Speaking as an appraiser........I hate appraisal days.  First of all they 
are not appraisals which are researched and written documents.  What you 
don't see on the Road Show is the hours? of research done for the featured 
spots behind the scene in a trailer full of databases and resources.

Telling somebody what something is worth off the top of your head is like 
asking a doctor for a diagnosis at a cocktail party.  NOT GOOD. 
Professionally trained appraisers can do that only if it is called a "Verbal 
Approximation of Value."  It is not an appraisal.  Somehow "verbal approx. 
of value day" doesn't have the same punch.  To cover our butts we have forms 
for people to sign that says we aren't appraising their stuff.  If the 
museum's client takes the unconsidered value and uses it to make a financial 
decision the museum's liability may be akin to the appraiser's liability: 
under insured, over insured, under payment of taxes, sale at a 
loss..........it goes on and on.   Just call me chicken-little.

BTW unless an appraisal course of study doesn't at least take at least 5 
days, it does't give people real appraisal credentials.   There are a bunch 
of "appraisal certification programs" that give the public a false sense of 
trust in people who really aren't trained.   Before you recommend or use an 
appraiser look into their credentialing course of study AND if they are 
really members of professional groups.  Stick with the International Society 
of Appraisers or the American Society of Appraisers.

Sara Conklin, ISA CAPP
800-464-4208 

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