| Mearto |
$15-$75 |
24-48 hours |
Global network of specialists |
| ValueMyStuff |
~$28 per item |
24-48 hours |
Former Sotheby's and Christie's experts |
| WorthPoint |
Subscription-based ($23-$45/month) |
Database access (immediate) |
Historical price database, not personalized appraisals |
| JustAnswer |
$5-$90 (subscription) |
Minutes to hours |
General experts, less specialized |
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</table>
Business Legitimacy
According to Scamadviser, Mearto.com is considered legitimate and safe for consumers to access. The company has been operating since 2015 and has established partnerships with various auction houses and art institutions.
Expert Credentials
Mearto claims to work with certified appraisers from major auction houses and institutions. While individual appraiser credentials are not always visible to users before submission, the company states that all appraisers have relevant expertise in their specific categories.
According to an article on BadCredit.org, “Mearto helps people appraise and authenticate items, so they sell for top dollar. Its appraisals are based on fair market values established by experts and recent auction records.”
Value of Appraisals
A key question is whether Mearto’s appraisals hold weight in official contexts:
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Insurance Purposes: Some users report successfully using Mearto appraisals for insurance documentation, though many insurance companies prefer in-person appraisals for high-value items.
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Estate and Tax Purposes: For IRS or legal documentation, Mearto’s appraisals may not meet the formal requirements, which typically demand in-person examination by certified appraisers.
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Selling Guidance: For guidance on potential selling prices, Mearto’s appraisals appear to provide useful benchmark information.
Best Practices for Submissions
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Provide Multiple Clear Photos: Take high-resolution images of your item from multiple angles in good lighting. Include close-ups of signatures, marks, damage, and any distinguishing features.
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Include Detailed Information: Share everything you know about the item’s history, provenance, age, and condition. The more information you provide, the more accurate the appraisal can be.
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Measure Accurately: Include precise measurements of the item as this can significantly affect valuation.
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Disclose Condition Issues: Be forthcoming about any damage, repairs, or alterations as these factors greatly impact value.
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Check Comparable Sales: Before submitting, do some basic research on similar items that have sold recently to have a benchmark for the appraisal you receive.
When to Seek Additional Opinions
Consider seeking a second opinion or in-person appraisal if:
- The item has significant estimated value (generally over $1,000)
- You need the appraisal for insurance, tax, or legal purposes
- The item requires hands-on authentication
- You’re planning to sell through a major auction house
- You receive an appraisal that seems significantly higher or lower than expected
External Resources for Antique and Art Appraisals
Final Assessment
Mearto offers a convenient, relatively affordable option for preliminary art and antique valuations. The service appears to be most valuable for:
- Getting quick initial valuations before deciding whether to pursue more extensive appraisals
- Appraising items of moderate value where the cost of traditional appraisals would be disproportionate
- Users in locations without easy access to specialist appraisers
- Satisfying curiosity about inherited or purchased items
However, Mearto has limitations that make it less suitable for:
- High-value items requiring definitive authentication
- Appraisals needed for official purposes like taxation or legal disputes
- Items with complex provenance or condition issues that require physical inspection
Value Proposition
At $15-$75 per appraisal, Mearto provides a reasonable middle ground between free, informal opinions and expensive in-person professional appraisals. While the service has faced some criticism regarding price increases and occasional quality inconsistency, the overall user satisfaction rating of 4.6/5 suggests that most customers find value in the service.
For casual collectors, curious inheritors, or those needing a starting point for valuation, Mearto appears to offer a legitimate and useful service. For serious collectors, those with potentially valuable items, or individuals needing documentation for official purposes, Mearto may serve as a useful first step before seeking more comprehensive in-person appraisals.
Common Questions About Mearto Appraisals
Is Mearto legitimate for appraisal?
Based on our research, Mearto is a legitimate online appraisal service that has been operating since 2015. They connect users with professional appraisers who provide valuations based on submitted photos and information. According to their website and numerous user reviews, many customers have received detailed and thorough appraisals within the promised timeframes.
Scamadviser.com, a website that evaluates online businesses for legitimacy, considers Mearto.com safe for consumers. That said, as with any online service, the quality of individual appraisals may vary depending on the specific appraiser assigned to your item.
How much does Mearto charge for an appraisal?
Mearto's pricing has evolved over time. According to a 2018 interview in Antiques and The Arts Weekly, Mearto initially charged $15 for a standard 48-hour appraisal and $25 for an expedited 24-hour appraisal.
Currently, users report that Mearto charges between $15-$75 for standard appraisals, depending on the item category and complexity. Express appraisals with faster turnaround times generally cost $25-$100. For more specialized services like authentication research, prices can range from $100-$300 or more.
Mearto occasionally offers discounts for multiple item submissions or through promotional campaigns.
How long does a Mearto appraisal take?
Mearto offers two primary service levels for their appraisals:
- Standard Appraisal: Completed within 48 hours of submission
- Express Appraisal: Completed within 24 hours of submission for an additional fee
According to user reviews, Mearto generally adheres to these timeframes, with many customers reporting receiving their appraisals even faster than promised. The exact timing may depend on the complexity of the item and the current workload of their appraiser network.
For more complex items requiring additional research or authentication services, the timeframe may be longer and will typically be specified when ordering these premium services.
Are online antique appraisals accurate?
Online antique appraisals, including those from Mearto, have both advantages and limitations when it comes to accuracy:
Advantages:
- They utilize experts with specialized knowledge
- They can reference extensive databases of comparable sales
- They’re often based on objective market data
Limitations:
- Appraisers cannot physically examine the item
- Condition assessment relies on photos and descriptions
- Authentication can be challenging without hands-on inspection
For many items, online appraisals provide reasonably accurate value ranges that reflect current market conditions. However, for high-value, rare, or complex items, an in-person appraisal by a specialist who can physically examine the piece may provide more precise results.
According to Consumer Reports, online valuations are useful for preliminary assessments but may not be sufficient for insurance, tax, or legal purposes, which often require more thorough in-person examinations.
How does Mearto compare to ValueMyStuff?
Mearto and ValueMyStuff are two leading online appraisal services with several key similarities and differences:
Pricing:
- Mearto: $15-$75 per item
- ValueMyStuff: Approximately $28 per item with bulk discounts
Turnaround Time:
- Both offer 24-48 hour service options
Expert Network:
- Mearto emphasizes a global network of specialists
- ValueMyStuff highlights its connection to former Sotheby’s and Christie’s experts
User Experience:
- Mearto is generally considered to have a more modern, user-friendly interface
- ValueMyStuff has been established longer (since 2009)
Additional Services:
- Both offer authentication services at premium prices
- Mearto has recently added selling assistance options
User reviews suggest both services provide similar quality appraisals, with individual experiences varying based on the specific appraiser assigned and the item category. The choice between the two may come down to pricing preferences and specific expertise needed for your particular item.
Can Mearto appraisals be used for insurance purposes?
Mearto appraisals can sometimes be used for insurance purposes, but with important caveats:
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Insurance Company Requirements: Many insurance companies have specific requirements for appraisals, including that they be performed in-person by certified appraisers. You should check with your specific insurance provider before relying on an online appraisal.
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Value Thresholds: For items of lower or moderate value, some insurance companies may accept online appraisals as sufficient documentation. For high-value items, in-person appraisals are typically required.
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Documentation Quality: Mearto provides detailed appraisal reports that include fair market value estimates, which is the basis insurance companies typically use. These reports do include appraiser credentials which adds to their credibility.
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Supplementary Evidence: Even when an in-person appraisal is required, a Mearto appraisal can serve as supplementary evidence or a starting point for valuation discussions with your insurer.
For formal insurance purposes, particularly for valuable items, it’s advisable to confirm with your insurance company whether they accept online appraisals before relying solely on Mearto’s service.
