Cost of Bad Business Services Highlighted on Antiques Roadshow

The recent airing of Antiques Roadshow (AR) underscores how important it is to evaluate a business or professional service provider… in all fields.

Not everyone despite their educational background or business presence may be as knowledgeable and render service…well.

The theme of the AR episode showcased how visitors burst into tears upon hearing the appraisal value of the item they brought. In the example below, I’m certain if the person who originally sold the family heirloom, a Tiffany lamp, watched the episode, she would have wept more.

The original owner took her heirloom to two different appraisers and based on their opinions decided to sell it for $125 back in the late 1960s.

A costly mistake is an understatement.

Trust sometimes cancels out due diligence even when due diligence is taken. In the example below, the credentials and experience of the appraisers could not have been top-drawer. Consulting Tiffany might have been helpful and a membership association of certified appraisers.

While costly for consumers, even more damaging when a self-employed consumer consults a business or service provider or manufacturer who turns out to be subpar.