This is a compilation of the send-in guides written by both Broderick Martin and Joel Cooke.

If you have never participated in a send-in signing before, or are curious as to how better prepare your items, here are some tips that we put together for you use when getting your item ready.

Key Supplies to Have for a Send-In

• Post-It Note Brand Sticky Notes (Specifically the non-Super Sticky version, especially if they’re neon)
• Bold Pen to write with
• Blue (or low tack) painter’s tape - do not use other types of tape as they will either damage the item or leave residue
• Shipping Scale
• Shipping Materials (Boxes, padding, shipping bubbles, tape)
• Return Address Stamp with your name, address, and a valid email address on it. This allows for fast labeling that is repeatable and legible.
• Half-Page Shipping Labels
  
  

Key Steps to Labeling Your Items for a Send-in

Write and apply your autograph label appropriately according to these guidelines: 

• KISS (Keep It Simple, SWAU!) - that means keep the note simple and to the point, no need to write a paragraph. Basic information needed on a Post-it:
• Signer’s Name
• Any quote or character name (if you paid for it)
• Pen Color Choice
•  Arrows pointing to desired “Autograph Area”
• Be sure to write the autograph info legibly onto sticky note (see photos below), and if you want to “wall off” an area for the signer to stay in, be sure you don’t constrain them too much, to where they’re going to end up signing on part of the Post-It Note 

• Also, please do not think you can pull a fast one by sneaking in a quote/inscription/character name that you did not pay for (where applicable), the labels are checked ahead of the signing.

Apply your return info label to the back of your item(s) and Toploader or poster tube (if used): 

• We need your information tied to your item and the materials you sent in with it if you want it all to be returned to you in a timely manner.
• With either pre-printed labels or Post-It notes with added painter’s tape (you don’t need a whole piece on either side, instead, cut a piece of tape in half and use that), include the following information:
  
  
• Your Name
• Address
• Email Address
• Order # (ESPECIALLY THIS)
• Painter’s Tape should only be used on the back of an item

Do your own postage at home

• PROTIP: Buy a mailing scale, half-sheet shipping labels, and print your shipping labels from online. This will save you significant time and effort as you can schedule a pickup at your house, or just drop it off at the post office without having to wait in lines

• Weigh item on scale and use shipping website such as USPS Click N Ship, Paypal Shipping, or PirateShip to create and print shipping label
• OR: Take to Post Office and hope that the automated machine is working, or wait in line to weigh and pay for your item

•  Track your outgoing items using USPS Informed Delivery service, or another package tracking app (For iOS, check out Deliveries)

Examples for Labeling Other Items

Poster with Multiple Signers

Things to note:

• None of the Post-It Notes are touching/overlapping each other, and are not placed with the sticky portion on a signature
• Signer, ink color preference, and signature placement are all annotated

Signed Book

Things to note:

• The page to be signed is flagged with a Post-It Note for quick and easy access by the signer, and if the book is being signed by multiple people, identify each flag writing the signer’s last name on them.
• Post-It Note indicating color preference and signing location is placed in a manner that gives signer the freedom of movement while signing

Signed Cards

They’re pretty much the same when it comes to labeling photographs - Post-It Notes on the front identifying where to sign and in what color, with your name and your order number, on the back, and the top loader labeled. Make sure to label all penny sleeves, One-Touch cases, and other shipping materials you send your card in to ensure it gets back to you.

Before sending in your card, you must prep your card for signing, otherwise the signature may not stick or will not turn out that great! How do you do that and why is it important you ask? Check out our handy guide here on how to do that, as SWAU cannot be responsible for making sure that each individual card is ready to go.

Things to note:

• Prep your card(s) to be signed prior to sending in
• Put required Post-It Notes on the card
• Put your card in a penny sleeve, and then put that in an appropriately sized toploader that has your address on it
• Don’t put any tape on the card itself
• Use a small strip of painter’s tape to go over the top of the toploader, to ensure the card doesn’t slide out in transit, but do not use any other tape like masking, packing, or duct tape.
• Ship the toploader in a cardboard sandwich, to ensure proper protection.

Things to Remember Before Sending in Your Item

• Read the rules of the signing and plan ahead.
• Adhere to the deadlines for shipping and payment.
• Label your item appropriately, including where you want the item signed, and what ink color you want.
• Not all kinds of items may be taken.
• Not all pen colors will be available or be guaranteed. If you have an item signed in a unique color or requires a certain pen, ask ahead of time if it will be available, and if not, if you can send in the pen with it.
• Not all personalization/inscriptions are guaranteed unless noted otherwise.
• Do not put a quote or personalization that you did not pay for, please follow the signing rules.
• Do not go cheap on shipping. This means your packing material, item protection, and the level of shipping service.
• Before sending in the item, re-read the terms of the service.
• You are the only one who is responsible for tracking your send-in item(s), always use tracking.
• Return shipping is taken care of at checkout and will be handled by SWAU
• You will receive a shipping notification once the item has been shipped.

Enjoy your Autographs!