Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Begin your search on the computer to see if you can locate someone LOCAL who specializes in the appraisal subject matter, in this case, antiques and collectibles, or more specifically, the exact items you need appraised. If you do not locate someone locally, extend your search to statewide. You should be able to find someone with the specialty you are looking for.
Find someone who has had coursework to be an appraiser, either with the ISA or AAA. There are many people available who have knowledge in the field but have no formal training in appraisal work. They do not know the appraisal field, although they may know the specialty.
Find an appraiser in the appropriate field. "Antiques and collectibles appraiser" is a large category, and when looking for an appraiser, you probably need to find someone more specialized than just "antiques and collectibles", but if the category is a sub-category of antiques and collectibles, begin wide and narrow the scope as you search.
Get several names of possible antiques and collectibles appraisers who may be able to do the job. Check their credentials, and see how long they have been in the appraisal business, and if they seem to have expertise in the specific area you need. Do not get a furniture appraiser to value your pottery and glass; likewise, do not have the pottery and glass appraiser value the furniture unless they have credentials in that area or are willing to associate an appraiser who has knowledge in that area.
Speak with the potential specialized appraisers before you ask them to do your appraisal work. You have checked credentials online, so you already know something about them. Find out the charge, the backlog of business they have, the amount of time they estimate it will take to get your written appraisal returned to you, and if they purchase items of this type.
Do not ever accept an antiques and collectibles appraiser who wants to appraise and purchase from you. This is a conflict of interest and against the ethics provisions of the appraisal organizations. If someone tells you they will appraise and purchase the items, do not fall for this, as they appraise low and walk away with your quality antiques and collectibles.