The Antiques Dealers' Association of America, Inc. (ADA) was established in May 1984 as a non-profit trade association. Its major objective is to make more professional the business of buying and selling antiques.
Membership is composed of professional antiques dealers who are dedicated to integrity, honesty and ethical conduct in the antiques trade. To be accepted, dealers must have a minimum of four years experience in the trade, be recommended by a committee of peers and must sign a certification agreeing to abide by the bylaws of ADA.
All members are required to guarantee their merchandise in writing on a sales receipt which must state approximate age, origin, condition and restoration, if any, of all pieces that are sold.
To ensure that the standards outlined in the bylaws are kept by members, the Association has a standing ethics committee. Membership is renewable on an annual basis, subject to review by the Board of Directors. Only those who demonstrate dedication to the ethical standards of the Association are invited to continue their membership.
To assist both members and the public alike, ADA functions in an educational capacity, providing information, lectures, and seminars on various topics concerning antiques.
