Have you ever wondered what the future holds for antique dealing? It's a crazy time right now and with the world economic downturn, who knows what's going to happen in the short term? But one thing's for sure - the antique industry is facing some major challenges over the next three to five years. The way people buy and sell antiques is changing. It used to be that you'd go to antique shops or auctions to find unique and valuable items. But now, with the rise of online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, everyone's turning to the internet. It's tough to compete with the convenience and low prices of these online platforms. I don't know what's going to happen to the traditional antique dealers - we might be in trouble, or if we adapt, maybe not? In this blog, we'll explore how the business of traditional antique dealing is shaping up and what can be done to improve our chances of running a successful business into the future.

The current world economic downturn is evident for all of us to see. People are losing their jobs, their incomes are down, the cost of living is sky-rocketing and as a result, there’s a noticeable reduction in people spending money on luxury items like antiques. Ultimately, we sell things people want , not what they need. If we sold light bulbs or batteries then maybe we could ride out the storm but we don’t and the bottom line is, it's tough out there and there's no end in sight. Plus, with the COVID-19 pandemic still causing problems, some people are still scared to gather at events like auctions and fairs. It's a tough time for the antique industry, that's for sure. But don’t despair, there might still be some opportunities for growth too. Have you heard about eco-consciousness and sustainability for example? People are now looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and buying vintage and antique items is a great way to do that. Maybe antique dealers can capitalise on this trend and promote the eco-friendliness of our products. It's got to be worth a shot, right?

And there are niche markets that are doing well too. Like, have you seen the market for mid-century modern furniture? It's been growing like crazy. And vintage and antique jewellery is hot too - people are looking for unique pieces that aren't mass-produced. Maybe that's where the future of antique dealing lies, in these niche markets? But one thing's for sure - antique dealers need to adapt and embrace new technologies if we want to succeed. We need to invest in on-line e-commerce platforms such as websites, social media marketing and digital cataloging tools. I have taken this step by launching my own e-commerce website, antiquescentral.co.uk. It's not enough to rely on traditional ways of doing things anymore. The antique industry needs to evolve to stay competitive. So, what's the future of antique dealing? Who knows. It's all up in the air. But one thing's for sure - antique dealers who are willing to adapt and embrace the brave new world of online buying and selling will be better positioned to succeed in the years ahead. It's a tough road, but if you lay out your short, medium and long term business plan there might be light at the end of the tunnel. My current strategy is to offer for sale, items that are not only unique, but are also affordable and functional with the occasional decorative item being listed to brighten up my website.

I mean, it's not all doom and gloom. There are still people out there who appreciate the value and uniqueness of antiques. And with the right online marketing and promotion, antique dealers can reach a wider audience than ever before. They just need to be open to new ideas and willing to take risks. But let's be real - the antique industry is facing some tough challenges. It's not an easy time to be an antique dealer. The economy is down, online marketplaces are dominating and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everything. For some dealers, it's enough to make them want to throw in the towel. But here's the thing - antique dealing has survived for centuries. It's a resilient industry that has weathered many storms and with the right approach, it can survive this one too. Maybe it means shifting focus away from traditional antiques and towards more niche markets. Maybe it means embracing new technologies and marketing strategies. Whatever it takes, antique dealers can adapt and evolve to stay competitive.

So, is antique dealing a viable industry in the long term to get involved in? It's hard to say. There are certainly challenges ahead, and not everyone will make it. But for those who are willing to adapt and innovate, there are opportunities for growth and success. It's not going to be easy, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is. In the end, the future of antique dealing is uncertain. There's no way to know what the next few years will bring. But one thing's for sure - antique dealers who are willing to embrace change and stay open-minded will be in the best position to succeed. It's a tough road ahead, but for those who are up for the challenge and come out the other side, the potential rewards could be great.