Newel’s Antique Blog

Is There a Lobbyist For The Fine & Decorative Arts Industry?

July 26, 2007

I know one lobbyist. I do know Sotheby’s, one half of the industry duopoly with Christie’s, presented their view in a memo to the New York State Legislature concerning a bill to prevent sham or chandelier bidding. The legislation would prevent the deception of hiding the amount of the reserve during the […]

Posted in antitrust, New York Times, dealer organizations, Sotheby's, Christie's, auction, antiques dealer, reserve price, antiques | No Comments »

NY State Legislation vs The Sotheby’s/Christie’s Duopoly

July 21, 2007

If ever there was a time for the big two to flex their collective political muscles, the pending New York State bill prohibiting sham bids by auctioneers is their moment of truth. They have boards of directors that are designed to influence and lean on both political and financial institutions that […]

Posted in Sotheby's, antitrust, New York Times, dealer organizations, Christie's, reserve price, auction, antiques dealer, buyer's premium, sales taxes, antiques | No Comments »

The Proposed New York State Legislation to Stop Sham Bidding

July 19, 2007

Finally, after preaching this type of legislation in my blog since I started it in January, New York State legislators have taken the high ground on the auction process as is now practiced. Of all the opportunities to level the playing field with the present auctioneering process, this proposed legislation is the […]

Posted in Sotheby's, antitrust, New York Times, Christie's, reserve price, auction, antiques dealer, buyer's premium, antiques | No Comments »

Challenges of Being a Dealer Today, (part 2)

July 10, 2007
While being essentially classified as a small business, I feel that antiques dealers today are very preoccupied with the daily responsibilities of managing the multiple needs of their operation to survive. However, these issues vary from dealer to dealer based on their size, method(s) of selling, and location. But the overriding issue […]

Posted in antiques dealer, auction, antiques | 1 Comment »

The Challenges of Being a Dealer Today

July 2, 2007

Being an antiques dealer today is more challenging and demanding than it has ever been.  The days of buying for $1,000.00 and selling for $2,000.00 (or more if you’re lucky) are fraught with more legal, accounting, marketing, and operating expenses than were ever contemplated by dealers in the past.  Today, I couldn’t be […]

Posted in antiques dealer, auction, antiques | 2 Comments »