The Role of Art & Antique Dealers An Added Value
public any real further confidence or whether it meant that much to anyone outside the association. There were some examples of associations that fined dealers and forced conciliation procedures with buyers, which was seen as more punitive, but again could lead to the same conclusion should the dealer refuse to heed the penalty.
Some dealers noted that the prestige and stamp of approval offered by the association was little use outside the art market, for example in dealing with banks or obtaining priority financing, and that individual longevity in the business made the associations superfluous. There are several examples of associations working to assist members in this area through securing preferential terms for insurance, credit cards and other business services.
The other main complaints regarding associations were: that they met too infrequently; their requirements for entry were too lax, particularly internationally; and that they failed to collaborate with each other on important areas such as research.
Finally, an important point made also was that the benefits from the associations should not be seen as a one-way stream. It was generally a condition of membership that dealers be at a certain level of their profession, so it was important for them to provide expert and active input into the associations for them to function effectively. “Dealers can be prima donnas - acting alone, but need to realise the importance of collaboration and work themselves at bettering how associations function.”
The role of CINOA and its affiliated national art and antique dealer associations regarding ethical practices.
Art and antique dealers that are members of associations affiliated to CINOA are bound to adhere to the code of ethics as applied by their national trade association. Affiliation to CINOA requires that this national code is at least as forceful as the published CINOA Code of Ethics. Where a trade association affiliated to CINOA has failed to apply appropriate sanctions if proven malpractice (under applicable law) by a member dealer has been properly reported to their executive officers, the Council of CINOA may consider the case and can recommend to the CINOA General Assembly that affiliation of that association to CINOA not be renewed.
The diligent buyer may ask a dealer to what national dealer association they belong and whether that association is in fact affiliated to CINOA. Non-membership in a national trade association affiliated to CINOA does not in itself imply any expectation of irregularity, nor does CINOA represent that all dealers that are members of an affiliated association always behave faultlessly. But a buyer may be wise to ask himself the question: If not a member, why not?
Ethics are a critical factor of dealer businesses as some of their key competitive advantages are built around trust and expertise developed over long careers and around close relationships with clients.
60 Historical & Future Perspectives
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