I recently formed an “Appraisal Team” for our local woodworker’s guild. The purpose of this team is to aid in the assistance of someone who has lost a loved one. The loved one, like us, owned tools and shop equipment. Our goal is to give the family an idea of the values of these items, so that they are not taken advantage of, in reselling the tools.
This exercise has taught me a few lessons that I would like to share with you:
- After buying a tool make a copy of your receipt (since the receipt often fades away)
- Attach a copy of the receipt with the tool’s documents – in reselling a tool the buyer appreciates documentation (preferably in a plastic bag).
- Either keep the documentation all in one place or attached to the equipment.
- Try to keep your shop organized in a logical fashion (e.g. router bits in or near the router table).
- Put notes on tools that you plan to have fixed or are no longer working.
What other suggestions do you have?