How it Works

Frequently asked questions

Do we buy any items?

No, we are not in the business of buying items from our customers, nor do we advise as to where they should sell their items. If we were to buy or advise where to sell, it would only compromise our objectivity and hence have a detrimental effect on the accuracy of our valuation. We want to stay as objective as possible throughout the whole process and pride ourselves in being in a position where we can have a completely unbiased approach towards each item. This enables us to provide the most exact valuation possible as no other interests come into the equation.

What is the value / estimate you provide us with?

When you get a Valuation Report back from us (yes, within 48 hours!), we provide you with an auction estimate, say for example £800 - 1,200. This means that if you were to sell your item at auction at this very moment, our expert believes your item would fetch between the amounts we quote. To do a quick calculation as to how much your object would be worth for insurance purposes (for indicative purposes only), the insurance value is usually calculated by doubling the low estimate, in this case £1,600 (=2 x £800).

How much information do I need to give when submitting a request?

Once you upload your photo, you are taken to a screen where you can fill in detailed fields relating to your object. None of these fields are required to be filled in. Obviously, the more information you give us, the more accurate we can be. Measurements, marks, signatures and condition are the key fields to fill in. Any additional information is most welcome.

Can my valuation be used for insurance purposes?

In principle we state in our conditions of business that our valuations can't be used for insurance, as we don't inspect the items first hand. That said though, we know that some insurance companies do accept our valuations. From what we have noticed, it largely is a matter of value. For example, if an item is worth £1.000 they will accept it more gladly than when an item is worth £10.000, where they might ask the owner to go and show it to someone first hand... So please do check with your insurance company first before proceeding.

Do I have to submit a photo?

Yes, our system only works once you have uploaded a photograph. The better the quality of the photo, the more accurately we can value your item. If there is a signature, mark or inscription please send an image of this as well. If you don't have a good photo, but you have an old auction reference, we could also trace that for you and provide a valuation based on that information. However, this might take a bit longer than the 48 hours response we guarantee, but be assured, we will do our best to stick to our self-imposed deadline. You can also copy and paste a URL link to a specific webpage that might be relevant to your valuation request. 

Do you inspect any items in person?

 At the moment we only value items from photographs that our clients provide. We reckon that we can easily value around 95% of the items based on the pictures that you send us. For the other 5%, we might get back to you and give you the two options, saying for example: If your porcelain vase is 18th century, which it appears to be, it would be worth £400 - 600, but looking closely at the photographs, the painted decoration on the vase might be of a later date as the colours appear very bright and not really of an 18th century tonality. So in the latter scenario, your item would be worth around £200 - 300. We will always give you our honest opinion, and if we can't be sure as to how to identify the object, we will tell you so. We don't inspect objects first hand. Maybe that might be a service available further down the line.

How do you send out the valuation of my object?

 You get sent by email three different formats of the same valuation:

1. a PDF file featuring the Valuation Report relating to your object, this will be an easily printable A4 size document, which you could even frame! Most people can open PDF files, if not, do let us know, and we will simply send you a text file.
2. a unique web page link for your item which you can use to email to friends or family for example 
3. a unique 'eBay sticker' which looks like a small button featuring the estimate and which you can upload u
4. into your eBay listing. When people viewing your listing click on this button, they will see the online version of your valuation report and the value given.

 

Is your pricing competitive?

 Yes, our pricing is highly competitive and we are sure you won't find a site providing the same professional service at these prices

What happens if you don’t reply within 48 hours?

You get your money back! We will then credit you with a free valuation for another item.

What does some of the terminology used by your experts mean?

 Our experts will endeavor to give you a clear explanation about their opinion and tell you if they think your item is an original, a copy, etc... Just for your information, herewith a brief explanation of some of the terms. Always feel free to get back to us and ask if you want any further details or explanation. If we say:

1. John Constable: In our opinion this is a work by the artist.
2. Attributed to John Constable: We think that this could be a work by the artist but we cannot be certain
3. Studio of John Constable: We think that this is a work by another hand working in the studio of the artist and possibly his pupil.
4. Circle of John Constable: In our opinion this work is by another hand associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil
5. "Style of" or ... "Follower of" John Constable: In our opinion this has been painted by another hand working in the style of the artist and probably contemporary or slightly later.
6. Manner of John Constable: In our opinion a later work in the style of the artist.
7. After John Constable: In our opinion a copy of a known work by the artist.