Antique moving is our specialty. Moreover, at Fine Art Shippers, we take pride in moving rare and valuable antique pieces securely and safely. However, whether it comes to your family heirlooms, fine art pieces, vintage furniture, or a Steinway grand piano, to have your possessions insured before you move is still required. After all, there is always a chance that your property can be damaged due to circumstances that don’t depend on the fine art shipping company. That is why art insurance is of utmost importance, even if you need to ship a single antique china cabinet or table. The only problem is that you cannot insure your possessions without having them appraised first. This is where you need professional appraiser help. But how to choose the right specialist for this job? Consider the following tips from experienced art movers in NYC!
What to pay your attention to?
When choosing an appraiser, keep in mind the following questions you need to ask:
- Do you have formal education in appraisal theory, ethics, procedures, and principles?
- What are your qualifications and specialty area?
- Do you have a professional profile?
- How are you going to handle items that are outside your specialty?
- Do you take any additional education classes?
- Do you belong to any appraisal organization or society?
- Have you ever been tested?
- Do you have access to the updated professional information?
- What does your appraisal report look like?
- What is the cost of your services?
- Are there any additional fees?
Only a qualified appraiser can answer all these questions and provide you with all the required information about his or her qualifications. The next thing you should pay attention to is the appraisal report. In general, it should include the following:
- type of value and purpose of the appraisal;
- accurate and complete description of the item being appraised;
- used resources and methodology, including market analysis;
- appraiser’s qualifications;
- statement that the appraiser does not have any financial interest in the item being appraised;
- effective date of value;
- location and date of the inspection;
- appraiser’s signature.
If the chosen specialist can provide you with such a report and is ready to defend his or her appraisal in court in case of need, you have found the right person. Now you can insure your valuable property and hire a reliable antique moving company for packing and shipping your belongings.