Based on a recommendation from Gage Academy of Fine Arts, we contacted Scott Zema to appraise several pieces of art we were gifting to a charity. After meeting with Scott in our home, we engaged him both to appraise the items of art we were gifting and to appraise other art and personal property for insurance purposes. The methodology differs for these two types of appraisal, and he did a good job of explaining that difference. Scott handled the appraisals promptly, thoroughly, knowledgeably and professionally, while always being courteous and enjoyable to spend time with. While not inexpensive, we believe Scott provided value justifying his fee. read more

Scott Zema, the owner of Ark LImited came to my home to evaluate some antiques that I had inherited, as my father had just passed. He told me that it was 90.00 an hour and that I would have to pay 90.00 an hour for his travel time as well. He gave me "professional" estimates on some art and antiques. One painting by a famous artist was dismissed as trash. He said it was maybe worth 100.00. He seemed to like a stained glass lamp of mine. He said that he would be interested in it. I just ignored that comment and told him that my father had put himself through college making them, my father who had just passed. He said that "If, what you say is true, and your father made this, he was very talented." Did this guy just call me a liar, in my home, related to my Dad who just died? In retrospect, I should have seen him to the door after those comments, but I ignored it. He spend an hour and 15 minutes in my home doing these estimates and taking pictures of the high end items I wanted appraisals on for insurance purposes. There were about 10 items to be appraised. He told me that it would cost between 500-800 dollars for all of the appraisals. He said it wouldnt cost much more at all to add more items.He told me he could put a cap on the money so as not to go over a certain budget. He asked me for a 500.00 down payment. I gave it to him. After I gave him the check, he left hastily and we never discussed a budget cap.The next day I did a simple internet search and found out the artist he said was worth 100.00 was selling in a Seattle gallery for between 3,500-6,500. Wow was he off on that. I called that day and asked him to put the budget at 600.00. (which IS between 500-800.) He acted as if this were a ludicrous request. He was exteremely rude, but agreed. The following week I got an email that said YOUR APPRAISAL IS READY. The email said PAY THIS AMOUNT 100.00, then we will send the appraisal. I had already paid this guy 500.00 for useless "advice", and now he was demanding more money. I asked him for an appointment so that I could make sure I get something for my 600.00. We made an appointment, but then the day before the appointment he cancelled it, told me he was "busy" and if I didnt pay him within 3 days that he would just send it to collections! Again, I had already paid him 500.00, plus signed a contract. Now, he's bullying me. I just sent the money, because I'm grieving the loss of my father, and I want this guy out of my life. What I got in the mail a week later was one appraisal for one item. He said he could do 10 items for between 500-800. And all I got was one measly appraisal that I cant trust because he was so incredibly arrogant and wrong about other items I had. read more

I retained Scott Zema to provide an appraisal of a few paintings purchased over the years to establish replacement value for insurance purposes. Mr Zema seems not to understand the concept of replacement value. Instead, he focused on what the value would be on resale in a secondary market such as ebay. He significantly undervalued assets in cases where there were replacements available in the market at galleries or other reference points. He charged $90/hour. I feel that we wasted our money on this appraisal. read more