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- Title
The Internet's Impact on the Antiques Trade.
- Authors
Combs, H. Jason
- Abstract
Traditionally, the network of acquisition and dispersal within the antiques trade included a variety of individuals, and a number of venues. The internet has significantly altered long-standing patterns of diffusion by breaking down geographic barriers and increasing the number of potential customers. For example, data provided by eBay sellers indicates that dealers are no longer limited to their local markets-most of the transactions are with out-of-state collectors. A number of collectors and dealers, however, raised concerns about condition and fraud with online exchanges. Additionally, the majority of dealers surveyed indicated that the eBay market has recently declined because of the abundance of items available online-it is an issue of supply and demand, antiques that are scarce locally are found in abundance on the web. Finally, it is most likely that the Internet will not totally replace traditional methods of material diffusion, but without question it has and will continue to alter long-standing patterns of exchange.
- Subjects
ANTIQUES business; ANTIQUE auctions; ANTIQUE dealers; ELECTRONIC commerce; INFORMATION superhighway; INTERNET sales; INTERNET industry
- Publication
Material Culture, 2005, Vol 37, Issue 2, p26
- ISSN
0883-3680
- Publication type
Article