Have you ever wondered how much your artwork is worth or what the value is of your baseball card collection?There are many ways to find out how much an item is worth, whether you plan to sell it or not.
Step 1: You can price your item on eBay.
eBay has a feature that allows users to research the price of items based on the typical selling price, or items that are similar.Go to the seller center, log into your user account, use the text field to search for your item, and click "look up".If you were to enter a search for Spiderman suit, the results would show an average price of $20.61, with Spiderman suits ranging in price from $0.01 to $199.You can sort the item by price if you want to look at the different asking prices.The lowest asking price is $380 and the highest is $799.
Step 2: Search using a search engine.
If your item is not a rare collectible or antique, you can use a search engine to find it.Similar items for sale will often be listed when you type in the item.You can use the shopping function to quickly compare prices.If you search for Men's Nike Shox, the results page will show both pictures and prices, with costs ranging from $80 to $125.
Step 3: An online database can be visited.
There are online databases that have pricing information for your item.Use your preferred search engine to type in your item and include the word database.There are many results that list prices of collectibles when you search for antiques.Kovels offers a free subscription to its pricing guide.
Step 4: Search the internet for a valuation site.
You can get estimates on your items on many online sites.You can add descriptions by uploading a photo.Within a week, the site will give a valuation of the item.There is a minimum price of $10 to $30 for this service.Monthly memberships give the user access to a database of sales records and instant price searches.You can try sites such as What's It Worth to You and Value My Stuff.If you are looking for the tax-deductible value of items that have been donated, you can use valuation sites, tax preparation companies or the Salvation Army.
Step 5: You can visit a certified raiser.
Almost every item has a professional scuplture for it.A professional who is certified by the American Society of Appraisers is a good choice.Once the appraisal is complete, you will receive a report about the item, the procedure used to value it, and the current value.The costs vary depending on the item.Depending on their expertise, some appraisers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate.Don't work with someone who charges a percentage of the item's value.If you want to ensure a fair valuation, take the item to an expert.Since they are ethically bound from making an offer for purchase after appraising an item, the appraiser has no conflict of interest.Bank managers and estate attorneys can be good sources of information.
Step 6: Take the item to an antique store.
Professional appraisers are employed by many antique stores.Discuss appraisal options with your local antique store.A national appraisal board should be used for certification.They offer both insurance replacement valuations and fair-market valuations, but also less expensive services such as verbal-approximations.There are different prices for services based on location.
Step 7: Talk to a collectibles dealer.
If your item is a collectible that has established price guidelines, you should search online for a dealer to help you price it.Search for someone who is certified by a national appraisal board.Make sure the dealer is trustworthy.If possible, read reviews on the internet.
Step 8: Go to the auction houses.
Private valuation services are offered by auction houses.Occasionally, an auction house will offer a free valuation for the general public.Inquire about scheduled dates and procedures at your local auction house.One such auction house that tours the USA and offers tickets and applications is PBS's The Antique Roadshow.Online appraisals are also offered on their website.
Step 9: A price guide is needed.
There are many guide books for collectible items.You can find price guides in your local library.The Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide is a collection of recent prices paid for items in at least 700 categories at auctions, shops, shows, flea markets, and online.A Guide Book of United States Coins, Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards are other titles.
Step 10: You can search collector's books.
Detailed information on items can be found in collector's books.Pricing information based on similar items can be found in these reference books.Look for collector's books specific to your needs at your local library or book store.Another great resource is used bookstores.You can find digital books online.
Step 11: Ask your library for help.
A good source of general information is a library, and they can be very helpful in leading you to the right books or reference materials online.