5 tips for buying valuables online
Finding that perfect diamond necklace, rare coin to complete your collection or decadent piece of art is possible from the comforts of your slippers. There are plenty of reputable online avenues to shop for that valuable item that helps reflect your tastes and lifestyle.
With the online shopping experience, however, also comes additional issues to consider when you cannot be in-person to vouch for the item yourself.
When making important purchasing decisions online about your next valuable item, consider these five tips.
Do your research… and then a little more
If you plan to spend premium dollars on your desired item of great value, make sure you put that much extra research into understanding its value.
Consider the individual seller and look into their ratings and comments from other past buyers. Don't rely on just star ratings, as they can be misleading. If you are ever in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau to see how their reputation holds up.
When examining a description of the item, be weary of terms used to describe it, such as "vintage" or "refurbished" as they could indicate an item not in its top condition.
Look for appraisals/certificates
For many types of valuables, an official appraisal can help you narrow your focus on the current value of that item(s).
This is especially important when it comes to jewelry. Make sure the appraisal specifically lists the item’s details such as weight, markings and material. They can also contain more subjective descriptions such as rarity, gemstone quality and manufacturer quality.
An appraisal or certificate can also help determine previous owners to document the item’s history for more accurate record-keeping.
Pay using a credit card
With a credit card as your payment method, you'll have the ability to dispute charges later and the likelihood of liability on fraudulent purchases is much lower.
You can also consider a "virtual credit card" for certain online purchases. These virtual cards typically have lower spending limits and keep your regular credit cards with larger limits protected.
Ask all your questions
Just because you are not face-to-face with the seller does not mean you can’t ask all of those questions on your mind.
If you are buying directly from an artist or jeweler or other online seller, make contact to have all your questions answered. Be sure to include a question about how long you have for a refund, what the warranty states and confirm you will get all the necessary paperwork in writing.
Don’t be shy about asking until you are satisfied with all of the feedback. These questions can help you determine if doing business with this seller makes the most sense.
Get experienced insurance know-how
Having your valuables – purchased online or in-person – covered with high-value insurance can help provide you peace of mind in the event they are lost or stolen.
Talk to your independent insurance agent to see how The Hanover’s Prestige coverage can help protect your valuables up to $50,000 with the valuable items plus endorsement.
Please refer to "Legal notices" below for underwriting company disclosure, coverage and risk mitigation disclaimer.
Sources
Related resources
5 tips for buying valuables online
Finding that perfect diamond necklace, rare coin to complete your collection or decadent piece of art is possible from the comforts of your slippers. There are plenty of reputable online avenues to shop for that valuable item that helps reflect your tastes and lifestyle.
With the online shopping experience, however, also comes additional issues to consider when you cannot be in-person to vouch for the item yourself.
When making important purchasing decisions online about your next valuable item, consider these five tips.
Do your research… and then a little more
If you plan to spend premium dollars on your desired item of great value, make sure you put that much extra research into understanding its value.
Consider the individual seller and look into their ratings and comments from other past buyers. Don't rely on just star ratings, as they can be misleading. If you are ever in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau to see how their reputation holds up.
When examining a description of the item, be weary of terms used to describe it, such as "vintage" or "refurbished" as they could indicate an item not in its top condition.
Look for appraisals/certificates
For many types of valuables, an official appraisal can help you narrow your focus on the current value of that item(s).
This is especially important when it comes to jewelry. Make sure the appraisal specifically lists the item’s details such as weight, markings and material. They can also contain more subjective descriptions such as rarity, gemstone quality and manufacturer quality.
An appraisal or certificate can also help determine previous owners to document the item’s history for more accurate record-keeping.
Pay using a credit card
With a credit card as your payment method, you'll have the ability to dispute charges later and the likelihood of liability on fraudulent purchases is much lower.
You can also consider a "virtual credit card" for certain online purchases. These virtual cards typically have lower spending limits and keep your regular credit cards with larger limits protected.
Ask all your questions
Just because you are not face-to-face with the seller does not mean you can’t ask all of those questions on your mind.
If you are buying directly from an artist or jeweler or other online seller, make contact to have all your questions answered. Be sure to include a question about how long you have for a refund, what the warranty states and confirm you will get all the necessary paperwork in writing.
Don’t be shy about asking until you are satisfied with all of the feedback. These questions can help you determine if doing business with this seller makes the most sense.
Get experienced insurance know-how
Having your valuables – purchased online or in-person – covered with high-value insurance can help provide you peace of mind in the event they are lost or stolen.
Talk to your independent insurance agent to see how The Hanover’s Prestige coverage can help protect your valuables up to $50,000 with the valuable items plus endorsement.
Please refer to "Legal notices" below for underwriting company disclosure, coverage and risk mitigation disclaimer.
Sources
Related resources
5 tips for buying valuables online
Finding that perfect diamond necklace, rare coin to complete your collection or decadent piece of art is possible from the comforts of your slippers. There are plenty of reputable online avenues to shop for that valuable item that helps reflect your tastes and lifestyle.
With the online shopping experience, however, also comes additional issues to consider when you cannot be in-person to vouch for the item yourself.
When making important purchasing decisions online about your next valuable item, consider these five tips.
Do your research… and then a little more
If you plan to spend premium dollars on your desired item of great value, make sure you put that much extra research into understanding its value.
Consider the individual seller and look into their ratings and comments from other past buyers. Don't rely on just star ratings, as they can be misleading. If you are ever in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau to see how their reputation holds up.
When examining a description of the item, be weary of terms used to describe it, such as "vintage" or "refurbished" as they could indicate an item not in its top condition.
Look for appraisals/certificates
For many types of valuables, an official appraisal can help you narrow your focus on the current value of that item(s).
This is especially important when it comes to jewelry. Make sure the appraisal specifically lists the item’s details such as weight, markings and material. They can also contain more subjective descriptions such as rarity, gemstone quality and manufacturer quality.
An appraisal or certificate can also help determine previous owners to document the item’s history for more accurate record-keeping.
Pay using a credit card
With a credit card as your payment method, you'll have the ability to dispute charges later and the likelihood of liability on fraudulent purchases is much lower.
You can also consider a "virtual credit card" for certain online purchases. These virtual cards typically have lower spending limits and keep your regular credit cards with larger limits protected.
Ask all your questions
Just because you are not face-to-face with the seller does not mean you can’t ask all of those questions on your mind.
If you are buying directly from an artist or jeweler or other online seller, make contact to have all your questions answered. Be sure to include a question about how long you have for a refund, what the warranty states and confirm you will get all the necessary paperwork in writing.
Don’t be shy about asking until you are satisfied with all of the feedback. These questions can help you determine if doing business with this seller makes the most sense.
Get experienced insurance know-how
Having your valuables – purchased online or in-person – covered with high-value insurance can help provide you peace of mind in the event they are lost or stolen.
Talk to your independent insurance agent to see how The Hanover’s Prestige coverage can help protect your valuables up to $50,000 with the valuable items plus endorsement.
Please refer to "Legal notices" below for underwriting company disclosure, coverage and risk mitigation disclaimer.
Sources
Related resources
5 tips for buying valuables online
Finding that perfect diamond necklace, rare coin to complete your collection or decadent piece of art is possible from the comforts of your slippers. There are plenty of reputable online avenues to shop for that valuable item that helps reflect your tastes and lifestyle.
With the online shopping experience, however, also comes additional issues to consider when you cannot be in-person to vouch for the item yourself.
When making important purchasing decisions online about your next valuable item, consider these five tips.
Do your research… and then a little more
If you plan to spend premium dollars on your desired item of great value, make sure you put that much extra research into understanding its value.
Consider the individual seller and look into their ratings and comments from other past buyers. Don't rely on just star ratings, as they can be misleading. If you are ever in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau to see how their reputation holds up.
When examining a description of the item, be weary of terms used to describe it, such as "vintage" or "refurbished" as they could indicate an item not in its top condition.
Look for appraisals/certificates
For many types of valuables, an official appraisal can help you narrow your focus on the current value of that item(s).
This is especially important when it comes to jewelry. Make sure the appraisal specifically lists the item’s details such as weight, markings and material. They can also contain more subjective descriptions such as rarity, gemstone quality and manufacturer quality.
An appraisal or certificate can also help determine previous owners to document the item’s history for more accurate record-keeping.
Pay using a credit card
With a credit card as your payment method, you'll have the ability to dispute charges later and the likelihood of liability on fraudulent purchases is much lower.
You can also consider a "virtual credit card" for certain online purchases. These virtual cards typically have lower spending limits and keep your regular credit cards with larger limits protected.
Ask all your questions
Just because you are not face-to-face with the seller does not mean you can’t ask all of those questions on your mind.
If you are buying directly from an artist or jeweler or other online seller, make contact to have all your questions answered. Be sure to include a question about how long you have for a refund, what the warranty states and confirm you will get all the necessary paperwork in writing.
Don’t be shy about asking until you are satisfied with all of the feedback. These questions can help you determine if doing business with this seller makes the most sense.
Get experienced insurance know-how
Having your valuables – purchased online or in-person – covered with high-value insurance can help provide you peace of mind in the event they are lost or stolen.
Talk to your independent insurance agent to see how The Hanover’s Prestige coverage can help protect your valuables up to $50,000 with the valuable items plus endorsement.
Please refer to "Legal notices" below for underwriting company disclosure, coverage and risk mitigation disclaimer.
Sources