Product Description: p4A Antiques Reference is an online resource for obtaining information on antique sales based on the data provided by 50 leading auction houses throughout the United States. The intent is to provide data to guide the user to current market values using provenance, estimated pre-sales figures, post-sales figures, and overall success of the auction house. In some cases, additional market data reports are provided. Links to auction houses, past auctions and upcoming auctions are included in this product. Pull-down menus, keyword searching and a general category search menus are some of the ways in which data can be accessed.
Consider the functionality and ease of use of the interface. Is it intuitive or is an excessive amount of training required? Are any crucial features missing from the search interface?
The Search Interface was seen as easy to use with plenty of categories to refine the searches.
Sample comment:
The search interface is very easy to use, with a number of ways of searching the database—including general pull-down table of contents (with a substantial number of categories and sub-categories), keyword searching, and pull-down menus for category, type, originating date, and originating country of the item. While the date pull-down menu is not intended for the auction date but rather the origination date of the item, this is a helpful feature in narrowing results to specific dates.
Quality of information and Sources Provided: 4, 4: Average 4
Consider its functionality, the appropriateness of format, the content of the information, and the adequacy of coverage.
The quality of information was seen as reputable, and the criteria used to evaluate sources were clear and detailed.
Sample comment:
The site uses three criteria for selection of auction houses: 1) integrity and reputation of the auction house; 2) coverage of sales in auction catalogues, and 3) advertising of sales nationally. Also included on the site is provenance of the item if known, market notes for some selected categories of antiques, a comparable items search feature, and links to the auction house. Given the selection criteria for auction houses, I have a greater degree of confidence in the data provided and am given the impression that the information truly reflects the market value of the items. Details such as photos, condition of item, dates, auction notes and auction sales data were included for items searched. Another plus is that p4A gave me an opportunity to familiarize myself with the items carried by each auction house and gives sufficient data so that users can participate in an online auction with confidence.
The sources used are not only highly reputable and respected in the antiques community, once you find your item, there is plenty of information to give you a sense of the process and how a price was reached. Not only is the item described in detail, but the circumstances of the sale are described also. Presale estimates are given when available so a comparison can be made to the actual sale price. A very interesting and informative article on how prices are determined by appraisers gives even more insight. In addition, there is an opportunity to link directly to other articles and sources of information.
Help & User Support: 4, 3: Average: 3.5
If documentation is required for successful use of product, is it available, comprehensive, and well written? Is online help adequate and user friendly? Does vendor supply training if it is needed? Is a telephone helpline available?
The Help was clear, though it lacked complete information that some patrons might need if struggling with a search. The Contact Us information made it easy to get in touch with the vendor, though, should such a need arise.
Sample comment:
The Help button provided explanatory information on what each search field means (category, type, keyword(s), origin, etc.). While it did include some useful information such as tips on the origin field, I'm not sure how helpful it would be if I had difficulty with a search. I did not notice an email contact on the help screen. This may be a nice feature to add in the Help area.
Accessibility of Service: 4, 4: Average: 4
Is access/connection to product reliable and stable? Is response time adequate?
Access was more than adequate for the searches performed.
Sample comment:
Response time is adequate and the site loads reliably. Considering the thumbnails of item pictures (a feature I really like), the speed is very good.
Cost: 3, NA: Average, 3
Cost: if cost is available, does it seem reasonable in terms of comparable products?
Cost was seen as justifiable given the value for money.
Sample comment:
Although the remote access price was more than our library would be willing to pay, I felt that the in-house cost was a good value, given the extensive amount of data provided. Given the care with which this product was put together, the price could be justified and is a better overall value than its competitor.
Overall Assessment:
This site is easy to use, has an educational component, and reputable integrity. It feels friendly, clean and professional as opposed to commercial.
p4A was an outstanding product in my opinion. Great care has been taken with creation of the database and it is a viable tool for the serious antique collector. The people at p4A made every attempt to create a user-friendly and informative database and succeeded in my opinion. Highly recommended!!!!!
