Anyone ever had an in-home appraisal?

I've never had anything appraised and I think it may be time. There are so many things I'd like to get looked at, either for insurance reasons or for sales value.
Have any of you done this or have you taken things in to a person to get it done?
Do they charge by the hour or by the piece?

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

I live near a major US city with a well-respected auction house (as well as quite a few lower-end auction companies). They offer a free appraisal day once a week. That only works for things you can easily carry, of course, and they prefer that you not bring in more that a few items at a time. It is a verbal appraisal only, nothing written. If you chose, you can then leave the item(s) with them for auction.
They will also come out to a home within a reasonable distance if items are large and/or plentiful. They want you to send some photos first so they can determine if it's worth their while, of course. This, too, is free and not a written appraisal... their goal is for you to list your valuables for auction with them.
I believe they do written appraisals for insurance purposes but I'm sure there'd be a charge for that. A whole houseful of stuff could be quite an expensive fee... but I'm just guessing, really.

 

Excellent info, thank you bluumz.

 

I've had dealers come in to look at books, but you talk about low ball...

 

@Mark London