Assets: Online Appraisals Assure Buyers, but Is Still a Guess
Wed May 8,12:17 PM ET
By Richard Chang
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Buying or selling online? The question that lingers on everyone's mind is: "How much is an item really worth, and how do you get the best price?"
The answer, which comes at the end of an auction, may not be definitive. After all, the value of similar items can vary widely depending on their condition and history, and where they're sold.
"You can get a ballpark figure" from looking at price guides, said Terry Kovel, one of the foremost experts on collectibles. But even with standard items like cars, prices vary depending on the condition and mileage, she said.
To provide the assurance that an item is worth the asking price, appraisers are offering their services online once again, after Eppraisals failed in this venture a year ago despite $15.5 million in capital funding. This time, appraisal operations are cut down to the bone, though customers still pay up to $19.95 for each opinion. More on This
