Getting Started Guide
Everything you need to know to start getting professional appraisals for your valuable items. You can also jump straight to our free online antique appraisal.
Quick Start Guide
Create Your Account
Sign up for a free account to get started. You'll get 3 free appraisals per month.
Sign Up FreePrepare Your Item
Clean your item and find good lighting. Natural light works best for photos.
- Remove dust and debris
- Find a neutral background
- Have item details ready
Take Quality Photos
Upload 3-6 clear photos from different angles:
- Front view
- Back view
- Maker's marks or signatures
- Any damage or unique features
Submit for Appraisal
Fill in the item details and submit. You'll receive an instant AI-powered valuation.
Start AppraisalWhat Can Be Appraised?
InstAppraisal specializes in a wide range of valuable items:
Antiques
Furniture, pottery, glassware, and decorative items
Art
Paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs
Jewelry
Rings, necklaces, watches, and precious stones
Coins
Rare coins, currency, and numismatic items
Stamps
Vintage stamps, first day covers, and philatelic items
Silver
Sterling silver, silverplate, and hallmarked items
Books
First editions, signed copies, and rare manuscripts
Collectibles
Toys, memorabilia, sports cards, and more
Photography Best Practices
✅ Do's
- Use natural daylight when possible
- Take photos from multiple angles
- Include close-ups of marks and signatures
- Use a plain, contrasting background
- Keep camera steady or use a tripod
- Clean the item before photographing
❌ Don'ts
- Don't use flash (creates glare)
- Don't take blurry or out-of-focus photos
- Don't crop out important details
- Don't use busy backgrounds
- Don't photograph through glass
- Don't use heavy filters
Understanding Your Appraisal
Your appraisal report will include:
📊 Market Value Range
Current fair market value based on recent sales of similar items
📝 Detailed Description
Professional description of your item including materials, age, and condition
🔍 Comparable Sales
Recent auction results and sales data for similar items
💡 Expert Insights
Additional information about makers, history, and collectibility
📄 PDF Report
Download a professional PDF report for insurance or resale purposes