Process
We offer a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation to evaluate the appraisal services required and discuss the steps involved, tailored to the client's specific needs, requirements, and overall collection.
We also offer the option for you to submit any items you are considering for appraisal to ensure they fit within our expertise and to review them prior to a telephone consultation. There is a small fee for this service, review the fee structure: HERE.
Schedule your initial consultation: HERE.
Submit any items you’re interested in having appraised: HERE.
CONSULTATION
01.
- Photographs of the full front and back of each piece
- Signature photographs of each piece
- Limited edition numbers (if applicable)
- Scans of any original paperwork, receipts, or certificates of authenticity
- Artist names (if known)
- Mediums (if known)
- Dimensions
- Any additional information you feel would be helpful for us
You can email this information directly or upload it to Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer, then send us the download link. Once we receive your files, we will confirm that we have received them. If you are not familiar with any of these platforms, we can create a folder for you and send you a link to upload your information to simplify the process.
Heritage Appraisals charges a fee of $10.00 to $20.00 (per piece) for photograph analysis submitted through our portal or via email. This fee covers our time spent on preliminary research and proposal creation. If the project is approved this fee will be credited back towards that appraisal service. The fee structure is $20.00 for the first piece and $10.00 for each additional piece. For larger collections, we offer a custom bulk rate, which is quoted per project.
Based on the inventory provided, we may be able to supply an estimated quote and timeline for the project before proceeding to step 3.
*If the inventory is not necessary or if the client is unable to provide the requested information, we will proceed directly to step 3.
inventory
02.
We will schedule an on-site inspection at our office, the client’s home, or another location of the client’s choice. During this appointment, our team will photograph, measure, and physically assess the items for any condition issues. This process typically takes between 1 to 3 hours. If the collection is extensive and requires more time, the appraiser will inform the client of the longer estimated duration when scheduling the appointment.
In some cases, it may be possible to conduct the appraisal digitally (a desktop appraisal), allowing Heritage Appraisals to bypass the on-site inspection. This decision is determined by the appraiser and varies from project to project and can be discussed further during the telephone consultation.
inspection
03.
Once we have reviewed the entire collection, we will prepare a detailed proposal outlining our recommendations for items that should undergo formal appraisal. This proposal will include the total costs and our timeline for completing the project. If you received an estimated quote based on the digital assessment in step 2, we will verify whether any items need to be added or removed and then send you the finalized invoice.
Heritage Appraisals charges $150 per hour. On average, our appraisal service fees range from $95 to $195 per item, depending on its rarity, uniqueness, and the research time required to gather qualified comparables. Additional charges may apply for travel and on-site inspection time, as well as a fee for creating and retaining the work file, and any hardcopies requested.
If, during the appraisal process, we determine that extra time for research or analysis is needed or if items are added to the report that affect the quoted fees, we will inform you promptly. You will need to authorize any changes before the appraiser proceeds.
estimate
04.
Each appraisal report will include several photographs of each item, along with detailed descriptions, provenance, condition assessments, thorough market comparables, and value justifications. The appraisals adhere to the report writing standards set by the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), as well as IRS regulations when applicable.
examination
06.
The delivery of the appraisal typically takes 2 to 6 weeks from the start of the project. The timeline depends on the number of items being appraised, the appraiser’s availability, and the current workload of the firm.
Once the report is complete, clients will receive it in digital PDF format. Hard copies can be requested for an additional charge.
report
07.
Click to open a full length example report.
All the steps outlined earlier are relevant for "general" appraisal requests, but they will be customized to meet each client's specific needs and the requirements of each project. A comprehensive assessment of the most suitable approach for your situation will be made by the appraiser during the initial telephone consultation.
disclosure
08.
