If you are new to selling antiques and collectibles online, or simply are interested in selling one or two cherished items, have I got a site for you. I found a place that gives you the options and tools you need to make things easy. Really.

The site is called WhatsItWorthToYou.com. Expect to be impressed.

Now the first thing everyone wants to know is, "How much is this worth?" This is not a good question to ask an antiques dealer. The popularity of the Antiques Roadshow and other similar shows have created an increasing number of people interested in making money from items they find in their grandmas basement or neighbors garage sale. It has also fostered the idea you can simply ask someone to appraise your items for free. I don't recommend it.

You wouldn't ask a doctor or lawyer to help you for free. They have spent many years in college learning and practicing their skills, and they charge accordingly for their expertise. It's the same for antique dealers. They have typically invested countless hours researching the industry, trends, price guides and attended the revered "School of Hard Knocks." Passing out free advice can quickly become overwhelming, and it's not what they do.

Still, you will need to find out if what you have has any value. That's what the Internet is good for - doing research! Here is a page of places where you can research the value of your stuff. If you don't have the time or desire to do it yourself, you can pay for an appraisal, which is what WhatsItWorthToYou does so well, and much more.

They have over 120 appraisers specializing in thousands of categories. Simply send them an accurate picture and concise description of your item, and in 3 business days or less you will know if you have a treasure. Your item will be properly identified and described and you will have an accurate, up-to-date current fair market value and replacement value for your item. All this will cost you is $9.95. A fair price.

But that's just where they get started. What they provide you with after the appraisal is what really impresses me. They show you how to use your appraisal to your advantage.

Here are just a few of your options…..

• Sell to a Buyer - They will provide you with a list of buyers that have registered with their site who are interested in your item. The choice of which buyers, if any, you may want to contact is yours to make after viewing all the buyer information.
• Trade / Barter - They will provide you with a list of barter exchanges and online barter companies registered with their site. Trade for something you really want.
• Sell in an online auction - If you choose to sell your item online at auction, a list of online auction sites registered with their site is presented to you. You can link your auction listing to your WhatsItWorthToYou.com online appraisal certificate to enhance your listing and add value to your auction. What an advantage!
• Place a Classified ad - They will show you where. You can list your item in their classified ad section or on other antiques and collectible websites. They will also provide you with a list of targeted trade publications, magazines and collectible journals that relate to the category of your item. Buyers appreciate being able to see your online appraisal certificate.
• Sell in a Conventional Auction - They will provide you with contact information for conventional auction houses registered with their site. These auction houses will arrange shipping, insurance, physical appraisal and sale of your item, but they charge a sellers fee of 4-10%.

If you have a special item you may think is valuable, but want to find out before you get too involved, click over to WhatsItWorthToYou.com. Registration is free and simple. It's a great way to get started.