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February, 2008
Notes on Philatelic
Properties
There is a basic rule in the business,
however: If the collector didn't spend much money ("when" it was
acquired is of little importance) to acquire the material, then it probably
isn't worth much today.
The “time” to conduct an appraisal is
difficult to predict. However, if the collector has been a serious one, the
material will be well organized as to country, time frame, topic, etc. This
will greatly simplify the effort by the appraiser.
Sometimes we will recommend donating all
or a portion of a collection. Here are two candidates to which one can do so:
Preparing for an Appraisal
Do your best to
sort any loose stamps & covers by country, and within each country by used
and unused condition. This will save the appraiser time and thus save you
money. Modern unused postage (after 1950) should be separated into singles,
blocks and sheets according to denomination and the total face value in each
category should be totaled.
Collectibles Appraisal
Terms
My general fee
is $100 for the first hour and $50/hour thereafter or the sum of $100 plus 3%
of the appraised value (FMV), whichever is the lesser. Travel expenses are
extra for other than local clients (if by auto @ $0.485/mile). If an initial
review of your collection yields an appraisal of less than $100, there will be
no charge except for expenses.
If in the
initial review, I find that your collection is worth more than $100 (and you
have agreed to the terms of this agreement), I will proceed with the appraisal.
My complete appraisal will be the price that another dealer or I would pay for
your collection. If I offer to buy all of your material and you decide to sell
it to me at that price then there will be no appraisal fee (and no expense
reimbursement). If you wish, I can add “FMV” (replacement value) evaluations of
all or a portion of the collection which may be appropriate in estate
situations.
If I decide not
to offer to buy the collection or you decide not to sell me the collection,
then my fee will be as stated above, and I will provide you with a written
summary of the appraisal within 5 working days.
I may offer to
buy a portion of your material. In this case the fee will be a prorated.
Don Tocher
Agreed:
_________________________________________ Date:________________