Valuers work in offices, auction rooms, art galleries or museums, jewellery shops and antique shops.

They spend a lot of time travelling locally to visit clients in their homes, businesses and factories. They may also travel around New Zealand and overseas to carry out valuations.

Valuers work in a variety of conditions, and they may handle valuable or breakable items. Some collections may be grubby or dusty and valuers may need to clean items for sale.

Equipment valuers use includes:

• measuring equipment
• reference books, particularly for art and antiques
• vehicles
• office equipment, particularly a computer with access to the Internet
• safety equipment, when valuing machinery
• digital cameras.

Valuers who work full time usually work regular office hours, but may visit clients in the evenings and on weekends. Hours tend to be irregular for valuers who combine their work with another job.

Valuers usually work independently, but may sometimes work as part of a small team. They may also have contact with:

• a range of clients who want chattels valued
• valuers working in other specialisations
• real estate agents
• retailers
• insurance representatives
• other professionals such as lawyers.