Although there are no formal qualifications required, it is difficult to become a valuer because there are limited opportunities to learn the trade.

Valuers usually learn the trade through auction rooms and second-hand dealers. However, there are now fewer of these because more people are buying and selling goods online.

A lot of valuation work comes from word of mouth, so aspiring valuers should build up their experience and reputation in the area in which they want to work.

Economic factors affect valuations

Opportunities for valuers may further decrease as New Zealand is feeling the effects of a global economic downturn. Insurance can be seen as a luxury item, with valuations often required for insurance purposes on items over a certain monetary value. People may not want to spend money on valuations when money is tight, so this may mean less work for valuers.

However, such times may lead to closures of businesses and mortgagee sales, which means the equipment or assets have to be valued. This could lead to more opportunities for valuers.