Frequently asked questions
The plain answers: we do not buy cards, an opinion is not a certificate, we do not hold your money, and there is no shop to visit — the practice works by appointment in the Yuma area and remotely everywhere else.
Fees and quotes
How are fees set?
Every fee is flat or hourly and quoted in writing before work begins. Fees are never a percentage of the value of the property, because a fee tied to value would give the appraiser a stake in the answer.
Can you tell me what my cards are worth over Instagram?
No. A message starts a conversation; the value opinion comes in a written report after an engagement letter. We do not give opinions on value, authenticity or grade in messages.
Are prices published?
Not yet. Each engagement is quoted individually by email with the fee basis stated — per report, per item, per box or per hour.
Do you take deposits?
Only when the written scope says so, and the amount is stated there.
Appraisals
Do you buy cards?
No, never. The practice does not buy, sell, broker or consign cards and does not negotiate sales for clients. That is what makes the opinion worth having.
What is USPAP?
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the rules for how an appraisal is scoped, researched, reported and kept on file. It is a standard, not a licence or a credential.
Can you appraise remotely?
Yes. Remote engagements are based on the photographs and video you supply; the report states that no physical inspection was performed.
How long does a report take?
Single items typically within a week of inspection; collections are quoted with a timeline in the written scope.
Authentication and pre-grade
Is an authentication opinion a certificate of authenticity?
No. It is a written opinion with the method used and photographs. We do not issue certificates or guarantees.
Will my card grade a 10?
We give an opinion of the likely range and our reasoning. The grading company decides. Our record shows what we saw and when.
What if you cannot tell?
"Inconclusive" is a legitimate finding. The sheet explains which check could not be completed and why.
Documented breaks and the hub
Where do breaks happen?
At your premises or an agreed venue in the Yuma area. The practice has no storefront.
Do you hold my money or my cards?
Cards, yes, under a logged custody with locked storage and insured shipping. Money, no: grading fees are prepaid by you and there is no escrow.
Can my customers watch the video?
Yes. The pack-fresh certificate links to the recording.
Records, custody and where we work
How long do you keep video and photographs?
Per the retention and consent policy, which every recording-related page links to.
Where is your shop?
There is no shop. The practice is locally operated in Yuma, AZ 85364 and works by appointment at your home, your shop or an agreed venue, and remotely for everyone else.
Do you travel?
Across the Yuma area by appointment. Farther travel is quoted in the written scope.
Read more: services · appraisal · remote clinic · authentication · insurance documentation · claims and donation valuation · pricing · how it works · retention policy · engagement terms · not in Yuma? · the course · videos
Get in touch
Questions first?
Message us on Instagram, or read what to send and how an engagement runs. Frequently asked questions