Business Appraisal & Valuation FAQ

HOW ARE APPRAISALS TRANSMITTED?  Bound copies of appraisals will be transmitted by FedEx or UPS.  Each will be Certified by signature of a Certified Senior Business Analyst (CSBA), which is required under USPAP. One bound copy and a CD-ROM with a PDF file are provided. 

HOW ARE FEES PAID?  Normally, fees are paid by credit card.  When you initiate a request for an appraisal, your credit card information will be taken and held in a "deposits" file.  Your card will not be actually charged at this time.  When the appraisal is started the card will be charged to insure it is valid and payment is accepted.  Where you desire to pay by check, when received, the check will be held in a "deposit" account, which will then be processed when the appraisal is started. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION? Occasionally one of our valuation professionals will need additional information.  This will be obtained from the contact person indicated in the registration, usually by phone, fax or e-mail.

ARE SITE INSPECTIONS DONE?  For business valuations, it is not usually required.  For equipment valuations, yes or no depending on the requirements of the client. 

American ValueMetrics developed a detailed questionnaire which is completed by the owner.  The opinion of business value is based upon financial considerations.  Physical inspection of the property is normally a function of due diligence by a buyer or lender. 

WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?  Financial Documents are normally sent to us via fax or via FedEx.  They are filed with your confidential client number. Most communications will be by phone, or by email over our secure server.  Communications will by referenced by the confidential registration number.

ARE THERE ANY PRIVACY CONCERNS? Client contact, personal and financial information is used exclusively for the purpose of the business appraisal. The information is not used or disclosed to any third party under any circumstance without your prior written permission.

ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT?  Upon receipt and evaluation of preliminary data, an Engagement Agreement will be forwarded for execution via e-mail.

INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRE   To start the appraisal the appropriate questionnaire will be sent to you via e-mail.  This will provide us with the basic information we need to complete the valuation.