Fees and quotes
Flat or hourly, quoted in writing, never a percentage of value.Every fee I charge is flat or hourly and quoted in writing before any work begins. These notes explain how quotes are built, why I never charge a percentage of what your cards are worth, and what can and cannot change once you agree.
11 notes
How do you set your fees?
Every fee is flat or hourly and quoted in writing before work begins. Flat fees are per report, per item, per box or per collection; hourly work has a stated minimum. Fees are never a percentage of value.
Long read
Why don't you charge a percentage of my card's value?
Because a fee that grows with the value would give me a reason to push the value up. My fee is the same whatever I conclude, so the only thing the number reflects is the evidence.
Why aren't your prices published?
Not yet. Each engagement is quoted individually by email with its basis stated (per report, per item, per box or per hour), so you always see the exact number before you agree.
What does a written quote include?
The scope of the work, the intended use of the result, the fee and its basis, the timeline, the limitations, and any deposit. It arrives by email before anything is done.
Do you take deposits?
Only when the written scope says so, and the amount is stated there. Most work does not need one.
Which work is hourly, and which is flat?
Consults, damage and loss claims, and expert witness work are hourly. Everything else is a flat fee: appraisal reports, donation appraisals, the remote clinic, authentication, pre-grades, hub submissions, breaks, insurance documentation and training.
Is there a minimum for a verbal consultation?
Yes: a verbal consult is hourly with a 30-minute minimum, in person or by video, and I summarise what we discussed by email afterwards.
Do you charge for travel?
Travel beyond the Yuma area is quoted in the written scope, so you see the cost before you agree. Most people outside the area use the remote clinic instead.
Can a quote change after I agree to it?
Not without your agreement in writing. If the job turns out to be different from the scope (more cards, a different purpose), I tell you and re-quote before doing the extra work.
How do I pay?
By invoice. Once the engagement letter is signed, I send an invoice for the fee stated in it, on the basis stated in it.
Do large collections cost less per card?
Collection appraisals are priced as a set, tiered by the number of items, rather than as a stack of single-card fees. The written quote shows the tier your collection falls in.
Appraisal
Want a written opinion on what your cards are worth?
A written appraisal states the value, the purpose and the reasoning, with photographs. Read about appraisals