Have you ever guessed how much is the selling value of antique art objects or baseball card collections that you have? If you intend to sell, insure, or find out the resale value of an item, there are many ways you can try to do so.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Searching Online
Step 1. Use eBay to find the selling price of an item
The eBay website has a feature that allows users to find out the price of an item based on the market value or average price of similar items. Visit the seller's center, log into your account, use the search box to search for the item you want, then click “search”.
- For example, if you want to do a price search for “Spiderman costume”, the search results will show that the average price of the item is IDR 300,000, with a price range of IDR 1000 to IDR 2,000,000.
- If you want to search by purchase price (rather than by the price of the item you wish to sell), you can do a general search for the item and organize it by price. For example, if you type in “new iPhone 6”, the lowest price listed will be IDR 5,000,000 while the highest price will be IDR 9,800,000.
Step 2. Use a search engine
If what you're looking for isn't a rare item or an antique collectible, try using a search engine like Google. When you type the name of an item, the search engine will compile a list of similar items for sale, including new and used items. You can also use the “Shopping” function to compare prices and different items.
For example, if you search for “Nike Shox Men”, the search results page will show pictures and prices, ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,700,000
Step 3. Visit the online database
Look for online databases that provide price information for the item you are looking for. Use the search engine of your choice, type in the name of the object, then include the word "database" behind it.
For example, if you search for “antiques database”, you will find price lists of various antique collections for sale. Kovels is an online database that offers a free subscription option to use an item's pricing guide feature
Step 4. Look for the valuator's website
There are many websites where you can find a professional appraiser who will value your property. You just need to upload a photo and add a description. The website will usually respond after one week to provide the results of the valuation of the items sent.
- The cost of this service varies widely, but is usually set from IDR 100,000 to IDR 300,000. Some websites provide a monthly subscription option that gives members access to a database that records sales data, as well as an instant search feature.
- Visit websites like What's It Worth to You, Value My Stuff, and Worth Point.
- If you're looking for the tax value of a donated item, you can visit a valuation website, a tax audit firm (such as Turbo Tax), or the Salvation Army.
Method 2 of 3: Seek the Opinion of a Professional
Step 1. Visit a certified appraiser
Each item type has a different professional appraiser. When looking for an appraiser, choose one that is certified by a trusted association, such as the American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, or International Society of Appraisers. After the appraisal process is complete, you will receive a written report that discusses the value of the object, the procedures used to value it, and the current market value of the object.
- Appraisal rates vary widely, depending on the quality of the appraiser and the object being appraised. Some appraisers charge an hourly rate (ranging from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 4,000,000, depending on skill level), but there are also those who use a fixed rate.
- Do not use the services of an appraiser who asks for a fee based on a percentage of the selling price of an object.
- To ensure fairness of the valuation process, take the item you wish to appraise to an appraiser before selling it to a dealer or antique shop. Unlike a collector, an appraiser has no particular interest because they are ethically prohibited from buying the object they are appraising.
- Bank managers or civil law experts are people who can help you find a trusted appraiser.
Step 2. Take your item to an antique shop
There are many antique shops that employ appraisers. Contact your nearest antique store for appraisal options. The appraiser who was there should have obtained national certification. They usually offer insurance in lieu of fair sales valuations or valuations, as well as cheaper appraisal services, such as providing verbal price estimates.
Service prices vary widely, depending on the location
Step 3. Contact a collectibles collector
If your item is a collectible with a clear price (like a baseball card), look for collectibles online to help determine the price of your item. Look for someone with a clear appraiser certification to get the fairest price valuation.
Make sure the appraiser you use is reputable. Look for reviews of the person's services online, if you can
Step 4. Visit the auction site
The auction house offers private valuation services at various rates (depending on the location). In general, auction sites offer “valuation days” or “valuation days” which offer free appraisal services to the public. Please contact the nearest auction place for information on the applicable schedule and procedures.
In the United States, the PBS television channel created a program called The Antique Roadshow which toured the country to offer limited antiquities appraisal services. Their website also provides an online appraisal service
Method 3 of 3: Using the Library as a Source of Information
Step 1. Use the pricing guide
There are many well-known guidebooks that can be used to price collectibles. Look for the book at the nearest library to determine the price of your item. For example, you can read Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which has more than 700 price categories for items at auctions, shops, shows, markets, and online stores. Some other book titles that you can read are:
- A Guide Book of United States Coins
- Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalog
- The Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards
- Beckett Almanac of Baseball Cards & Collectibles
Step 2. Find a collector's book
Collector's books can provide detailed information about an item, such as size, condition, production characteristics, etc. These reference books may also provide information about the selling value of the goods in question.
- Visit your nearest library or bookstore to find the collector's book you need.
- Used bookstores are a great source of information. You can also find digital books online.
Step 3. Ask the librarian for help
A librarian usually has useful information, and can help you find the right books or online resources to reference.
Tips
- You should always do your own evaluation before taking an item to an expert. This can be done by using a search engine or looking for references in the library. That way, you can know if you got a fair offer.
- Read the resume of the expert grading your item to learn about the expert's area of expertise, experience level, and accreditation.
- You may contact several experts at once if you need a professional assessment.
Warning
- Ask an expert to provide a written price estimate.
- Don't do business with a price estimator who tries to buy your item after estimating its price. Ethically, they are not allowed to do so.
