FAQ

What is the advantage of an online appraisal? An online appraisal can be done from the convenience of your own home 24 hours a day. You will not have to bear the inconvenience of transporting your valuables and risk breakage or damage in the process.

General requests for item specific information or values. To properly handle your request you must complete the Appraisal Request form on our website. This is the manner in which all appraisals and information inquiries are processed and forwarded to the appropriate appraiser. All network members are off-site, fee-based appraisers. We therefore regret that we are unable to answer requests for free information about objects, and we cannot give preliminary assessments of whether your property is "worth appraising".

What is the fee for an online appraisal? Your investment is $35 per item for an online appraisal, but matching items part of the same set will be considered as one appraisal.

I do not own a digital camera or scanner. How do I supply images? If you have absolutely no way of uploading images you may mail your photos to us and we will scan and upload them for you. Indicate this intent while completing your appraisal request along with a separate e-mail expressing your intent. Visit our Help Topics for mailing instructions and other details related to image submission.

I do not have access to any kind of camera. You will find that you can get reasonably good images from a 35 mm disposable camera which can be purchased at most drugstores. You can then send them to us after you process your appraisal request, and we will scan and upload them for you.

Turnaround time. The turnaround time for an appraisal is anywhere from one day to one week from the time the appraiser has all information and images required to prepare the report. This is a function of the research required for the property. If you have not received your report after one week, contact us and we will request a status report from the appraiser on your behalf.

How do I receive my appraisal report? You will receive an e-mail of your report which will also include a web link to view the report directly online. You may also link your online report to your item when listing it on your favorite online auction site.

What is the difference between an appraisal, evaluation and authentication? An appraisal is defined as the process of developing a written opinion of value. It is composed of a monetary and/or non-monetary component. The process of determining the non-monetary qualities of property that contribute to value is an evaluation. An appraisal also includes the process of identification which is defined as the scientific determination of quantitative or intrinsic elements. Expanding the process of identification is the process of authentication which is defined as the scholarly determination of qualitative or extrinsic opinions. To authenticate is to prove or verify an item as genuine or to have undisputed origin. For example, a rare oil painting may be authenticated by a museum before being appraised. Identification is just one step in the process of authentication. Authentication is not part of the appraisal process. An appraisal includes identification and valuation.

Are online appraisals sufficient for insurance coverage or tax purposes? Your insurance company or the IRS may require what is referred to as a qualified appraisal. This is an appraisal based on firsthand inspection and in-depth research by a qualified appraiser. Depending on your intended use and the results of your online appraisal, you may wish to arrange for the appraiser to provide a qualified appraisal. A qualified appraisal is generally required by the IRS if the value of your object is over $5000. The level at which insurance companies require a qualified appraisal for itemization on a policy varies from company to company. You should consult with your insurance company and tax advisor for specific details as they apply to you.

Can I request a qualified appraisal based on firsthand inspection of my item? Yes. If you require a qualified appraisal after the initial online appraisal you will then have the option of requesting this from your appraiser at their customary hourly fee, less your initial $35 online appraisal fee. We will attempt to match your request to a local appraiser should this be necessary.

Can my appraised item be sold through AppraiseItNet.com™ online? No. We are strictly a network of appraisers providing online appraisals. It is strongly recommended by our appraisal experts that appraisals should be rendered independently of the party purchasing or selling your property, thereby eliminating any possibility of a biased opinion for future gain. There is no vested interest in profiting from the sale of your item by the appraisers in our network.