Archive for March, 2009
The Advantages of Dealer Consolidation-Part 1
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009Last week on my vacation I read a book by the economist Paul Krugman who got me thinking that consolidation in most industries is part of the dynamics of economic forces. Any industry can be skewed by laws, new skills, or technology. The decorative and fine arts industry has its 800 pound gorilla with the [...]
Collateralizing Antiques
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009During the mortgage collateralizing frenzy that sunk with excess subprime shenanigans, I always thought antiques had an underlying value that could be monetized. The lack of a coordinated and cohesive marketplace to package and warehouse the product as well as a payment distribution method to bond holders are big hurdles to overcome. But I do [...]
Thoughts on Art & Antiques Dealers’ Organizations
Monday, March 2nd, 2009As a third generation antiques dealer, neither I nor any of the previous family owners of my business attempted membership in any prestigious associations with fellow antiques dealers. I certainly don’t want to think of dealers as a “bad lot” of gentlemen; maybe I wouldn’t make the grade too. However, it is the existing way [...]