Government Grants for All

Ask tough questions; get substantive answers

As we enter another election cycle, I encourage every voter to listen carefully to the candidates and whenever possible, ask the hard questions.

Island Packet: Letters to the Editor

Tags: Answers, Questions, substantive, Tough

Six Tough Questions to ask Lenders before Committing to a Low Rate Personal Loan – Don’t Make Fatal Mistakes

Are you interested in how to get a low rate personal loan the right way by asking the right questions?

Banks, financial investors, and other lending institutions including those found on the internet are the available opportunities. To avoid confusion as regards who to do business with, it is important you need to ask potential lenders some questions before making any type of commitment.

It is your right as a customer to ask lenders questions and do not do business with any of them that is not ready to answer your questions in detail. Beware of lenders who avoid direct answers to questions in a bid to rush you through the loan application process. These are bad indicators that something is wrong. Quality lenders who have nothing to hide will be ready, willing and happy to answer to your requests.

Many times, a lot of customers are not willing to ask questions out of fear that the lender will look down on them. This should not be so. As a consumer, always prepare yourself with the right information that will help you make better decisions.

Firstly, know the total amount to be offered for low rate personal loan will help you know if the lender will be able to meet your needs or not based on the amount of money you are looking for. Secondly, ask about your personal loan terms so as to know if the payment is going to fit your monthly budget.

Thirdly, ask the lender about the required verifications you will need to provide and how soon the loan will be available once they can have a decision after you have provided all the necessary documentation. Though the documents for verification vary, you should include ID, income, tax returns, and a completed loan application.

Fourthly, try and know the rate to be paid on the loan. If the personal loan lender is offering a rate that is lower than the competition, he will push the rate at you. However, you need to ask exactly how much the loan is going to cost you. Try as much as possible to get an itemization of all fees of the loan from the lender so that you can compare the information with that of other lenders.

Also, ask if there is provision for prepayment or not as this can make it possible to pay the loan off early so as to save on interest to be paid over the life of the loan. If prepayment penalties are part of the low rate personal loan offer, then it is not advisable to work with a lender that requires prepayment penalties as part of the loan offer, if you plan to pay off the loan before it matures.

In conclusion, inquire from the lender about how he will be using and securing your personal information. Though most lenders will use encryption and a firewall for their computer storage of your personal information, ask about it anyway. Make sure you are guaranteed that your name and personal information will not be sold to other solicitors so as to avoid unwarranted telemarketing calls and e-mails.

Though asking questions from potential lenders before making a commitment to a personal loan takes time and effort, it is worth it in the long run.  It is important that consumers arm themselves with the best possible information as this is the only way to make important decisions on financial issues in order to avoid learning the hard way.

Tags: Before, Committing, Don't, Fatal, Lenders, Loan, Mistakes, Personal, Questions, Rate, Tough

Prime Minister’s Questions

info4local Subject Documents

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Small Business Grants – Question 4 Of The Top 20 Questions Re Obtaining Government Grants

www.innoventum.com The USGovernment awards 0 BILLION Dollars each year in the form of government grants. In this series, Attorneys Jynell Berkshire and Denise Gosnell walk you through the steps Jynell has used to obtain a hundred million dollars in grant funding for her clients over the past 15 years. Anyone planning to apply for Small Business Grants, Grants for Minorities, and/or Women should watch this series. Question 4 discusses: Where Can I Go to Obtain Grant Information?

Tags: Business, Government, Grants, Obtaining, Question, Questions, Small

Construction Loans: Questions and Answers

It would seem that construction activity is still fairly high based upon the number of calls that I get from people about construction loans. There are a lot of calls from people just getting started, as well as from a number of seasoned “construction veterans.” In a large number of those calls, I hear some common questions. So I thought that I’d answer a few of them here.

Q: How do construction loans work?

A: In general, just like every other loan. You sign loan documents and money is funded into escrow. In the case of a construction loan, only a portion of the total loan is released. The balance is released either in preset “stages” or as workers complete portions of the project according to a budget. The former is called a “draw” system and the latter is called a “voucher” system.

Q: How are the payments calculated and who makes them?”

A: Commercial loans have the added security of an income producing property providing the funds to pay the loan payments. For residential loans, it’s the borrower’s income. When a property is being built, there is no secondary source of repayment so the burden of payment would normally fall to the borrower. But lenders didn’t want borrowers to use up all of their funds in case something went wrong with the project, so they created “interest reserves.” This is a chunk of money set aside in the loan to do nothing but make the loan payments during the construction process. The payment is based upon how much money has actually been used or “drawn” at the time the payment is due. This is not the case for private money lenders. They calculate interest on the entire amount of the loan from the initial funding date.

Q: What’s a contingency reserve?

A: This is another chunk of money set aside in the loan to protect you against cost overruns. Since it can take a year or more to complete a project, the prices used to estimate the construction budget become less accurate as time marches on. The contingency reserve is released a little bit at a time during the construction process to cover inevitable price increases.

Q: How do you calculate the maximum construction loan?

A: The maximum construction loan is based upon many factors: Property type, stabilized value at completion, total costs, and equity invested to name a few of the key concerns. For any given property type, there is usually a maximum “loan to costs” and a maximum “loan to value.” The key is this: The largest permanent loan for which the property can qualify, assuming it is built and fully occupied or valued, will limit the construction loan. This is because the construction lender wants to be paid off at the end of construction and the way to do that is with a permanent loan. This does not mean that if the permanent loan exceeds the total costs of the project that you can get 100% construction financing. Just about every lender is going to look for 10% to 20% of the total costs to be funded by equity or cash from the borrower.

I hope that these few examples clarify some of the questions that you might have concerning construction lending. I’ll cover more here in the future. If you should have a question that wasn’t covered, email me at your convenience and I’ll do my best to give you a complete answer.

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Small business SBA questions and answers

Anyone ever go and get a loan from the SBA (Small Business Administration)?
How was it? I’m passage a cookie kiosk at my local mall & I’m sure I’ll fall up falling back on the SBA (Small Business Administration).

Have any contractors go through the SBA to grasp bonds?
I own a construction company in raleigh nc, and be wondering if someone who has already deal with the aspect could point me contained by the right direction

Help next to SBA loans?
I need to capture a loan to stay in business. I’ve be in business for 2 1/2 years and I necessitate to hire additional staff and inject some marketing $ $ s into the business to get going growth and profitability. I was told however, that because…

SBA Loan, Grant?
I want to start a home business in Medical Billing from this company call ClaimTek Services. But I want to take a loan from SBA. I know that I enjoy to write a business plan but I don’t know how to start. I never have a business or…

What desires to be included surrounded by a business plan?
You can see some great examples and get tips on how to write your own through SBA or your local SCORE chapter. http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/… http://www.score.org/business_toolbox.ht… http://www.entrepreneur.com/interstitial… BEST WISHES!

What happen to adjectives the forfeit programs for women and minorities?
There used to be tons of them. Now adjectives the SBA/SBDC wishes to do is push microloans, but solely to okay qualified borrowers. What give? Please, merely definite answers, no racest b.s. or bash.

What is the best business plan software to use?
My husband and I are creating our business plan and we want to know what is the best software for us to use? Other than the SBA and SCORE, what are some practical tools we can use to build our business…

What’s the average size small business loan? More than 000?
According to the White House the average SBA loan size is 2,000 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore… For the microloans, the average loan size is ,000 http://www.sba.gov/services/financialass…

Can anyone make clear to me an undemanding SBA lender surrounded by the San Antonio, TX nouns?
I recently get turned down for an SBA loan of 6K from a bank to start a franchise. The basis why I got turned down for the loan be because I have no…

Do I inevitability to attend a small business session to open out a coffee shop?
It would be to your advantage to filch a session or many sessions. Many businesses founder in the first year. SBA classes or sessions will increase your likelihood for success. Below are various ways the…

do liens on material estated enter by the SBA (small business administration) hold to be periodically renewed?
a lien was enter on my house due to a business failure within 1986 and nothing more have been hear

Does a business loan be in motion on a personal credit report?
On any type of business financing, if I were to whip out a loan in my describe for the business (whether an aqusition loan or SBA or whatever) would it go on my credit report? This is assuming…

Does anyone know a lender or investor that can help out me next to a start up loan beside no resources and impossible credit?
I do have my business plan. I get help beside it from a member of SCORE from the SBA. I am trying to build a restaurant. Yes…

How can I go and get a business loan/grant short solid credit?
Without solid credit, you can only take a business loan from your parents, family and friends, and yes, those loan sharks. Banks will not lend money to you and even SBA will not approve you It is…

How do you start a minority owned business? Do you entail a consultant?
I’d like to start a minority owned business. Is it the right footprints to hire a consultant to help beside all of the applications? Or does the SBA minister to you for free? Thanks!

How much money do I inevitability to break open a sports bar/tavern?
I’m just curious as to how much money I should borrow via an SBA/small business loan and how much out of my own pocket is required to in safe hands the loan.

How to start a business in need any hypothesis?
Google the SBA, Small Business Administration. They will provide all of the backing you need.

I own a great impression for a small business but entail funding any concept?
I have tried the SBA, allow info. loans. I have run out of ideas, someone please assistance.

I want to start a clothing retail store within Dallas, TX. What do I want to start? Are near any grant…?
Are there any grant that can aid me in building this business? Do alike clothing companies distribute the apparel, or somebody else? How can the SBA help me out. I’m…

I want to start a sports car electronics and addition store online. will someone nouns my company?
Prepare a good business plan and pop in yout bank. The SBA can abet you prepare a business plan and identify financing sources.

I want to start my own business. Any accepted wisdom where on earth can I find grant. Single parent and displaced worker.?
Already contacted SBA and already have too heaps useless books.

I want to start my own good looks supply store, but i necessitate money to acquire started: What should i do?
Contact the SBA and inquire about getting a small business loan. The process is frustrating and bureaucratic, but contained by the end you might close up with ample…

If I enjoy an SBA loan to start up a business, would it be considered personal debt if I applied for a mortgage
The company would be an S corporation so business and personal go on equal tax return. Since I haven’t chock-a-block one out yet I don’t know if…

If I get a loan (Not SBA) and settle up 9.5% interest within Texas, can I refinance near SBA for lower interest?
Am I able to refinance through a SBA lender and squirrel away with significantly lower interest rate for my small business?

I’m a minority disabled Vet pipe a small company, how can I 8a Disabled vet minority owned biz status?
I have tried contacting the SBA but can’t find any public servant documents that states the steps to 8a Disabled vet minority owned biz status? I don’t know what past observation I…

I’m trying to buy a business, I’m thinking in the order of an SBA loan, can anyone contribute me righteous and doomed to failure information?
What are the best resources? Are there better option than an SBA?

In command to grasp SBA loan to buy an established business,What documents do you have need of to show wall?
I have found this business which I’m immensely much intersted in. I enjoy never bought/sold any business before.I own more than 4 years of experience in this business. I work for…

Is at hand anywhere I can turn online to go and get pre-qualified for an SBA (Small Business Association) loan? Thanks.?
I am considering starting a small business and want to go ahead and win prequalified for an SBA loan. Can anyone offer a network site or further info?

Is it complicated to find a goverment allow? Also, if you bring one…is that the merely one you can go and get?
You stand a greater chance of getting a government-guaranteed loan through the Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/financing than a system grant. Read the SBA Financing page…

Little money. Not so apposite credit. Want to start a business. Where do I start looking for lend a hand?
I know I can go to the SBA. But would they consider helping me considering I’ve get not so good credit? I know the type of business I want to start…

More small business SBA questions please visit : Small-business-FAQ.com

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Small Business Questions & Answers

More Small Business questions please visit : Small-business-FAQ.com

Organising my business…?
Hi, I’m 16 and I decided that since I inevitability some extra money for uni/ pets etc. I will start a small business on the internet selling greeting cards/ note dissertation using designs I have drawn/ photographed. I’m planning on have a freewebs site to advertise the…

Payroll checks beside quickbooks?
My husband and I own a small business. We have our checks issued by PAYCHEX’S but we are planning to dissolve that because I was told that I could issue checks myself near Quick Books. How do I get started? What would I…

Phone Deduction Small Business?
I live overseas and run a small business from my home (military no rent). I have a voice over internet system that I use for both personal and business call. Since it is a flat rate can I estimate the business use and claim that as a…

Photography within las vegas, where on earth to start?
i am considering starting a small business (photography) just wondering where on earth, what i need (paperwork from state,city, legalized forms) to make it legit. Do i obligation to consult with hotelier regarding traffic in/out going. I hold done this…

Please give a hand me christen my business? Modest clothing?
I am starting a small business, providing in vogue and modest dresses for infantile women. I want to convey within my first name that these dresses are exquisite, exceptional, nonetheless still modest and desirable. Can anyone lend a hand me?

Please share me a reputible Health insuarance company for a small business owner?
My father is the most paranoid non-trusting human being surrounded by the world, but I love him dearly, and am trying to find an health insurance company. I tried Cinergy but he said someone told him it be…

Question for small business owners?
Have you ever been stuck within a situation that you need money and no clients? Did you furnish up and get a living?

Question for small business owners?
My partner has his own business and works on his own but he is not managing his free time in good health. He is on an on-call basis and tries to fit clients around one another whilst race across the city. He is doing really well…

Questions roughly starting small business selling plants from home.?
I enjoy grown these plants from home from seed and division. What do I want to do past I start selling. Do I obligation a commercial/resale license. What other types of license. Do I own to repay within social…

Re: Merchant Solutions Processing fees.?
In the small business plans, is the transaction fees base on sale price of item or are the transaction fees base on the total including freight and shippin and handling?? Respectfully, bargainsbybrooks(a)YAH00.com 205-613-3998

Really small business thinking?
I want to start a business that is really small. Really small medium like lone 0.00. Something like making jewelry or knit. Something along the lines like that. *It doesn’t enjoy to be fashion.

Recommendations for Internet Forums for Small Business Forums and Entrepreneurs?
I am looking for a list of internet forums / discussion groups for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Is anyone here habituated with any popular sites? Thanks!

Renting out a boardroom surrounded by Brampton Ontario for workshops?
Hi all, I’m starting up my small business and I be wondering how I would go roughly speaking finding a boardroom type of room to rent out? How would be the best way to be in motion about doing this?…

Salaried hand wishes extra pay packet for other week within month of August?
We own a small business and hold an bureau assistant that be previously compensated on an hourly reason. We lately switched her money to Salary and asked me what happen when nearby is an extra week contained…

Seller’s Permit?
I have a small business. I didn’t charge a customer charge because she said she was gonna come wager on and bring her sellers area monopoly. She had already rewarded the bill that day. It’s be a like 2 weeks, and she still hasn’t given me her seller…

Setting up a small business?…?
If i want to open a business, base on the delivery of varied products, being kfc, mcdonalds, anything else for Dutch auction in local assignment area, nappies, lollies etc… do i enjoy to get kfc’s etc go-ahead to deliver their products, or can i just save…

Shipping next to a UPS description??
Okay, I own a small business and I have a customer ask me to ship something to him overnight near UPS. He asked me to use his shipping tale near UPS. I enjoy never done this past. Can someone explain what the integral UPS picture…

Should I develop my belief as a non-profit or as a small business?
I originally have this theory for a Non-Profit firm that deal specifically near background. I won’t endow with out the details of it, but it be something that would be provided for, unquestionably, of no charge and something…

Should I fire my member of staff?
I am a small business owner I have two retail stores one of my workers is great I connote GREAT at sales but he is not dependable! I enjoy fired him in days gone by and then tolerate him come back after he beg…

Should one who’s trying to plug his small business try to unite as abundant Chambers of Commerce as he can
Or should he just try to join up the one that’s in his neighborhood?

Small business funding in Connecticut?
Does anyone enjoy any education around starting a small business in CT, specifically, a place that might trade together foods or organics, and (hopefully) be owned by a woman (me)? I’m looking for ways to incline funds, or grant, or something along those lines. …

Small Business Ideas?
I’ve wanted to start a small business for a while, but I don’t know what to do. I close to: Cats Organizing Personal Assistant Interior Design Fashion(kind of) Creating Art(paintings, video taping, photography) Food

Small business LLC single and multiple owners.?
If I were to start a small business as a single owner LLC, can an extramural owner be added in the adjectives?

Small business loan of £3000?
I intend to buy baking equipment and set up a stall in a flea market and trade..I calcualted all my start up costs which are below just below lb3000, now I dont really want to steal out normal loan, but a small business loan because of…

Small Business Loan responsibility grill?
If I have instinctively signed a small business loan and I sell the business that the loan is for, am I still responsible for the loan if the buyer default or goes into liquidation?

Small Business Loans and/or Grants for Minorities?
I am a Filipino (hopefully looking for answers from any other filipino experianced here matter) looking to any come by a small business loan, state, establishment, or privatized funded allow, or other acquirable wherewithal to buy into a small business explicitly essentially a franchise….

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Small Business Questions & Answers

My husband have a Small Business. We want to hold a Grand Opening. Need Help.?
My husband and I would like to own a Grand Opening for our business but I do not know where to start. I thought possibly offering hotdogs and a coke for the customers…

Need Idea To Start a Small Business?
hi , im an indian and my friend from hungary and we both want to start a smalll business and we both are not rich. . what whould be the best business. . . please help us if you interest consequently email…

Planning a Small Business. 3 Way Partnership. Income division plans?
I am currently in the impulsive planning stages of opening a tape studio. One guy has the skills and resume, one guy have the property and I have the money. What would be a appropriate way of splitting up the income?

Rephrase. I’m military, overseas. My billing address is my duty location. What do I use for billing.?
I’m attempting to purchase Web Hosting Service from Yahoo! Small Business and I’m unable to because here isn’t an APO option for military/DoD personnel. Please provide any info to sustain out.

sep for Small Business?
OK, a question something like sep ira. My girlfriend does some law work on the side. She spoke to her accountant. he say she can get a sep. even though she does not hold a small business. or is incorporated. or anything. is this correct?…

sep for Small Business?
OK, a question something like sep. My girlfriend does some law work on the side. She spoke to her accountant. he say she can get a sep. even though she does not hold a small business. or is incorporated. or anything….

Sex/Small Business Conflict?
My fiance just started a full-time post and runs a business at home. Just as he started his full-time job, his clients adjectives came at once thru his home business. He’s busy! We argued this: I voice , the benefit of having your own business is U trademark…

South African Based Small Business Entrepreneur?
I am a South African small business entrepreneur who needs to pile it on globally minus having to settle. Is it possible? is this site international? Please advise

Starting a Small Business contained by Florida?
I’m in the process of starting up my own clothing company within Florida. I will purchase blank apparel, print my designs on them, and resell them to stores or boutiques. What do I need to do to register my business, apply for taxes, and…

Starting a Small Business near a friend…?
We need philosophy for a business. One idea is to create a publishing company. Business cards, banner, news packages, ect ect. Does anyone have any other design?

VA Small Business Loan?
My boss is getting ready to close shop … I want to and stipulation to keep it start on … only chance . VA loan … where do I shift what website , etc etc or what office contained by my area … no clue here …

What do I involve to do to start an online business?
I want to start an online business providing document services and printing needs to small businesses. I know who I want to host my website (Yahoo! Small Business works the best for me and is affordable) and I can…

What is a fitting means of access to bring my business past its sell-by date the ground?
I am working full time (which I hate) and I am a Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship major at Thomas Edison State College. I am attempting to start my own business from home making inventive photo…

What would I obligation to find a Small Business Loan?
What do banks usually ask for? My credit is faily unmarked, does this matter?

Where can I find souk research that will support me want what business to start?
Is my local chamber of commerce a good start? What going on for the Small Business Association?

Party Plan Small Business Investor for Inventory?
So, I work as a distributor for a part plan company call Pure Romance. This is a great business, but it is hard to start next to very little stock. It is better to own a large inventory to go from. It saves surrounded…

Promotional Ideas for Small Business?
I’ve been running my own jewelry business for a couple of years. It’s first and foremost a side hobby thing that I do – it incontestably doesn’t make ample money to constitute a second job, though we do party and craft shows. People like our products,…

Why is my SBA loan taking so long to be approved?
I submitted my loan application to the Small Business Administration one month ago and I still have to answer on approval. Apparently the application is still surrounded by underwriting. How long does this process lug!?

Why plentiful accounting software do not include labour lay down?
I found that many accounting system do not include confinement order. These such as Quickbooks, MYOB, Microsoft’s Small Business Accounting, etc. They single offer Quote, Sales Order and Invoice, but transport order is missing. How we could invoice customer minus a…

Yahoo! Small Business Question? Really inevitability some comfort here!?
What is the difference between webhosting and e-commerce. I’m so confused it’s unreal! How much does it all cost? Do I compensate the webhosting fee and the ecommerce duty?? HELP!?!?!

Are in attendance actual legal small business loans out in that that are offered?
I see plentifully of advertisement for Small Business loans. But are here any out near that are inwardly conquer of obtain?

Are server-side includes (SSI) available for Yahoo Small Business Hosting accounts?
I don’t want to use SiteBuilder to build my site inwardly Yahoo Small Business Hosting and entail to know if I can use my own pattern site template that includes server side include technology (SSI) for such items as a…

Australia Small Business?
hi there, im currently working to liberate for a deposit or base for a small business loan, does anyone know the cost of setting up a small gamestore/comicbook style store so i can look into loan amounts. i dont have need of to buy into a franchise, so…

Best site for Small Business Grants for women?
I hold a small business, in business (barely) for a year, and obligation to get hold of info into best site for information on small business grant? I appreciate any information or suggestion you own. I am trying to save…

Do I have need of an IT Tech or a IS Tech? I inevitability relief setting up my organization near the right technology for business.?
I am starting up a Small Business online, someone told me the best thing to do is to use a web-based Server (example of a web-based…

Does anyone know how to make Joanna L. Krotz/Muse2Muse within NY,NY— I read a Letter in the region of a sale letter/?
I read a letter she wrote for Microsoft Small Business Center–I’d resembling to read more of her articles–I own an internet business that wishes HELP…She works for Muse2MuseProductions within…

Help near Yahoo Small Business Web hosting?
Does anyone use Yahoo Small Business? What are the Pros and Cons of it?

How Marketing Research involve surrounded by any Small Business and Nonprofit Organizations?
Marketing Research in Small Business and Nonprofit Organizations Marketing research does not solely occur within huge corporations with plentiful employees and a massive budget. Marketing information can be derived by observing the environment of their location and the…

I call for a Small Business Checking Account, that requires a low minimum symmetry?
I enjoy my own small business, and would resembling to plain a checking tale specifically for the business. However, it seem similar to most bank require a ton of money be kept contained by nearby as…

I necessitate to find a IT Consultant to give a hand me set up my Small Business? Where can I find a honourable one for well brought-up price
I am in the process of first performance an Online Business and I need a IT Professional (something close to what Geek Squad…

More small business questions please visit : Small-business-FAQ.com

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Questions And Answers Feb 16

Questions And Answers Feb 16
1. Hon PHIL GOFF (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister : Does he stand by his statement in respect of the payment of a dividend by a State-owned enterprise that the Government expected to receive a return from them because “if we don’t, how do we pay for our doctors and hospitals and the likes”?
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Press Conference by the President
Release Time:  For Immediate Release Location:  South Court Auditorium 10:59 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  Please have a seat.  I figured that I’d give Jay one more taste of freedom — (laughter) — before we lock him in a room with all of you, so I’m here to do a little downfield blocking for him.  Before I take a few questions, let me say a few words about the budget we …
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Autograph Collecting: Questions and Answers

Autograph Collecting: Questions and Answers

Obtaining autographs from celebrities requires patience and a little luck. As well, purchasing autographs online requires knowledge of the hobby.

Question: I want to start sending requests to celebrities for autographs, what should I include in the letter?

Answer: When writing a letter to a celebrity, it is advisable to write no more than one page. Although celebrities may be thrilled that you appreciate their work, or liked their acting in a certain TV show or movie, they simply do not have enough time to read multi-page letters from fans. Also, when writing to a celebrity, try to include some specific references to their work that you particularly enjoy. Be very specific in your descriptions. Mention character names that they have played and movies in which they have starred or appeared. This makes a much better impression than just simply saying… “I enjoy all your movies. Send me an autograph”. Be courteous and respectful. My experience has been that celebrities are truly impressed with kind treatment from their fans and they usually reward it.

Question: I’m a beginner when it comes to autograph collecting. What type of autographs should I purchase?

Answer: Buy autographs that capture your interest. Don’t purchase items presented as “investments” or sold through pressure. Learn as much as possible the language of autograph collecting. The more you study, the easier it will be for you to determine what items are authentic and which items to purchase. Use common sense when buying a signed piece. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase autographed items from reputable dealers, who will help you avoid risks and problems. Most dealers offer a certificate of authenticity, which is only as good as the reputation of the dealer. If the dealer cannot tell you when and where the item was signed or how it was obtained, go elsewhere.

Question: How do you determine the price or value of your autographs?

Answer: Several factors go into determining the price of an autographed item. The content of the photo (is this person known for his/her role shown in photo) and how difficult it is to obtain the autograph. Condition and market are also factors considered in pricing. Demand also has to be considered, especially if the celebrity has become more popular and the demand has increased suddenly. Examples recently include celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Hilary Duff, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom and Bruce Springsteen. Each has either had a very successful film, tour or CD. Here is a breakdown for determining value.

1) Who has signed the autograph? The key words here are “demand” and “scarcity.” If a particular person’s autograph is in high demand and it happens to be a scarce autograph, then you can expect it to have good value. This is why an autograph of Marilyn Monroe sells for over several thousands of dollars. She remains popular and her signature is in great demand. Her autographs are scarce when compared to those of entertainers George Burns, Jimmy Stewart or Joan Crawford, all of whom were around many decades longer to sign autographs for fans.

2) What item has been signed? A simple signature on an album page, menu, airline ticket or piece of paper is normally worth less than a signed document, signed photo, typed or handwritten letter. This is because it is the most common type of autograph. All things being equal, a handwritten signed letter demands a premium since not only does it have a name signed at the end but may also reveal something interesting, historical, or personal about the writer. Thus, you’re getting more than just a name signed on paper.

3) Is the signature in ink, pencil or otherwise? Ink is worth more than pencil. Pencil can fade over time and usually isn’t as dark and bold as a nice ink signature. Many collectors prefer and will pay more for ink signatures. But don’t take this to mean pencil signatures don’t have value. The great Apache Indian chief Geronimo signed pencil autographs at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Today those pencil signatures on small cards can sell for at least $5,000. Today, most collectors prefer that photos and non-flat items be signed in sharpie or paint pen.

4) What is the condition of the autograph? Any damage to the autograph, photo or paper will lower value. Smears, stains, creases, smudges, fading, tears, holes or other damage will always drop the value of an autograph. To get top dollar and maximum value autographs must be in excellent condition.

There are several other small variables that can come into play when attempting to place a value on an autograph, but these four important questions are regarded as the most basic factors that determine an autograph’s value.

These are just a few of the questions we receive from autograph collectors. If you have a question

Tags: Answers, Autograph, Collecting, Questions