Research with context
What gallery economics mean for a buyer
Dealer-sector estimates and survey responses; turnover is not profit.
Period: 2025 activity; 2026 report · Source reviewed: September 5, 2026
How to use this research
A gallery price supports more than the physical materials in a painting. When comparing channels, write down what each seller includes: documentation, access to the artist, condition photographs, packing and after-sale help. Evaluate the actual service and terms rather than assuming a direct purchase must be cheaper. A useful quote makes the scope clear without asking you to guess a seller’s margin.
Editorial application by Physical Art For Crypto; it is not a source finding or a report of our customer outcomes.
What the source reports
- 01
Estimated dealer sales totaled $34.8 billion.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 02
Dealer sales grew 2% in 2025.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 03
42% of surveyed dealers reported rising sales.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 04
33% of surveyed dealers reported falling sales.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 05
25% of surveyed dealers reported stable sales.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 06
Average dealer operating costs rose an estimated 5%.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 07
Packing, shipping and logistics costs rose 10%.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 08
Dealers reported an average of 57 buyers.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 09
Art fairs supplied 35% of dealer turnover.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report
- 10
New buyers supplied 40% of dealers’ online sales value.
Art Basel & UBS / Arts Economics ↗ · 2025 activity; 2026 report