How to appraise it yourself.Ten places to find values for your stuff at no cost!
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A Note About Google Lens
A cell phone app.
A cell phone app.
Google Lens is an app for phones that lets you search the internet for an object by simply taking a picture of it with your phone. It's great if you can't identify something but not accurate for valuing personal property. That's because it mostly catalogs items that stay on the internet longer (because their so overpriced, they don't sell). If you use Google Lens to price your antiques, it can lead to overpricing items to the point that nobody wants to buy them. I highly suggest you use the app to identify your item, and then use the free tools below to show you what their worth.
Look at the SOLD listings on eBay
Not the best for furniture
Not the best for furniture
When using a computer: first search for your item on ebay.com, then click the box that says SOLD ITEMS on the left hand side.
When using a smart phone: first search for your item on ebay.com, then click the filter below the search bar, then show more, then click the SOLD ITEMS box.
You can sort them out by price and see where you think yours falls in comparison to condition etc. Auctions with multiple bids reflect the more practical results rather than buy-it-now sales. You will usually need to reduce the price 25% or more when selling locally because local buyers will not pay full national price.
When using a smart phone: first search for your item on ebay.com, then click the filter below the search bar, then show more, then click the SOLD ITEMS box.
You can sort them out by price and see where you think yours falls in comparison to condition etc. Auctions with multiple bids reflect the more practical results rather than buy-it-now sales. You will usually need to reduce the price 25% or more when selling locally because local buyers will not pay full national price.
Check Trending Asking Prices
Great for furniture!
Great for furniture!
Check trending asking prices on your larger items by looking up the asking price for your furniture, lawn mower etc. on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Start by searching for your item, then see where yours falls in price comparison to condition and desirability. In most cases you won't find the exact model, that's normal, just a good comparison or one made by the same company. If you want to sell yours fast, price yours LOWER than most other sellers. When searching on Facebook Marketplace, set your filter at 500 miles and delivery method to local pick up otherwise you will only get search results for only 50 miles.
Your Local Antique Store
Go to your local antique store and ask them what their willing to pay for your box of antique glass or Hummel statues etc. Don't ask the antique store what your items are worth, it's ambiguous. When you ask for a cash offer, it gets you the price that a real person would pay right now. If you decide to sell the item yourself, you can possibly ask two or three times what the antique store offered you for your item. If you don't encounter any interest in your stuff at several resale stores, that might indicate you should consider selling it at a modest price at a yard sale or donate it.
For furniture: take some pictures of your furniture on your phone, then bring your phone into the antique store and ask for their opinion. DO NOT do this during a busy time when they need to pay attention to costumers. Things to take pics of are: a good pic of the front, a pic of the back if possible, the drawer joint (like dovetail etc. if applicable), and hardware like hinges and or drawer pulls which help date the construction.
For furniture: take some pictures of your furniture on your phone, then bring your phone into the antique store and ask for their opinion. DO NOT do this during a busy time when they need to pay attention to costumers. Things to take pics of are: a good pic of the front, a pic of the back if possible, the drawer joint (like dovetail etc. if applicable), and hardware like hinges and or drawer pulls which help date the construction.
Google, Bing etc.
Google.com and Bing.com search sites are not designed to look up values. But they can still have links to information for that rare item you have. For easier searches, start by searching your item, then click the images link below the search bar. That will render ONLY images of what your looking for and could make the search 10 times easier!
Like with Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist you can check trending asking prices by looking up the asking price for your furniture etc. Start by searching for your item, then click the shopping link below the search bar. See where yours falls in comparison to desirability and quality. It doesn't have to be the same exact one, just a good comparison. The prices you find will likely be the National Asking Prices. If the item hasn't sold, it could be because it was grossly over priced. If you decide to sell your item, offer it at a competitive price compared to others if you want it sold fast.
Like with Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist you can check trending asking prices by looking up the asking price for your furniture etc. Start by searching for your item, then click the shopping link below the search bar. See where yours falls in comparison to desirability and quality. It doesn't have to be the same exact one, just a good comparison. The prices you find will likely be the National Asking Prices. If the item hasn't sold, it could be because it was grossly over priced. If you decide to sell your item, offer it at a competitive price compared to others if you want it sold fast.
Firearm Values
GunBroker.com is "the ebay" for firearms and has historical sales information to help you value and get information about your firearms.
https://www.gunbroker.com
https://www.gunbroker.com
For valuable items
These are additional free resources for historical values, they may require your email for sign up. Look for the sold or past sales links.
Heritage Auctions - World's Largest Collectibles Auctioneer
https://www.ha.com
Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business
https://www.christies.com/en
Sotheby's Fine Art, Jewels, Watches, Wine Auctions & Sales
https://www.sothebys.com/en
Heritage Auctions - World's Largest Collectibles Auctioneer
https://www.ha.com
Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business
https://www.christies.com/en
Sotheby's Fine Art, Jewels, Watches, Wine Auctions & Sales
https://www.sothebys.com/en
Or bring your item into a Free Appraisal event
I try to schedule one FREE appraisal event per month. Go to the yesterdaysgems.com FREE Appraisals page for more details.
