Eppraisals.com
closedInternet's most comprehensive service for fast, accurate, and objective identification and valuation.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
$12.0m | Series B | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Eppraisals.com was an online platform specializing in the appraisal of art and antiques, a venture initiated by founder and chairwoman Leslie Hindman. The Chicago-based firm aimed to provide valuation services for a wide array of items, from 18th-century furniture to pop culture collectibles like a 1970s Partridge Family lunchbox.
The company's business model centered on providing expert appraisals to users of online marketplaces. A significant milestone for the firm was its partnership with eBay, allowing it to offer quotes to buyers and sellers on the vast auction site. This collaboration was intended to build confidence and transparency in online transactions. Additionally, Eppraisals.com partnered with SquareTrade, an online dispute resolution company, to help establish the value of contested items in online auctions.
Despite raising $15 million through two funding rounds with investors like BlueStar Ventures, the company faced challenges in reaching profitability. The volume of transactions and customer usage did not meet initial expectations, leading to financial difficulties. After less than two years of operation, which included staff layoffs and an unsuccessful search for a buyer, Eppraisals.com ceased operations. The company's co-founder was Gary Piattoni, who briefly served as acting CEO after restructuring efforts.
Keywords: online appraisals, art valuation, antiques appraisal, Leslie Hindman, eBay partnership, SquareTrade, dot-com era, online auction services, collectibles valuation, Chicago startup, BlueStar Ventures, Gary Piattoni, art market, e-commerce services, asset valuation, online marketplace tools, art investment, estate valuation, personal property appraisal