Getting an appraisal of the collection is not always necessary when good price sources are readily available. Collectors who stay on top of price trends by attending auctions or reading current auction results are just as able to determine toy prices as an appraiser. To substantiate these values for the agent, however, the collector should provide a buyer's sheet or price guide data. If, however, you seek the services of an appraiser and don't know where to find one, there are several places to turn. According to Donna Reid, director of public relations, their members are certified appraisers who have passed rigorous ethical exams.
Charges depend on the time it takes to complete an appraisal, including research when needed.
This would be an unethical approach. One agent with American Family Insurance states that several of his clients had not gotten their collections endorsed because they had not completed their inventories. When he told them to have the collections appraised, they still resisted, saying they did not know a reputable, trustworthy appraiser. Many collectors express this sentiment. In fact, many collectors shy away from talking about their toys to strangers.