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  • collectors
  • insurers
  • attorneys

Trading card appraisal

A written appraisal tells you what your cards are worth under a stated definition of value, for a stated purpose, with the reasoning and photographs to back it up. We prepare them for insurance, estates, sale decisions, donations and disputes — in person across the Yuma area and remotely anywhere in the US.

Flat fee per report, quoted in advance

Who it is for

Built for the people who need the answer in writing

  • Collectors who need a defensible number before they insure, sell or divide a collection
  • Estates and executors who need a value as of a date
  • Insurers, agents and attorneys who need a report that can be relied on

How it works

From first message to signed report

  1. Step 1: Message or email

    Tell us what you have and what it is for. Photographs help; a count and the intended use are enough to start.

  2. Step 2: Written scope and quote

    We reply by email with what the engagement covers, the fee basis and the timeline. Fees are flat or hourly, never a percentage of value.

  3. Step 3: Inspection

    In person across the Yuma area, or from your photographs and video with that limitation stated in the report.

  4. Step 4: Report

    A signed written report with the method, the photographs and the certification with disclosures.

  5. Step 5: Delivery

    By email as a PDF. We keep a copy under the retention policy.

The full picture: how it works

Fees

Flat or hourly, quoted before work begins

A. Appraisal and valuation
ServiceUnitFeeNotes
Verbal consult (in person or video)per hourCustom quoteHourly30-minute minimum
Appraisal day hosted by a card shopper itemCustom quoteFlat feeWalk-through of a collection quoted separately
Written appraisal — single itemper reportCustom quoteFlat feePrepared to USPAP standards
Written appraisal — collectionper reportCustom quoteFlat feeTiered by item count
Remote appraisal clinicper itemCustom quoteFlat feePhoto and video based; collections quoted as a set
Insurance documentation (photo inventory + valuation)per collectionCustom quoteFlat feeAnnual update available
Damage and loss-claim valuationper hourCustom quoteHourlyStated minimum per claim
Donation appraisal (IRS Form 8283)per reportCustom quoteFlat fee
Expert witness and litigation supportper hourCustom quoteHourlyAvailable on request

Written appraisals are flat fees per report, tiered by the number of items. Consults and claim work are hourly with a stated minimum.

Full price list and how quotes work →

Questions

How long does a written appraisal take?

Most single-item reports are delivered within a week of inspection; collections are quoted with a timeline in the written scope.

What does "prepared to USPAP standards" mean?

USPAP is the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — a set of rules for how an appraisal is scoped, researched, reported and kept on file. It is a standard, not a licence. Our reports follow it so that insurers, attorneys and courts can rely on them.

Can you appraise cards that are already graded?

Yes. The grade is part of the description; the value opinion still has to be researched and stated for your intended use.

Do you buy cards, or make offers?

No. We never buy, sell, broker or consign cards, and we do not negotiate sales for clients. That independence is the point of the report.

More questions answered

Get in touch

Ready when you are

Message with what you have and what it is for. A written scope and quote follow by email before any work.

Message about an appraisal (opens Instagram)or open @breakcheckbarragan90 (opens Instagram)

Opening line: “Hi — I have about N cards and need a written value for insurance / a sale / an estate.

What to send