posted on June 7, 2001 03:51:10 PM
I just got the note from them that they were shutting down. I'm sort of sorry about that. I tried to use them once, they didn't have anyone knowledgeable about the item, but they were very nice. I planned on using them again.
I wonder why they closed? Heck, they shouldn't have a lot of overhead (unless they were hiring experts who just sat around). I assumed that they knew various experts in different fields and just paid them per appraisal. I would have thought that they could make a success of this.
posted on June 7, 2001 05:28:51 PM
Here's a copy of the letter I recieved:
"Dear Collectors and Valued Customers:
We regret to inform you that Eppraisals.com is no longer in business as of
June 7th, 2001. If you have a pending Eppraisal, Second Opinion, or Ask an
Expert question, we will do our best to complete it by the close of business
on June 7th. If we cannot complete your request, you will be notified via
email and your credit card will NOT be charged. All Personal Advisor
requests will be cancelled and your credit card will NOT be charged.
If you would like to print out any of your completed Eppraisals
certificates, please go to www.eppraisals.com and login to Your Account.
Your Eppraisal certificates will be available through June 15, 2001.
Nearly two years ago, we were talking about the love of collecting art and
antiques and this increasingly popular medium of the internet. We thought
it would be great to put together a network of experts to help people learn
about their own art and antiques and collectibles and help people turn their
curiosity into an informed passion.
That was how we got started, and now, sadly, it seems we were ahead of the
times. For various reasons, we've discovered that the market isn't ready
for the great product that we've built and developed.
Our greatest satisfaction has been serving you, so thanks for the
opportunity. Maybe we will see you again at an antique show, or perhaps, on
the Internet!
Your friends at Eppraisals.com"
There was no prior warning... and I have an Eppraisal for my Buddha Image that I'm still using in my Auction listings.
Guess I'd better go see if that "Eppraisal Certificate" is even working... *sigh*
