| You can visit any antique store dealer to inquire | | | | someone who cannot actually feel and touch the |
| about getting an appraisal. Some dealers are certified | | | | item. Pictures can be misleading, and anyone who tells |
| to give appraisals, and some are not. Just because | | | | you they can get an accurate valuation online should |
| someone sells antiques does not make them an | | | | be approached with caution. |
| expert at applying value. If your antique store dealer | | | | A real life and first hand appraisal done by a reliable |
| is not an appraiser, get some references. You should | | | | professional should be your first choice in getting |
| be able to get a few to work with. | | | | your antique valued. What is important to do when |
| An antique appraisal is the process of putting a | | | | you get an appraisal in person is not to reveal your |
| valuation on an antique. People are often surprised | | | | intentions with the item. Whether you are planning on |
| when items that have been passed down from | | | | selling or not, just say you want to get an opinion, as |
| generation over generation are taken to an antique | | | | a less then truthful appraiser may low ball the value if |
| store dealer and gotten an appraisal. | | | | they want to buy it and then mark it up. |
| When you get ready to have something you feel is | | | | Make sure you work with an appraiser that has |
| an antique, there are things you need to know | | | | experience in the specific type of antique you have. |
| before you go see an appraiser. The first thing is | | | | Don't have a rug expert give you an opinion on a |
| basic. Whether you are going to have something | | | | Chinese vase! That is unless he is an expert in both. |
| valued online or in a brick and mortar store, you need | | | | One resource you can take advantage of is your |
| to check the references of the company that is | | | | local museum or art center. Many times, these |
| going to do the appraisal. A few questions to ask: | | | | experts deal with periods, and they can tell you more |
| How long they have been in business? Do they have | | | | about the item, and give you a point of reference so |
| references you can call? How do you feel in general | | | | that when you do speak with an appraiser, you have |
| when speaking with them? Are they affiliated with | | | | your own set of information to compare with. |
| any antique organizations? | | | | Costs for getting an appraisal can vary widely, so |
| Buying online antiques is one thing, but having an | | | | make sure you do your homework by calling around |
| appraisal done online may not be the best option. | | | | and getting different quotes. Make sure you are clear |
| The reasons are many, but the biggest is there is | | | | up front with the appraiser what it is you are looking |
| really no way you can get a real opinion from | | | | for and what services you are needing. |