Collectors don’t just want to know how much an antique costs, they want to know what it’s worth. Online antique appraisals are a convenient source of information. Stories abound of lucky buyers who paid next to nothing for valuable antiques. Doing your homework will help you get a fair price. Online valuations such as JustAnswer and WorthPoint provide useful feedback on quality and resale potential. Appraisals can also secure insurance and satisfy curiosity. Whatever your goal, the investment of time and money can be well worth it.
From expert services to informed opinions, discover 4 of the best options for online antique appraisals.
Option #1 for Online Antique Appraisals: JustAnswer
Many certified antique appraisers are accessible from websites such as JustAnswer. Experts are available around the clock for online and phone consultations. Feedback is specialized too. From antique furniture appraisal and painting appraisal to rare book and jewelry appraisal – there’s a category of services to fit your needs.
Although some online companies require a subscription, JustAnswer and others only charge per direct enquiry. Along with clear photos, send item descriptions and any known history. Also include signatures, special markings and manufacturer names where possible. You can start using the service by simply typing your question into the interactive chat below:
Option #2 for Online Antique Appraisals: Antique appraisal apps
Access appraisal apps on mobile devices. Apps such as Go Canvas and WorthPoint are tools for both qualified appraisers and individual collectors. Get details on the go when buying or selling at flea markets and yard sales. Features of these apps include quick valuations, photo uploads and up-to-date market value reports. Access to online applications may be by subscription only. But once you sign up, you get a virtual world of references and antiques industry news. You can even test your personal skills with Appraise It Yourself, an Antiques Roadshow game.
WorthPoint
WorthPoint is one of the largest online resources for finding, appraising, buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art. WorthPoint.com’s offerings include a price guide for researching and appraising antiques, collectibles and fine art. A gallery of resources for identifying maker’s marks is also available, as well as a digital library of books from leading publishers covering a wide range of collecting topics.
WorthPoint partners with a diverse group of auction houses and online marketplaces, including industry leaders such as eBay, Julien’s, Rago Auctions and Hindman Auctions. These auction houses provide WorthPoint with valuable data on art, antiques, vintage, luxury and collectible sales. WorthPoint’s Price Guide contains more than 540 million items and one billion photos from 2006 to the present. Auction houses that provide their auction data and results to WorthPoint expose their auction history to an active and engaged group of collectors and sellers around the world.
The WorthPoint Price Guide app is available on iOS and Android platforms.
Option #3 for Online Antique Appraisals: Online marketplaces and auctions
Compare similar items in similar conditions. Searching online antique marketplaces such as eBay can give a rough idea of retail value. For the best estimate, browse ‘completed sales’ rather than open listings. Ruby Lane, with 2,500 active shop owners selling over 15 million products, is another reliable marketplace that can help you get an idea of how much antiques and vintage collectibles are worth on the market. Another site worth checking out is Etsy, which has a “Certified Appraisals” inventory.
Online auctions are also a good place to compare prices. Many flea market sellers buy their items from online auctions. So the final bids can set realistic expectations for your own antiques. There are other benefits too. Tracking bids keeps you abreast of the ups and downs of antique trends.
Option #4 for Online Antique Appraisals: Free online antique appraisal
Social media is a source of free, non-professional opinion. For example, Instagram and Facebook groups connect thousands of enthusiasts who love to talk about antiques. Sellers are not necessarily certified appraisers, but their experience gives them insight into the market. They often know what an antique is worth, but they’re also very aware of what it’s going for. And it’s OK to be cautious. Opinions vary, especially if someone is interested in buying your antiques for resale. However, reputable appraisers should never offer to buy a piece they’ve been hired to value.