Covid made the world realise that we could carry on shopping globally and easily from the comfort of our own homes.
Iain Brunt cut his teeth in the art and antiques sector 40 years ago, when he worked for Daniel Wildenstein, one of the 20th century’s greatest art dealers, eventually going on to work in Wildenstein’s galleries in New York, Paris and London before setting up his own London gallery. 20 years ago, he founded antiques.co.uk, an online marketplace that connects antiques sellers and buyers.
Since then, Iain has seen many changes in the way art and antiques are bought and sold, the latest and most important one being the shift towards buying online. This has given the consumer much more power. “With the growth of the internet, and more recently the fact that Covid-19 sent even more people online to do their shopping, it is becoming the norm for private collectors to buy items online,” he says. “Covid made the world realise that we could carry on shopping globally and easily from the comfort of our own homes.” Thanks to a partnership with MBE Auction Logistics, customers on Iain's website can have their items delivered safely and easily to their homes, wherever they are in the world.
Carry on shopping
The UK is a key market for art and antiques, but a major barrier for international buyers has always been how to get the items home. Now, though, by partnering with Mail Boxes Etc.’s MBE Auction Logistics service, “our website instantly pairs the items listed to the seller’s nearest MBE Auction Logistics centre, taking potential buyers to an online form where they can obtain a quotation for the item to be collected, packed, protected and delivered anywhere in the world.
Instant quotations give anyone a door-to-door price, which means the buyer knows the final cost without any surprises. Customers can thus buy with complete confidence and sellers can rest assured that they are reaching a worldwide audience who understands how easy it is to buy and own any item listed on our site.
“We are the only antiques website that has partnered with a dedicated shipper, offering stress-free worldwide shipping on thousands of items,” says Iain Brunt. “We’re making it even easier to buy online, wherever you are in the world.”
White-glove service
MBE Auction Logistics was set up in 2015 by international pack and ship experts, Mail Boxes Etc. as a white-glove delivery service tailored to the auction, art and antiques market. The service is offered by more than 150 MBE centres throughout the UK and Ireland, where franchisees and their teams offer expert collecting, packing and shipping services.
“MBE’s franchisees are uniquely positioned to fulfil the needs of each seller, whether they are an antique dealer, art gallery or private seller, continues Iain Brunt. “They work with all the leading shippers but the MBE Auction Logistics service takes antiques shipping to the next level, thanks to its sector expertise, certified custom packing and worldwide shipping know-how. We’re really excited to be partnering with MBE Auction Logistics to offer our sellers a solution that will help them secure sales, and buyers a service that will help them find and own the finest antiques, wherever they are in the world.”
Iain’s advice to anyone wanting to start buying antiques online is to do their own research. “Ask your friends, ask the seller, talk to other experts. Use valuation services and compare prices with those on other sites. Then just go ahead and buy the things you love!”
