Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know your items are real?

A: This is not only the biggest and most important question we get—it's also the one we hear most often. Assuring you that the autographs on our products are authentic is our top priority. Every autograph we offer is obtained during private signing sessions—we never, ever approach players at games, outside training facilities, or in airports. And we never purchase items from companies or individuals who do. We also don’t buy memorabilia from the public.

We photograph and film the players as they autograph the items. Each item comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA), detailing exactly where and when it was signed.

Still, we’re always exploring new ways to prove that what we offer is the real deal—and we’re committed to going above and beyond. If new methods emerge for verifying credibility, we’ll work hard to adopt them. Because authenticity means everything to us—just like it does to you.

Q: Does Icons buy autographed memorabilia from members of the public?

A: Sorry, but no. That’s because we can’t guarantee the authenticity of any item that wasn’t signed during a private signing session conducted by us or one of our trusted partners. This company policy protects our promise that every single autograph we sell is 100% genuine.

Q: Do Icons’ items come with proof of authenticity?

A: Absolutely! Every autographed item we sell comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Standard items include a COA branded with the Icons logo and verified by our CEO, Dan Jamieson. This certificate serves as proof that the autograph on your item is 100% authentic.

The COA includes all available details—such as the date the item was signed, the city where it was signed, and photo evidence of the player signing the item. If we have it, we’ll share it. Each Icons COA also features a uniquely coded hologram that matches a second hologram affixed to the item itself.

Licensed products—like our Official Messi Autographed Merchandise and official FIFA World Cup items—come with their own branded COAs. While the design and logos may differ, they serve the same purpose as our standard Icons certificates: authenticating your memorabilia with complete confidence.

Q: I have a piece of autographed memorabilia—can you tell me how much it's worth?

A: Unfortunately, we can’t. We don’t have the time or resources to validate, authenticate, or appraise autographed memorabilia. However, we’re happy to recommend our friends at Mullocks Auctions, a respected auction house based in Shropshire. You can find their contact details at mullocksauctions.co.uk.

Q: I’m organizing a charity event—could Icons donate an autographed item?

A: Icons has an exclusive charity partnership with Julia’s House, an award-winning children’s hospice based in Dorset and Wiltshire in the UK. Julia’s House is dedicated to providing comfort and care to families across those regions.

As part of our commitment to this incredible organization, we’re unable to offer donations, sponsorships, or gift vouchers to other charitable causes. We truly appreciate your understanding.

Q: Are the jerseys you sell authentic?

A: Most of the jerseys we have autographed are replicas. We purchase all our jerseys from official retailers—like Nike and Sports Direct—so while they’re not fake, they’re also not what’s often called “match-issued” jerseys.

Occasionally, we’ll have a match-issued jersey signed, but because these are much rarer, they’re priced accordingly.

Q: The autograph on this item looks a bit different from the one in the signing photo—is that normal?

A: Yes, that can happen—and here’s why. Our private signing sessions are limited in time, so we manage them carefully to make the most of the opportunity while keeping players comfortable. That means we typically take only one or two signing photos per product type.

Because players sign multiple items during a session, autographs can vary in size, shape, clarity, and even pen color. That’s completely normal.

In fact, we like to think of these small differences as another reassuring sign that each item is hand-signed—not stamped or replicated by a machine. So when comparing the autograph on your item to the one in the signing photo, consider those natural variations.

If you ever notice a major discrepancy, feel free to reach out and flag it with us. But if the difference is minor, it’s almost certainly just due to the player signing it slightly differently in the moment.

Q: These don’t look like the actual jerseys or cleats players wear in games—what’s up with that?

A: Many of the items we choose to have autographed are replicas sourced from reputable retailers. Purchasing what’s commonly known as “takedown” versions—especially when it comes to cleats—allows us to keep prices lower for our customers once the items are signed.

We have bought more premium jerseys and cleats in the past, such as those issued to players for matchday use. But we’ve found that once those higher-end items are autographed, the added cost significantly increases retail prices, which makes them less accessible to many fans.

In short, we often choose more affordable jerseys and cleats so we can offer autographed memorabilia to a broader audience. That said, we’ve heard the feedback and are actively exploring offering small quantities of higher-end items for collectors looking for something extra special.

Q: What sizes are the signed jerseys?

A: Our autographed jerseys come in a wide range of sizes, which is why we don’t list specific sizes on our website. Signed memorabilia isn’t intended to be worn—wearing a signed jersey or cleat will almost certainly damage the autograph.

However, if you’re looking for a specific size, feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team. If we have the size you want in stock, we’ll be happy to send you that particular jersey.

Q: What sizes are the signed cleats?

A: Our autographed cleats come in a wide range of sizes, which is why we don’t list individual sizes on our website. Signed memorabilia isn’t meant to be worn—after all, wearing a signed jersey or cleat will almost certainly damage the autograph.

That said, if you’re looking for a specific size, feel free to contact our Customer Support team. If we have your preferred size in stock, we’ll gladly send you that specific cleat.

Q: What sizes are the signed photos?

A: We aim to list the dimensions of all our signed photos on each product’s page. If you don’t see this information on our website, feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team—they’ll be happy to provide the exact measurements of the photo you’re interested in.

The most common photo size we offer is 16 inches wide by 12 inches high.

Q: What are ‘Fan Style’ jerseys?

A: Sometimes we aren’t able to get the exact quantity or type of jersey we want before a signing session. Hey, that’s just how it goes! There can be a number of logistical reasons for this—but we don’t let it stop us. To make sure we can still offer the best possible range, we occasionally order the name and number lettering separately, have those pieces signed, and then professionally heat-press them onto the correct jerseys afterward. We call these “Fan Style” jerseys.

And don’t worry—the heat-pressing process doesn’t affect the autograph at all. We take great care to protect the signature throughout.

Q: What is a dedication?

A: A dedication is one of the most personalized services we offer. A signed and dedicated item isn’t just autographed—it’s inscribed specifically for you. Your favorite Icon will write your name directly on the item and sign it just for you.

Of course, you can also choose to have it dedicated to someone special in your life—whether it’s a family member, a friend, a coworker, or anyone you care about. No matter who it’s for, a signed and dedicated item is one of the most personal and meaningful pieces of memorabilia you can own.

Q: I’m interested in a product that’s out of stock. When will it be available again?

A: That’s a tough one to predict. Some items come back in stock fairly quickly, while others may never return—that’s just the nature of memorabilia.

That said, our Customer Support team will usually have a good sense of whether a sold-out product is likely to be restocked. So your best bet is to reach out and ask—we’re always happy to help.

Q: Do signed balls get shipped fully inflated?

A: No, autographed soccer balls are shipped slightly deflated. You’ll need to pump them up after delivery to fully inflate them. This is because changes in air pressure during flights can damage fully inflated balls.

After testing a variety of shipping methods over the years, we’ve found that sending balls slightly deflated is the best way to keep them safe during transit.

Q: Do you use glass in your frames?

A: No, we don’t use glass in our frames. Glass is too heavy and fragile, and shipping it—especially internationally—is restricted by most couriers due to the risk of breakage.

Instead, we use perspex or acrylic, which is lightweight, durable, and offers excellent protection against damage, dust, and condensation. It also ships safely and securely, with a much lower chance of being damaged in transit.

Q: When is Icons’ next signing, and who is it with?

A: Hopefully soon! But we can’t say for sure. The world’s top sports stars have incredibly busy schedules, so we avoid making any promises about upcoming signings.

The best way to find out what’s coming up is to give our team a call. They’ll be happy to share who we’re hoping to sign with next and when we’re aiming to make it happen.

Q: Can I attend one of Icons' signing sessions?

A: Unfortunately, that’s not something we can offer at this time. The athletes we work with typically prefer to do signings in private, so they can relax and focus on the process.

In fact, some are so comfortable with how we operate that they’ve even invited us to conduct signings in their homes. That level of trust is something we value—and it’s part of what helps us deliver authentic, high-quality memorabilia.

Q: Does Icons pay the players to sign?

A: Yes, we do. In many cases, the fee we pay goes directly to the player’s chosen charities.

While we understand people are curious about the details, we’re unable to disclose exactly how much we pay the players—for a variety of reasons, including privacy and contractual agreements.

Q: I don’t see any items signed by my favorite player on your website. Will you be doing a signing with them soon?

A: There are still a few soccer players and athletes we haven’t had the chance to work with yet—but rest assured, we’re working on it!

We’re always open to hearing who you’d love to see next. Feel free to send us your suggestions on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube—we’d love to hear from you!

Q: How can I pay for my order?

A: You have several payment options. The most common is to pay online using a debit or credit card (we accept most major card types, except American Express). We also accept payment via bank transfer if that’s your preference.

Q: My order isn’t going through. What’s going on?

A: If you haven’t been charged yet, we recommend first trying a different web browser. If that doesn’t work, try using an alternative payment method. Still having trouble? Give us a call at (630) 857-9043 and our Customer Support team will be happy to help solve your concern.

Q: I’ve had to pay import/customs taxes to receive my item. What’s going on?

A: Unfortunately, import duties and customs taxes are beyond our control. These charges are set by your country’s customs authorities, and we can’t waive or reimburse them. We recommend checking an online import duty calculator before placing your order so you’re aware of any potential additional costs when purchasing from Icons.com. We ship almost all of our orders using FedEx, and they’ve put together a helpful guide on Duties and Taxes if you’d like to learn more.

Q: Do you have any discount codes or promotions?

A: Yes—we regularly run promotions, discount codes, and sales! These are always announced on our social media channels, email newsletter, and blog. So the best way to stay in the loop is to like, follow, and subscribe. We also have an ongoing Warehouse Clearance sale, where you can save up to 70% on a variety of autographed items. Please note: because we offer discounts through multiple promotional channels, we don’t provide individual discount codes via email or over the phone.

Q: Does the acrylic covering on your frames protect against direct sunlight (UV radiation)?

A: No, our current acrylic (Perspex) frame covers do not offer protection against direct sunlight. We recommend displaying your items out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading of the autograph and/or the colors of the item.

Q: Do you include hanging kits with your framed products?

A: Currently, we do not include hanging kits with our frames. Over the years, we’ve received reports of improper use that unfortunately led to damage—both to our customers’ frames and their walls.

Since we ship worldwide, it would be difficult to provide a universal hanging solution that works for all wall types and materials. Including the right screws and anchors for every situation just isn’t practical.

That said, while we don’t include hanging kits or instructions, our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Support team is always happy to offer advice on how to hang your frame safely and securely.

Q: What’s the difference between “Framed” and “Pre-Framed”?

A: Most of our items are framed after an order is placed. However, we also keep a selection of already-framed items in our warehouse—these are what we call “Pre-Framed.”

When you order a Pre-Framed item, it skips the framing process entirely, meaning we can ship it to you right away. That’s not to say our in-house framing team is slow—far from it—but Pre-Framed items allow for faster dispatch and delivery since they’re ready to go.

Q: How long will my order take to arrive?

A: We take pride in our fast dispatch and delivery times. For U.S. orders, unframed items are typically delivered within 1–3 business days, depending on the shipping option you select. We ship using FedEx Ground and FedEx 2Day® services for reliable and timely delivery.

For more details on estimated dispatch and delivery times, be sure to check out our Delivery Information page.

Q: How can I track my order?

A: Once your order is placed and confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please note that this initial email won’t include tracking or shipping details.

Tracking information will be sent separately as soon as your item has been dispatched and is on its way. If, for any reason, you don’t receive your tracking details, just reach out to our Customer Support team—they’ll be happy to help.

Q: How much will shipping cost?

A: Shipping costs vary based on your location and the items you're ordering. For example, framed items typically cost more to ship than unframed ones due to their size and packaging.

To get an estimate, click the “Add to Cart” button for the items you want to purchase. Once you’ve added everything to your cart and proceed to the Shopping Cart page, you’ll receive a live rate calculation from your selected shipping carrier as you enter your delivery details.

Q: My item arrived damaged—what should I do?

A: Let us know as soon as possible. Our professional dispatch team takes great care to ensure every item leaves our facility in perfect condition. All framed items are shipped in specially designed, recyclable protective packaging using thick, reinforced cardboard boxes that are securely sealed.

That said, we understand that damage can sometimes occur during transit. If your item arrives damaged, please contact us right away and let us know which item was affected. If possible, include a few photos of the damage so we can assess the situation.

If applicable, we’ll arrange for a replacement to be sent out as soon as possible.

Q: Does Icons have a retail store I can visit?

A: Unfortunately, we don’t have a physical retail store — at least not yet! Maybe one day... In the meantime, you can find our products in select stores around the world, including Classic Football Shirts in London. But for now, the dream of an Icons.com Superstore is still on our to-do list.

Q: Where is Icons HQ located?

A: Our global headquarters is based in Christchurch, Dorset, in the United Kingdom, and we also have a long-standing office in central London. For customers in America, we operate under Icons Authentics USA, located at: 300 East 5th Avenue, Suite 465, Naperville, IL 60563, USA.

Q: What are your opening hours?

A: Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Central Time). We’re closed on weekends. During the holiday season, we typically post special hours on our official blog at news.icons.com.

Q: Can I work in partnership with Icons?

A: Absolutely! Icons partners with individuals and companies from around the world, and we’re always open to building new relationships. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to our VP of US Market Development, Scott Hutchison, at scott@icons.com. He’s a great guy — you’ll enjoy working with him!

Q: Who are A1 Sporting Memorabilia, and are they related to Icons?

A: Yes—they’re part of the family! A1 Sporting Memorabilia is the sister brand of Icons and operates under our parent company, Icons Shop Ltd. We acquired A1 in the summer of 2015, and the two brands have been working together in perfect harmony ever since.

Q: Why isn’t Icons a member of UACC or similar organizations?

A: Organizations like the UACC require companies to pay a membership fee, but they don’t actually vet how those companies operate or source their products. We don’t have anything against these organizations—but just having a logo or stamp on a website doesn’t necessarily mean much. From our perspective, long-standing partnerships with legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, producing high-quality signing footage, holding a FIFA license, and being the first-ever memorabilia company to work officially with UEFA offer far more meaningful proof of credibility and trust.