A detailed written assessment of an item's physical state, noting damage, wear, repairs, missing parts, or alterations. Condition reports build bidder confidence and are essential for high-value lots where buyers cannot inspect items in person.
How It Works in Practice
Professional condition reports use standardized terminology: 'crazing' (not 'cracked glaze'), 'hairline' (not 'crack'), 'flea bite' (not 'chip'), 'losses to gesso' (not 'damaged frame'). This precision signals expertise and attracts informed bidders. For online auctions where buyers can't handle items, condition reports often determine whether someone bids at all. Multi-photo AI cataloging can detect visible condition issues — chips, cracks, missing parts, repairs — and include them in generated descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a condition report include?
Do condition reports increase auction prices?
Related Terms
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