Book
Valuations
and
Appraisal
Services
Jeff Rothermel specializes in appraising Americana book values for clients from all walks of life. Military history is his primary specialty area. He generally works with books published in English or the German language. He assesses all genre of fiction and non-fiction topics.
Contact Jeff Rothermel at:
Business phone: (319) 351-3166
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Jeff deals in written text, although he prefers to communicate via voice. The bottom line is he initially prefers telephonic contact over emails and texts. Initial conversation allows for a confirmed understanding of the client's intent. Once the scope of the project is understood, then a statement of work with fee schedule can be placed into writing.
Member of
Appraisers International Society
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DO IT YOURSELF, Self-service
Computers, databases, and smartphones are definite tools of the modern book trade. Bookdealers often pay fees or have "free" access through their subscriptions to Amazon, eBay, and private auction house databases to know what specific items have sold for, their condition, and how many sold. An informed person is able to put a bit of predictive analysis into book values based upon what the computerized market is reporting. You, too, can make your own assessments of book values using the computerized assets that are available to you combined with your commonsense intellect.
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If you want a second opinion or get stumped- give Jeff a call. He enjoys a mystery.
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vintage book valuations
Walk-In Rates
Walk-in assessments are potentially available-
one hour after the store opens, and end one hour before the store closes.
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*Category V (Vintage): Book valuation fee for one book with no date of publication, or in a foreign language, or prior to 1930: $50 base rate plus tax. (Depending upon level of additional assessment, *see hourly research rates).
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Signature
Walk-In Rates
Walk-in assessments are potentially available-
one hour after the store opens, and end one hour before the store closes.
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*Book valuation fee for one book with signature $20 base rate + Category M or V rate. (Depending upon level of assessment, *see hourly research rates).
Hourly, Daily
Starting
Rates &
Fees
Book valuations (appraisals) are by appointment. During the initial interview, the scope of work is determined along with the fee schedule. The client and appraiser discuss the work that will be done and the cost to perform the service. We start by discussing why the client is in search of... The client's stated intended use determines the type of research and documentation that will be done.
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If a person walks into the store without an appointment and they desire to know the value of their book, the Captain may have time to look at the book for the above listed rates / fees.
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Book valuation appraisal services are most often performed on an hourly basis (not per piece). Travel expenses are assignment specific.
No client or job is too small or large. Clients may want a presale estimate. They may need to know the approximate baseline of value for the item(s) prior to the sale. Others maybe researching insuring a single book or contents of an entire library. Some may need an appraisal because of bankruptcy, divorce, taxes, or other reasons. Some may want to know a book's projected value if restored. The IRS is particular about tax returns containing personal property appraisals. Rarely are book valuation formats the same, because no two clients have the same exact appraisal requirements and books.
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Daily storage fee begins at: $34 plus tax per day.
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*Hourly book valuation appraisal research rate starts at: $25 an hour.
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Hourly report writing, printing and notarization fee: $35 plus tax.
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Fees and rates subject to change.