What are the Pros and Cons to buying antiques over the internet?
JMF: The Pros: Good prices. Being able to compare prices with a larger number of dealers translates into the best deal for the buyer. People buying from out of state do not pay sales tax on the pieces they buy either. Sometimes that is enough to cover their shipping costs. Buying over the internet can mean more choices – buyers are now able to access inventories of hundreds of dealers around the world, so they have much more to choose from (although it can be overwhelming). This is a real advantage in a time where antiques are becoming scarcer and much harder to find. The cons: There is no human contact. The internet simply cannot replace the personal experience one has doing business in person. The buyer can’t see the piece close-up, can’t feel the finish of a piece or smell a fresh coat of wax. Also, when you buy locally, you can usually take a piece home on approval, which is not easily done over the net. THL: What are people buying now? JMF: A considerable percentage of our sales i
