I read a post today disregarding the appraisals on others on an interesting basis. The suggestion was that an appraisal is how much a domain name is worth: how much a buyer, perhaps THE buyer is prepared to pay to own the domain. I disagree with this definition.
My definition of an appraisal is: ‘The opinion of the appraiser as to the value of said domain name’. Given that no domain ever sells for its exact appraisal value an appraisal cannot be a statement of fact, therefore it is opinion :- well actually informed opinion.
Opinion is opinion, everyone has their own opinion. Therefore your appraisal value in most cases will not be consistent with that of others.

When you pay for an appraisal, what you are getting is their opinion, or perhaps their softwares opinion as to the value of the domain. I would advise that you NEVER pay for an appraisal. There is no reason too.
There are numerous appraisal tools which can give you an appraisal value, an opinion, for free! My appraisal service will be released soon. It will be completely free, and it will be a better opinion than most.

I have seen a few appraisals: Moniker, Godaddy, Estibot. To say they are reasonable, and fair opinions is ridiculous. Unless you pay for premium services you get an automated service, and a bad one at that.
They base their appraisals of a variety of metrics BUT not all domains are deserving of usage of certain metrics.
‘Reece’ off namepros mentioned how he had been asked to appraise certain short domains. Why? Because he knows his stuff. Want to know how much your assett is worth? Ask an expert. Simple as.
Another member stated that if you ask 20 people of varied backgrounds to do proper research, and appraise a domain, then average these results, you will get a pretty decent idea.

My domain appraisal tool will seek to do this. Fine you may have to wait a while longer to get your appraisal, BUT at least you get a good one…
Thinking about it, perhaps I wont make usage of my tools free. Perhaps rather I will make a reward system. Help me, help other members, and we will help you!