Once you identify your item and get a ballpark value, it will be easier for you to figure out a good price for that item.
You might even want to talk to the dealer—ask about why they priced the item the way they did. Beware: While antiques dealers can be helpful in determining a ballpark price for your item, you should ever ask them (or allow them) to appraise your item unless you know for sure that you will not sell your item to them. It is considered a conflict of interest for a dealer to appraise an item they intend to buy. If a dealer offers to buy an item after valuing it for you, say no. [4] X Research source
Keep in mind that these sites are highly competitive, so their prices tend to be on the low side. If you want to get the most money possible for your item, online auction sites aren’t the best gauge.
Auction Value – The auction value is the amount that your item would be expected to sell for at an auction. Very rare or valuable items are often sold at auction because people are willing to spend more. However, items that are less rare or valuable tend to go for less at auction than they would at retail price, because there is not much demand for them. Retail Value – Retail value is the amount of money your item would sell for in an antique store. If your item is not rare and you don’t expect its value to be high, the retail value is likely to be higher than the auction value. Remember, though, that an antique dealer will not buy your item from you at full retail value; if they did, they wouldn’t be able to make a profit. Insurance Value – If you decide that you don’t want to sell your item, an appraiser can also assess its insurance value. This is the amount of money that you would need to replace your item in a “reasonable amount of time” if it is destroyed or stolen. This is useful is your item is especially valuable. [6] X Research source
A trustworthy appraiser will never offer to buy your item from you. If they do, kick them to the curb. Never hire an appraiser who will charge you a percentage of the value of your item. A trustworthy appraiser will charge a flat or hourly fee for their services. This fee can be several hundred dollars. Get references for trustworthy appraisers. Estate attorneys, antique dealers, and others who work with appraisers regularly are good resources for finding an appraiser. You can also find an appraiser through professional organizations like Appraisers Association of America, Inc. and the American Society of Appraisers. Talk to several appraisers before choosing one. You’ll want to pick an appraiser who specializes in the kind of item you want to sell. Make sure to ask for a written estimate of the kind of fee the appraiser will charge and how long the appraisal will take. [10] X Research source
Once you choose your appraiser, you will send them photos and descriptions of your item. Usually within about a week, the appraiser will send back an estimate of your item’s value. [14] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Send photos of the item from every angle. Include close-ups of any distinct details in your item. Make sure your photos are well-lit, in color, and not blurry. Don’t hide any flaws in your item or misrepresent it. Don’t alter your photo to make your item look better than it does in person. Make sure to include photos of any damaged parts of your item, as well. Hiding or omitting flaws may get you a higher valuation for your item, but that value will not carry over when you try to sell it.
It might be useful to get an online appraisal if you’re not sure whether your item is valuable enough to be worth paying an in-person appraiser.
