Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a response to your free appraisal listing. Follow these steps to enhance your InstAppraisal experience and improve your results:
-
Post Clear, Focused, and Well-Lit Pictures
Small details can significantly impact an item's valuation, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Ensure your item is photographed clearly from all angles, with close-ups of key details.
-
Choose Your Best Image as the Thumbnail
When you upload images, they appear in a stack, with the topmost image used as the thumbnail. Since many users browse listings by thumbnails, select a picture that best represents your item. For example, a clear photo of a beautiful teacup is more engaging than a picture of the bottom of the cup. Additionally, use the rotation arrows to ensure your images are oriented correctly.
-
Minimize Distractions in Your Pictures
Avoid cluttered photos where your item is surrounded by unrelated objects. Ideally, photograph your item alone against a plain or neutral background to keep the focus on it.
-
Provide Useful Descriptions
While simply asking, "What is this?" communicates your goal, adding more details greatly improves the chances of getting a response. For example:
- Is the furniture made of solid wood, plywood, or fiberboard?
- Did you find the doll at an estate sale or a thrift shop?
- Is the paint on the vase applied under or over the clear coat?
These details help appraisers provide more accurate and detailed information.
-
Use the Search Tool
Before posting, search for similar items. Many common items, like Lane cedar chests, have already been appraised by other members. You might find your answer immediately by using the search bar.
-
Be Patient
InstAppraisal is a free, crowd-sourced platform that relies on knowledgeable members sharing their insights. While some items receive quick responses, others may take longer. Patience is key!
-
Participate
As Robert Heinlein said, "There’s no such thing as a free lunch." While you rely on others to comment on your items, you should also contribute to theirs. Share what you know—such as identifying an item or estimating when it was made—even if you’re unsure of its value. It’s fun, and you’ll earn InstAppraisal Points, which could win you a $25 Amazon Gift Card each month!
-
Need More Help?
Visit our detailed Help! How Do I Use InstAppraisal? page for additional guidance and suggestions.