1. Players will often sign multiple items. I sent my first card out to be signed in 1992. It took me ten years to find out that it’s okay to send more than one. Of course, sending ten would be frowned upon by any reasonable person.

2. It never hurts to ask a player a question, they may even write a response back.

3. It never hurts to make requests, as long as they’re reasonable. A certain color marker/pen, certain inscriptions, most will be quite accommodating. Asking for a game-used jersey might be a bit much.

4. Do your homework. Just because you have a player’s address doesn’t mean he’ll sign through it. Ten minutes of research is worth it. Likewise, don’t be afraid to take a chance. Just because a guy hasn’t signed doesn’t mean he won’t. But if others have tried and failed, discretion is the better part of valor.

I’m sure I could come up with more, but that’s a decent start.