Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Find out what you have, but don't buy $200 worth of books to research an item that may bring only $100. Price guides and printed estimates of value are just guidelines. What someone's willing to pay dictates the real worth of an item, and for that you need an expert in the field.
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Appraisers." Often they will include their specialty in the listing. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).
Look for groups like the American Society of Appraisers and the International Society of Appraisers, which are self-governing organizations that provide consumers with information.
Show the item in its original condition. If you refinish furniture or polish your coin collection, you might actually diminish the item's value. (See How to Buy Antique Furniture and How to Buy Coins.)
Find out what a written appraisal is likely to cost before you give the OK. An appraiser's research time can add up quickly.
Try to get a free verbal appraisal as part of an antique show or exhibit. You can also ask an antique dealer to give you an idea what your piece may be worth.
Find an online appraiser. The drawback here, of course, is that the appraiser isn't in the same room with the item.
Beware of the appraiser who offers to buy your item after appraising it, especially if you've never conducted business together before. Unscrupulous people may lowball your estimate to get a better deal.