Understanding Pricing & Market Values
About Department 56 ...PRICES & VALUES INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE ...
In the service, we provide both original prices as well as what we consider to be current day value for the items.
The market values can be found within an individual item, as well as within the reports of an Inventory account. Simply search for an item and click onto its title to open up the info page. The market values will be at the bottom of the page. If you do not see them there, please let us know and we will troubleshoot the issue.
HOW TO APPLY VALUES TO YOUR ITEMS ...
For Department 56, there are no individual symbols associated with the items. Your choice will be to go with our market value or select 'Self Value' and enter your own.
DEFINITIONS ...
ORG = represents the original price for the item
LOW = the lowest value associate with the item, usually based on poor condition or missing features.
AVG = what the average item is valued in the market, based on supply and demand for the item. One aspect to consider when talking about 'average' is how the item's condition compares with the average item in the market. For example, if the average identical item in the market has been stored in a box for years, that would making the 'average' condition for this item to be 'mint'. If the item out there is very old, then the average item in the market could be faded and worn. But that would make a faded and worn item 'average', not low.
HIGH = this value represents the potential of the item's value and is usually supported by the highest value we have heard reported for the piece. Items can move from 'average' to 'high' in value with features that move it from an 'average' piece. For example having signatures, special features, above average condition (for that piece) or other features that make it more than average.
When valuing your collection for insurance purposes, the best option is to determine the unique value for each of your items based on its demand, condition and other characteristics making sure to document all features that make it unique and above average. Most insurance adjustors will accept or default to 'average' or 'low' so it is up to you to document why your item is worth more. If time is an issue, we recommend choosing the HIGH value for your items as it represents the potential of the collectible and should be used as the potential replacement cost. But be ready to accept the AVG in case of claim.