Student Testimonials About The Asheford Program
The sampling of the school's testimonials that are presented here are from students both past and present - they have not been edited, modified or changed in any way. The statements and comments posted on this page appear exactly in the same manner and form as when they were originally received by the Institute. The writers and staff here at the school take great pride in the Asheford Program, and believe that the testimonials presented here reflect that commitment to educational excellence.
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You can also read verified reviews and testimonials of students and graduates on the Better Business Bureau website at; Better Business Bureau of NWF. These reviews are verified by the BBB with a two-step authenticating process to ensure that what you're reading is actually a legitimate review from a real student (*If you would like additional BBB testimonials from past graduates, simply click on our Archived BBB Testimonials page).
Student Testimonials
"A few days ago I received the results of my Appraisal - Plan 5 Examination. I was very excited to learn that I had done so well. I can hardly wait to have the "Certificate in Hand" so I can get down to business! I have been eating, sleeping and dreaming Antiques for some time now. I am reading books and magazines, Watching Pawn Shop, Pickers and Storage Wars and searching the Internet and country side for all kinds of Antiques trying to make a decision on what I should specialize in. The variety of "things" that people collect is immense. I really thought I wanted to deal in Antique military weapons early on, then I thought I would love to do the actual restoration work - even making tables out of old bridge lumber - however, my interest in Appraisal Studies really seems to be my number one choice at the moment. I have a master's degree in historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and have been a museum director (surrounded by antiques and artifacts), for the last twenty years... I must say that I found your program excellent. It was comprehensive, easy to understand and enjoyable considering the massive amount of information to digest. It would equal most of the courses that I took in graduate school. It is truly a professional quality program that I would recommend to anyone interested in the wonderful world of antiques & appraising."
- P. Nord
- P. Nord
"Thanks again for the way in which your e-Course was laid out. It's not only full of great reference material, background history and most of all business sense, but it is presented in a clear and precise manner which will enable us to be successful entrepreneurs. Both my wife and I have already put the estate sale liquidation services plan into action, and have received a slew of inquiries and requests right off the bat!" Thank you so much for creating this program!!!
- L. and T. Cassidy
- L. and T. Cassidy
"I have a job offer made to me to be an assistant general appraiser for a National auction house because they recognized this highly respected program and the in-depth studies it requires in order to be a part of this industry. As an assistant appraiser, I will be working with seasoned appraisers in the furniture department." Thanks Again!
- J. Baribeau
- J. Baribeau
"As a professional appraiser, I can't tell you how impressed I was with your program - I never realized exactly how much there was to the art of appraising antiques and collectibles until I got into your course... from the comprehensive identification process you lay out, to the methodology involved, there is just so much more to appraising than I ever thought before... Thanks also for your help along the way... I found my instructor to be extremely understanding of my situation, and he really worked with me to get everything right. Great job!"
- L. Cunningham
- L. Cunningham
"I have been in many businesses in my life, but nothing has come close to being as much fun, or fulfilling, as being an antique and collectible dealer. I love hearing from my customers, how much they appreciate me having the item that they had been feverishly hunting for! For the last year I have been dealing antiques and collectibles full time, and I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier...I never want to do anything else. My training with the "Asheford Institute of Antiques" has been VERY helpful, and I would recommend the course to everyone who has an interest in this field."
- B. Sova
- B. Sova
"Living on the other side of the world can sometimes present challenges, but found you program flat-out wonderful (especially with all the connections to Asian antiques, which are definitely within my sphere of interest and location). Was able to take my studies everywhere on my lappy, which made it easy to learn and easy to do when it came time for my exams. Highly recommend!"
- L. Coupard
- L. Coupard
"With Christmas days and time spent indoors at the end of the year, I'm pleased to announce how grateful I was for your course! Every online module was so much more than I expected. I'm still enjoying the videos and pop-up picture sections related to Victorian Furniture, and even noticed that some new one's had been added (It's like going back to a book and finding new pages - love it!) Thanks so much for your excellent course!"
- J. Zaprucki
- J. Zaprucki
"Just a quick note to my instructors and mentors as well as the people who obviously spent so much time and effort in putting this course and presentation together. "Thank-you". I had a keen interest in antiques prior to taking your course, but I find the information, as well as the way it was presented, a driving force in my continued learning and understanding of such an interesting subject. As a novice appraiser at a major auction house, I can't truly express to you just how much this program has complimented and helped my career. Again thank you."
- L. Adams
- L. Adams
"Thank you for providing the course. It has proven to be very beneficial to me - it's like reading a good book- you're sad when you get to the last page. Thank you too, for all of your encouragement along the way - I did get the appraisal job, and have another four lined up. It has been my pleasure to work with y'all..."
- B. Henderson
- B. Henderson
"In my opinion I do not know of anything that could improve this course. As a college educator myself at one point, I know the difference between a good and a bad curriculum layout; and this one was superb. Your video presentations and links were thoughtfully integrated throughout the program and were worked to great effect in every Plan. I particularly enjoyed the sections on pottery and china. It has been a real pleasure to take this course and learn about the many different areas that constitute the field of the decorative arts. It gives one incentive to learn more. Cheers!"
- M. Graham
- M. Graham
"Just wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying the e-Course version of the program... At first I chose the books, but switched to the e-Course later, because I found myself traveling a lot on the road with my laptop. It worked out really well. I never had any problems or issues whatsoever with my online materials - they were simple to access, straight-forward, and easy to use - which is certainly a rarity in the world of computers and the Internet these days! Kudos again on a program that really works like it's supposed to!"
- S. Garcia
- S. Garcia
"I enjoyed and learned a great deal from your plans of study. I had no idea how to set up an antique business until I had read what you had written in your profit Plans. I have already referred to the e-course material several times on my phone, when buying mid-century modern furniture as well as costume jewelry at a recent auction. The fact that you're constantly updating the program with new material is simply fabulous... A1"
- Mrs. N. O'Dell
- Mrs. N. O'Dell
"We have just opened an antique and collectibles consignment mall in our town in an old loft style warehouse on main street. So far we have over 30 vendors participating, with another 40 on the waiting list. Our business is doing great, and I'd be remiss if I didn't write to thank you for all your help and guidance - we couldn't have done it with out you, truly!"
- T. Brown
- T. Brown
"I'm not sure how much mail you get regarding your course, but I thought I'd write and let you know how pleased I am. I've been in the business for over 20 years, and must confess that I thought I pretty much knew most of what there was to know about antiques and appraising - I was wrong! Your course has shown me so much more than I expected, and your certification program for credentialing professional-level appraisers has paid for itself over and over. This is a great program, and I'd be happy to recommend it to anyone."
- S. Johnston
- S. Johnston
"The course held my interest to such an extent that I could barely turn my computer off. When I am permanently relocated back from being overseas, I intend to start my own online auction site and appraisal business. The course was both enjoyable and really laid out the operational details of how to start your business in a truly meaningful way. Best educational investment I ever made! Thanks.
- M. Louden
- M. Louden
"No doubt about it, your certified appraisal program is the gold standard! I've had so many more jobs since getting my certification from you, that it's hard to believe that I even considered myself an appraiser before... thanks so much for putting out such a fantastic program."
- J. Sterling
- J. Sterling
"It was not only a truly comprehensive program from you folks, but it was also "fun," and at no time was the reading or studying a chore that just had to be done. In fact, I have quite a few chores which should have been done, but the course was such a wonderful excuse. I am currently setting up my own affiliate appraisal business in conjunction with a group of estate sale liquidators. I help them with appraisals and they conduct the estate sales... so far it's working out well for everyone! Thanks again... Most sincerely yours,"
- K.R. Garcia
- K.R. Garcia
