Avoid appraisers who charge a percentage of the rug's value as a fee and those who offer free appraisals. That isn't good enough. Beware of deep discounts. A handmade rug at half price was marked up too high from the start. Exercise caution in any shop that displays many rugs without a price tag.
Good rugs deserve good care.
In the past, rugs were hung over a sturdy pole and beaten. Today, you'll need a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar. Vacuum the rug's surface at least twice a month. Because gritty dirt abrades the rug's backing, vacuum the back of the rug occasionally, too. When the rug comes home, rotate it 180 degrees to equalize wear.