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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Should I Get A USPAP-Compliant Appraisal?

If you intend to use the appraisal for official purposes (insurance coverage, estate planning, charitable donations, divorce, trust matters, etc.), then you must have a USPAP-compliant appraisal. USPAP-compliant appraisers have pledged to follow the regulations outlined in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in their appraisal reports. These personal property appraisers undergo a 15-hour course with a written examination based on the material in the USPAP guidance document. Appraisers must take this course and pass the exam to be USPAP-compliant. After passing the initial examination, these appraisers must take a 7-hour update course every 2 years to remain compliant. Additionally, all members of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) must be USPAP-compliant as part of their membership requirements.

How Do Video Chat Appraisals Work?

You will video-chat with one of our USPAP-compliant appraisers, likely through Zoom. You will first discuss your needs with the appraiser. You will then show the appraiser your items (or personal property). The appraiser will ask you to show them multiple angles of the items and any markings or paperwork that is available. Once you have shown the expert all of your items, they will begin their written appraisal of your items. This will not happen over video chat. When the appraisal is complete, usually within 2 weeks, the USPAP-compliant appraisal document will be sent to you through email!

What Do “Fair Market Value” and “Insurance Value” Mean?

When we send you the appraisal document, you will notice that we list both an estimated auction value and a suggested insurance value. The auction estimate is a range of prices. We feel that the item should sell for a price within this range in the current market, at auction. The suggested insurance value that we provide is what we suggest you insure the item for. This number is usually double the lower value in the auction estimate.

Do I Need to Pay For An Appraisal?

Yes, you must pay for an appraisal, for both official appraisals and single item valuations. This payment can be made with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The more items that you have appraised, though, the less you pay per individual appraisal. Visit the “Single Item Valuation” or “Request an Appraisal” to begin the process.

How Much Information Must I Provide When Submitting A Valuation Request?

Once you have named your item on the appraisal request form, you will provide a brief description of the item (category, age, pedigree, etc.) and submit photos. Please provide any information that you have on the item. Measurements, marks, signatures, condition, and pedigree (ownership history) are all important for us to know to provide an accurate appraisal. If you don't know anything about your item, it’s okay… we can help!

Do I Need to Submit A Photos Of My Item?

We need photos and videos to accurately appraise your item in most cases. The higher quality images that you provide, the more accurately we can appraise your item. If the item has signatures or key markings, please send close pictures of those as well.

How Do I Receive the Appraisal?

When our experts have finished your appraisal, we will send a PDF document of the appraisal to your email. Your PDF appraisal will also be visible through your AppraiseItNow account. You are more than welcome to download the PDF version of the appraisal to share with friends and family.

How Competitive is your Pricing?

Very. To our knowledge, we offer the lowest prices for online appraisals of this nature. We take pride in providing the most accurate and efficient appraisals at the best prices.