Post #529644 by SilverLine on Wed, May 12, 2010 7:11 AM

I'm enjoying this thread! And I have a little advice for people who start down this path (as if anybody cares).

I'm always curious when somebody starts a post with something like "What is this thing worth?" as if anyone can really answer that question. Even seasoned appraisers can only give a rough guess and depending on all kinds of factors they're often way off base anyway. I learned a long time ago that the only way to get an accurate answer to this question is to SELL the dang thing.

So before you even ask the question, ask yourself this: Do I want to sell this thing, or do I really like it and want to keep it? If you've decided to sell it don't be cagey or coy about it and don't try to play it up beyond it's merits. Advertise the sale everywhere to everybody (Tiki Marketplace is a great forum), provide as much honest information as you can find. If you think your "thing" may be beyond your abilities to market, consider large auction houses like Sotheby's (their fees are very reasonable). Do this, and you'll quickly find the true value of your item.

No guts, no glory.

Now if you just want to insure the thing, pay for an appraisal and insure it for about 30% more.

$.02