And BOOKS. DON’T leave out the Library in the survey of assets. Yeah, MOST people have nothing irreplaceable on their shelvs, but many have at least a few books that are of elevated value, even if it’s only sentimental value.
I can go buy another copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress”, but the one I have has been in the family for more than 60 years. If it were lost to fire or theft, I’d want effort expended to replace it like-for-like, not old-for-new.
It’s things like this that are often overlooked in the valuation of personal property.
Be especially aware to note any COLLECTIONS a customer might own. Stamps, coins, Lionel trains...whatever. These things need very thorough documentation, and you might find the ability to add, as a billable service, location of a specialist who could provide an expert dollar valuation of those assets. Some collectors have had their collections evaluated, but many have not, and it’s not just anyone who can accurately appraise the value of a collection.
Also, for antiques, artwork, and handmade furniture (especially if custom made or handcrafted by a well-known artisan), you might offer to provide official valuation and documentation for these kinds of items, perhaps even going to the extent of getting a professional valuation notarized to be vaulted with the customer’s other records.
Finally: white gloves.
Stock up on pairs of nice, white gloves.
I don’t care if your customer lives in a trailer park, give their stuff the white glove treatment. Dress smartly, and touch nothing with bare hands; it’ll elevate the “calibre” of your enterpprise, and add perceived value to your services.
Excellent points. Homeowners’ insurance often excludes the value of collections, jewelry, or other items such as valuable books, beyond quite a modest limit (couple of thousand dollars). If people don’t know that, they could be informed - or at least they’d have a recent inventory of their collection, to replace it at their own cost.
You are SO good!