One Size Does Not Fit All In Antique Dealing

In today’s episode, Toma Clark Haines talks with Ivan Macquisten, Ivan is a writer, commentator, analyst, collector and campaigner in the international art market. He runs his own consultancy, focusing on policy (including AML), business development, reputation management, communications strategy and media relations for trade associations as well as auction houses, galleries and tech businesses internationally – while also advising collectors and artists.As a campaigner, he has advised the UK parliament on cultural property legislation and wrote part of the trade guidance for the Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Act of 2017. He also acted as Chief Adviser to the UK and international trade associations in negotiating with the European Commission and European Parliament over the EU’s 2019 import licensing regulations for cultural property.As a journalist he writes regularly for the Art Newspaper and Artnet News and has a series of columns on art, antiques and collecting in UK lifestyle magazines. Also, rumor has it that Ivan actually started as an actor who ran a rather successful little theater, so successful, in fact, that many of their shows were moving to London’s West End where they would promptly recast Ivan’s parts with a well-known actor. During that same time he was ghost writing for a friend as a showbiz editor, and it was this foray into journalism that planted him firmly in the art and antiques world. Ivan says, “In the world of art and antiques, if you’re not passionate about the history of the items, the craftsmanship or the quality, you’re never going to make it as a dealer and certainly not as a collector.” It is precisely this passion that makes Ivan so good at what he does.“The two things people need to understand about the art market is: 1) It is not static. It is an ever changing organism,” explains Ivan, “And 2) It doesn’t actually exist! There is no single market, but thousands and thousands of micro markets.” Because of this diversity, Ivan has invested time trying to oppose one size fits all legislation. “The globalization of the antiques movement is the most paramount thing we do as the Antiques Diva & Co.” says Toma Clark Haines, CEO and Founder of The Antiques Diva and Co. Toma and Ivan discuss the changes created by the globalization of the market, the power of niche, and retail psychology and the brilliant ways in which antiques dealers can utilize these strategies. While embracing a variety of marketing strategies is imperative in an ever-changing market, the two agree that client service is at the heart of everything.Treating people well is the best way to market your business. Toma shares, “One of the current key points for Americans antiques buyers is that international shipping prices are finally beginning to come back down, and again, the strong exchange rate and that with post-Brexit Britain, there are still trade routes between UK and France.” The episode wraps up with a rousing discussion on why the two agree that the UK is still a fantastic place to buy and sell antiques! Last but not least this episode is sponsored by The Antiques Diva Training Program The Business of Antiques - Antique Dealer Training Program offers business coaching and training for seasoned professionals in the trade as well beginners who are wanting to start a store and everyone in between.  When you work out with a personal trainer at the gym they keep you focused and hold you accountable. They help with goal setting and understand how the human body works better than you do - and thus plan your workouts to maximize your goals, needs and skill sets. A personal trainer quite simply keeps your wellness plan on track.  Working with a business coach for your antique store operates the same way as working out with a personal trainer at the g