest sports trading cards exactly like stocks -- instantaneously,
reliably and profitably -- and at fluctuating prices set by market
forces through a single, trusted medium. Eventually, other "investment
type" collectibles will be available on thePit.com."
(Read more by clicking on the link for Press Releases)
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RISKS AND BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING ECOMMERCE TO SELL MEMORABILIA?
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BEWARE OF BUYING OR SELLING FRAUDULENT ITEMS
=============================================
There is fraud in many industries. But how can you tell if Sports
Memorabilia that you buy online is the real thing? There have been
instances where professional athletes, when confronted with their
"own" signatures, cannot tell that it has been forged. Therefore, how
is the consumer to know?
=
"Many sports fans go to online auctions or a local specialty store for
collectibles. But experts say, no matter where you go, beware...
"Consumers can and do get ripped off by forgeries," according to
Jeremy Kraft, Auction Director at Grey Flannel Auctions and
Collectibles, which verifies and auctions high-end collectibles. In
fact, more than half of all autographed sports memorabilia is fake,
according to the FBI 's San Diego Division."
The article highlights provides some helpful hints for consumers:
* Look at price - Is it realistic? If it seems to cheap it is probably
fake. Check some current sports collectable price guides
* Be wary of successful players - A red flag should go up if you see a
large amount of "newly-signed" merchandise but the season's latest
successful players.
* Make sure your item comes with certificate of authenticity
From "Fake Sports Memorabilia." (12/16/2003)
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/news/7oys/121603_7oys_sports_memorabilia_info.html
==
The FBI cracks down
--------------------
"While it is impossible to definitely estimate the percentage of
forged memorabilia, most industry experts concede that over half of
the autographed memorabilia is forged. In fact, some cooperating
subjects and memorabilia experts believe that up to ninety percent of
the memorabilia on the market is forged. Industry experts estimate
that the autographed memorabilia market in the United States is
approximately $1 billion per year. Using these estimates, forged
memorabilia comprises between $500,000,000 and $900,000,000 of the
market."
From "Crime Problem." Operation Bullpen. San Diego Press Releases (2000)
http://sandiego.fbi.gov/bullpen/crime.htm
==
Read "Richmond, Kentucky Man Sentenced for Selling Fake Sports
Memorabilia on eBay." Dept. of Justice
(Sept 20, 2002) http://www.cybercrime.gov/hammondSent.htm
===
The Online Sports memorabillia industry can provide financial and
emotional satisfaction both to buyer and seller. The love of sports
memorabilia brings buyer and seller together online in a mutually
satisfying relationship. And many buyers eventually turn into sellers
as well.
However, there are several steps that can be taken to protect both entities.
Certificates of Authenticity
=============================
From Hall of Fame Memorabilia:
"Beware of other sports memorabilia sites that do not tell you about
the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that comes with a product. The
COA is the only proof that proves the signature is real. Experts in
the sports memorabilia business say 50-80% of the items are forged,
and most of those being offered on auction sites."
http://www.halloffamememorabilia.com/
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From Grandstand Sports:
"With Grandstand Sports' Lifetime Certificate of Authenticity you can
shop with confidence and know you are getting the highest quality
autographed sports memorabilia there is. Grandstand ensures that each
signature is original and verifiable. An employee or agent of
Grandstand Sports is present at each signing. Any item we cannot
verify we do not sell. Period.
http://www.grandstandsports.com/coa.htm
==
From Fameabilia:
"Fameabilia Corporation is the largest retail gallery of authentic
autographed memorabilia in the country. With a Fameabilia Certificate
of Authenticity you can purchase with confidence. Fameabilia
Corporation guarantees that each autograph acquired is authentic
without time limit. A memorabilia specialist at Fameabilia would be
happy to explain their guarantee further upon request.
http://www.fameabilia.com/cgi-bin/store/webstore.plx?user_action=link&link=certificate
==
See Steiner Sports Authenticity guarantees:
Each collectible goes through a series of steps, outlined on the
following page, including a witness of the signature, a notarized
affidavit, and examination for quality.
"Once the hand-signed collectible has passed the steps listed above, a
Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is created for the
collectible. The collectible is then sealed and stored within our main
office and is not handled until it is delivered to a sports
collectible enthusiast.
http://www.steinersports.com/authenticity.html
Other Assurances
=================
See how Hunt Auctions assures it's customers:
"The attribute that we at Hunt Auctions, Inc. are best known for is
our reputation for honesty and integrity. In today's marketplace the
old auction adage of "Buyer Beware" has never been more appropriate as
the number of unscrupulous dealers and forgers increases daily. We
exercise great efforts to secure pieces from reputable sources
including former Major League players, estates and private
collections. In addition to the quality of our merchandise we
guarantee all our auction items as described in the catalogue unlike
most companies who place the burden on the buyer. These points are of
extreme importance for several reasons:
a) Customers purchasing high level items want to trust the auction
house without question or doubt.
b) Customers will bid with confidence on items that are not only
represented correctly but guaranteed as such.
c) Most importantly the reputation that we have earned will translate
into concrete results for you the consignor."
http://www.huntauctions.com/hunt.html (see featured services)
"Our consignors are paid within weeks and sometimes days after the
auction and we guarantee funds so as to eliminate your worry of bad
checks, false bidding, and other problematic auction situations. Our
consignment rates are all singular flat rates which include insurance
for your fine materials through The Traveler's Group, full color
photography catalogue which rates among the finest in the industry,
any necessary research to realize the maximum auction price, storage,
and other misc. costs."
http://www.huntauctions.com/hunt.html (see Consignment Info)
==
Notice what Hall of Fame Memorabilia says on their "About Us" page:
http://www.halloffamememorabilia.com/_hofaboutus.asp
"Hall Of Fame Memorabilia is rapidly becoming one of the largest
distributors of authentic sports collectibles in the United States.
Our products are licensed by the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. Our line of
sports collectibles includes items from sports heroes of today as well
as yesterday. As a Retailer/Distributor, we have access to large
quantities of inventory to meet our rapidly growing customer base.
Hall of Fame Memorabilia obtains all of it's sports memorabilia from
only the top names in autograph collecting, Mounted Memories, Steiner
Sports, and Tri-Star Productions."
Use a Grading Service Like PSA before you buy or sell sports cards
====================================================================
"We?re the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) -- the world?s
largest third-party authentication service. No more guesswork or
taking the word of one dealer over another. Now you can have your
sports cards graded by an unbiased group of the hobby?s most
experienced sports card grading experts -- and at the same time be
assured that the only interest they have in your cards is to make sure
they?re properly graded and carefully preserved. PSA?s permanent
grading standard is recognized industry-wide as the best possible form
of consumer protection. So when you see a card for sale in a holder
displaying the PSA logo, you?ll know you can buy with the confidence
that the card has been properly and professionally graded. If you want
to verify the grade of a card before you sell, have it graded by PSA
and realize its full value without leaving any money on the table."
http://www.psacard.com/about.chtml
Look for authentication from a company like WeTrak
==================================================
"WeTrak, Incorporated is a leading provider of autograph and
memorabilia security. WeTrak also provides state of the art inventory
control and asset management solutions. WeTrak's patent-pending
autograph and memorabilia security technology actually gives an item a
permanent and unique identity - via a computer chip WeTrak's software
can then add statistical data, location and ownership information for
the entire life of that item. Through our state-of-the-art wireless
technology, WeTrak is revolutionizing the collectibles industry. From
the manufacturer's inventory to the owner's home, WeTrak minimizes
loss and helps prevent fraudulent replicas from deceiving buyers and
collectors."
http://www.wetrak.com/
==
Additional Reading
====================
"Sports Memorabilia and Your Kids," by Joe Orlando. PSA News (October
24, 2000) http://www.psacard.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=2731&universeid=314
***
I hope this information helps to answer your question. If you need
further clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
umiat-ga
Search Strategy
football memorabilia
wrestling memorabilia
wrestling collectibles
success of online sports memorabilia
financial success of online sports memorabilia industry
the Pit.com
ebay.com
Steiner Sports
WeTrak |
