ASA Offers Advice When Selling Collectibles

I was just sent an email about an October 8th press release issued by ASA. The press release is titled Appraisers Offer Advice to People Looking to Cash In Their Antiques and Collectibles.

The Press Release opens with "In uncertain economic times, people not only curtail spending but also get creative about ways to make extra cash. Many people find themselves looking around their attics and storage areas wondering what they could sell and how much it would sell for. The American Society of Appraisers offers advice to people who want to sell their antiques and collectibles."

The release continues with different options for selling personal property through auction houses, dealers, consignment shops, etc. It also quotes fellow appraiser Mark Grove on how an appraiser can assist clients with a need or desire to sell property. "“I do what I call a home triage,” says Mark Grove, an accredited senior appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers. “I might spend an hour or two walking though a client’s home, and while they take notes I advise them—this should go to a yard sale, or this can go to a catalogue auction.” He continues, “Although I am not doing an appraisal, or providing them a value for each item, they find it helpful to know which items might be valuable and merit an appraisal, and which items could be sold at what type of venue.”"

Many people are currently in difficultfinancial times, and there is much concern over the financial markets in general, and our own fine and decorative arts markets in particular. As the ASA press release infers, the economic times are difficult and might become more difficult in the near term. People are spending less, and looking for ways to create cash flow and financial reserves. Appraiser need to position themselves to assist clients in these uncertain times, and be aware of business opportunities that may present themselves.

To read the full ASA press release click HERE.