Borro’s loan process is designed to move as fast as your need for liquidity. From initial submission to funded loan, most Borro transactions complete within 24–72 hours — depending on asset type, shipping logistics, and complexity of valuation. This guide walks through every stage of the process so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you contact us to the moment funds arrive in your account.
Stage 1: Online Submission and Preliminary Estimate
The process begins at borro.com. Submit basic information about your asset — type (watch, jewelry, art, car, handbag), brand, model or description, condition, and whether you have original documentation (box, papers, certificate, provenance). Upload photos if available. You’ll receive a preliminary loan estimate — a range that represents what we’d likely offer once the asset is physically appraised.
The preliminary estimate is not a guaranteed offer — it’s a directional figure based on your description that allows you to decide whether to proceed without committing to ship your asset first. If the preliminary range meets your needs, you proceed to the next stage. If it’s below what you need, we explain why and discuss whether additional documentation or multiple assets might improve the picture.
Stage 2: Insured Shipping
For clients who aren’t near a Borro appraisal location, we provide fully insured shipping materials. Your asset is insured from the moment it leaves your hands through the entire appraisal period and loan term. Borro’s shipping protocol uses discreet packaging — no branding that identifies the contents — and fully tracked, signature-required delivery. For very high-value assets, Borro can arrange courier pickup.
Stage 3: Expert Appraisal
Your asset arrives at Borro’s secure facility and is logged into our inventory management system. Within 24 hours, the appropriate specialist performs the appraisal:
- Watches: Authentication (movement inspection, case hallmarks, dial and hands originality, bracelet inspection), condition assessment, secondary market pricing by reference against current auction and dealer data
- Jewelry: Stone testing and grading (or GIA report verification), metal purity testing, signed piece authentication, condition assessment, current secondary market valuation
- Art: Provenance review, condition assessment, artist market analysis against recent auction comparables
- Handbags: Authentication (hardware, stitching, date stamp codes, leather identification), condition assessment, secondary market pricing by configuration
- Gold: XRF purity testing, weight verification, spot price calculation
The appraisal process typically takes 4–8 hours for standard assets and up to 24 hours for complex or high-value items requiring extended market research.
Stage 4: Formal Loan Offer
You receive a formal loan offer in writing: a specific loan amount, the applicable interest rate, the loan term, and the renewal terms. You have time to review and can ask questions before accepting. If the offer is lower than the preliminary estimate (unusual, but can occur if the asset’s condition or documentation is different than described), we explain the specific reasons.
Stage 5: Funding
Accept the offer and funds are disbursed within 24 hours — wire transfer to your designated account or ACH transfer. For same-day funding requirements, wire transfer is the appropriate method; ACH may take one additional business day.
Stage 6: Vault Storage
Your asset is moved to Borro’s institutional-grade vault storage — climate-controlled, individually catalogued, photographed, and insured at full appraised value for the duration of the loan term. You receive a storage receipt with your asset’s identification details. Borro’s vault protocols meet institutional security standards.
Stage 7: Loan Management and Redemption
During the loan term, you can repay at any time — there’s no penalty for early repayment. At the end of the loan term, you have three options: (1) repay principal plus accrued interest and have your asset returned, (2) renew the loan by paying accrued interest and extending the term, or (3) forfeit the asset as full settlement of the loan (non-recourse structure).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the appraisal offer is lower than I expected?
If the formal offer is materially below the preliminary estimate, we explain the specific reasons — condition findings, current market softness for the specific reference, or documentation gaps. You can decline the offer with no obligation, and we return your asset at our shipping cost. You’re never obligated to accept an offer.
How is my asset tracked during the loan?
Every asset in Borro’s vault is catalogued with a unique identifier, photographed in detail at intake, and tracked in our inventory management system throughout the loan period. Your loan agreement includes your asset’s specific identifying details. You can request a status confirmation at any time.
