How not to fall in a trap
A recurring question we are asked is, of course, “How much do your tests cost?” Less often it is asked “what value do these tests have?”
We want to share with you a reflection that for some time we have been discussing during our days at work.
The answer is: “the value of a #diagnostic campaign lies in the ability to answer the questions posed”.
And therefore more than the “cost” of a single #investigation or a complete and complex diagnostic campaign, it is the “value” that should be inquired for.
For example, if the purpose of an analysis is the #authenticity of an #artwork (which is independent of the #attribution and/or wants to give certainty about consistency with a given historical period), this cannot be obtained using the cost of the survey as a choice factor.
The costs of the investigations are linked to a variety of parameters, including the time and equipment required.
We have experienced various types of customers, with some attempts to downgrading our work, and others for whom it seems that the cost measures the value, so they only trust those laboratories who perform diagnostic analyzes at exorbitant prices. But then get burned and come to us.
The survey type to choose is the one that is able to answer the Question you have.
Each artifact is a “unicum” and therefore even if the same question is asked for two or more artworks, it is not always answered by the same analyses.
Conversely, investigations and their correct interpretation can give answers to different questions.
Furthermore, the result of an analysis must always be contextualized.
The documents accompanying an object, whether they are administrative documents or scholar research, previous diagnostic campaigns, expertise, etc. must be objectively evaluated, bearing in mind that, like the #counterfeiting of works of art, the counterfeiting of accompanying documents is not rare either.
Furthermore, scientific data must be considered reliable only when they are documented throughout their acquisition process and interpreted without preconceptions.
The value of a diagnostic campaign is not in its cost, but in the scientific “sincerity” and in the fairness towards those who commission it.
And now ask how much does it costs, please, and compare our services with those of our competitors, and the value we offer.
We are ready to offer you personalized advice.
