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April, 2010
Notes on Philatelic
Properties
There is a basic rule in the
business: If the collector didn't spend much money to acquire the material,
then it probably isn't worth much today. "When" it was acquired is of
little importance.
The “time” it takes 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 three 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 $125 for the first hour and $60/hour thereafter or the sum of
$125 plus 3% of the appraised value (fair market value or FMV), whichever is greater.
Travel expenses are extra for other than local clients (if by auto @
$0.50/mile). If an initial review of your collection yields an appraisal of
less than $250, there will be no charge except for expenses.
If in
the initial review, I find that your collection is worth more than $250 (and
you have agreed to the terms of this agreement), I will proceed with the
appraisal. My complete appraisal will state the FMV and the price (wholesale
value) I would pay for that portion of your collection that I choose to buy. 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). The
appraisal of items I do not purchase will be based on the FMV alone.
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 will be based on the FMV. I
will provide you with a written summary of the appraisal within 5 working days.
If I
offer to buy a portion of your material, the fee will be a prorated.
Don Tocher
Agreed:
_________________________________________ Date:________________