What’s This Worth?

Do you know the market value of your assets? We’ve previously discussed how our clients often overlook the hidden value that’s sitting right in front of them. A related, but different, challenge occurs when we know that something is “valuable,” but don’t know exactly what it’s worth in the marketplace. Especially if you’re a business owner, there are a number reasons why it’s beneficial to maintain an accurate valuation of your assets (e.g., machinery, equipment, property). And this is where you can benefit from the expertise of a certified equipment and machinery appraiser.

By partnering with an appraiser, not only will you have a certified valuation of what your assets are worth, in the process you will also:

• Enhance the accuracy of your accounting records
• Better equip your business for collateral loans
• Maximize how your assets can go to work for you

At Bid-2-Buy, we are pleased to provide our clients with expert appraisal services through our partnership with U.S. Asset Appraisals. Read on to learn more about the benefits of appraisals and key things to consider when choosing an appraiser.

Reasons to Partner with a Professional Appraiser

There are several reasons one might turn to professional appraisal services:

• The business is looking to buy or sell equipment and needs to determine a fair market price
• When filing for insurance on business assets, many policies require a certified equipment appraisal to determine the item’s value.
• Determining the current value of the business’ machinery and equipment could result in a tax write-off in the event of depreciation.
• For asset-based loans, the bank must know the value of the machinery and equipment the business is putting up as collateral.

A certified machinery and equipment appraiser (CMEA) will provide an unbiased valuation that business owners can use with the Internal Revenue Service, the bank, or in their accounting.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Appraiser

If your business needs the assistance of an appraiser, be sure that the appraiser has the following qualifications:

1. Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) certification
2. Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraisers membership*
3. American Society of Appraisers membership*
4. Local market expertise
5. Industry expertise
6. Strong reputation
7. Experience and professionalism

*Either 2 or 3 is fine, both are not necessary.

Please refer to the Appraisal section of our website to learn more about how we can support your appraisal-related needs. Appraisals are yet another of the ways in which we build value together with our clients and customers.