Appraisal & counterfeits

1Open the guidebook for that item

Appraisal items are sold with a printed guide. The book — not your own guess — sets the starting figure and the floor that the price can never fall below.

• Appraisal Item
• Condition
• Plasma Cartridge Appraisal Guide

From the game’s own wording · Appraisal Service

Some valuable items marked as [Appraisal Item] have complex price structures. Customers will visit the Store and use your appraisal service to determine the value of their item. You will receive a base service fee for the appraisal, plus a bonus based on the precision of the appraisal. You will be able to pass appraisal examinations and receive a certification that will improve your base service fee and unlock new item types to appraise.

2Magnifying Glass → one real issue

Use the Magnifying Glass on an inspectable item to open the Inspection Tray. For a counterfeit, a single confirmed issue is enough to confront the client; a wrong accusation costs reputation and can lose the sale.

• Counterfeit Check
• Label Issues
• Match Label
• Can be inspected with a Magnifying Glass

From the game’s own wording · Mentor's Note: Visual Inspection

Certain items will be marked as inspectable using a Magnifying Glass. Use the Magnifying Glass on an inspectable item to open the Inspection Tray. If there's an issue with the item, you can select a reason at the bottom of the Inspection Tray UI to confront the client about it. If the item is counterfeit, one issue is enough to confront the client. If you are right, the client will adjust the price. If you are wrong, you will lose Reputation and the client may take their business elsewhere.

Magnifying Glass

3Send an appraisal estimate

The appraisal panel steps in -100 / -10 / -5 / -1 / +1 / +5 / +10 / +100. The service pays a base fee plus a bonus for precision, and every examination adds a certification that unlocks further item types.

• Send Estimate
• Customer's Estimate
• Appraisal Service

• -100
• -10
• -5
• -1
• +1
• +5
• +10
• +100

Appraisal Board Junior Certificate

4Relabel only if you accept the catch risk

Workers, Security officers and Lower Level citizens know the common frauds. Scavengers rarely carry test equipment. Tourists and Upper Level buyers are less aware — but people do find out.

• [Label]
• (Counterfeit)
• (Unusable)
• (Expired)

From the game’s own wording · Mentor's Note: Item Labels

Certain items can be relabeled. For example, you can label a counterfeit box of cigarettes as genuine to raise its price. Beware — most workers, Security Officers, and Lower Level citizens are familiar with common item fraud. Scam attempts will fail and result in a penalty to your Reputation. While Scavengers are also familiar with item fraud, they often don't carry the equipment required to test for authenticity, if any is needed. Tourists and Upper Level citizens, however, are generally less aware. But sooner or later, people will find out.

Labeler