Posted By:
davidcyclebackI agree that the best thing you can do is to provide a list of good dealers who agree to abide to the reasonable ethical rules.
In the art field, many collectors specifically refer to to the list of dealers before making a big purchase, or check to see if a dealer is a member. This is good for them and the hobby. There will still be collectors who purchase velvet Van Goghs out of the backs of vans even if you had hand delivered them a brochure titled "Never purchase a velvet Van Gogh out of the back of a van," but these types probably need the services of a psychiatrist more than an art historian.
It should be noted that the arts prints list is best when you're considering purchasing a $20,000 Picasso and you are unfamiliar with the dealer(s), their expertise, reputations and guarantees, and you yourself are no world's expert in Picasso authentication. Many art collectors, especially newbies, are either looking for a reliable dealer who sells Picassos or don't know the reputation of a specific dealer. Also, if you are looking at the paperwork accompanying a print that you inherited, it's reassuring to learn a purchase receipt (provenance) is from a reputable gallery. Most beginning collectors know there are scammers and forgers who want to take your money. Now, if you're purchasing a $10 poster you can purchase from whomever you wish, no big deal.