Antique Dealer Job Description, Career as a Antique Dealer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Antique Dealer

Training/Educational Requirements: No specific training requirements

Median Salary: $45,000 annually

Job Prospects: Fair

Job Description

An antique dealer works primarily in the buying and selling of antique items. They work for an antique company, an auction house, through a store, or on an independent basis. Antique dealers generally have a thorough knowledge of antiques, and what they are worth. Much of their job focuses on appraisals, and the buying and selling of antiques.

This is a sales-oriented position in which antique dealers work to establish and manage a network of contacts. They spend most of their time meeting with potential contacts, visiting existing contacts, and working with their network to keep things current. They are at the forefront of the customer’s mind when it comes to buying or selling antiques. Therefore, customer contact is a very important aspect of this job.

Antique dealers visit various facilities and resources where they purchase or sell antique items for their clients. They are involved in auctions or visit auction houses on a regular basis. They visit other antique resources or salesrooms, and are constantly scoping out and visiting potential avenues. The more resources they have to find items their customers want, the more successful they will be.

It is important for an antique dealer to be well-versed in the value of antiques. Not only do they have to keep up with various antiques and trends in the business, they also need to be aware of the market value of these items. They may also own their own antique store since this is usually a passion for individuals in this position. They work to manage their own business while working to support and nurture customers.

Training/Educational Requirements

There is no formal educational requirement to become an antique dealer. There is, however, a necessity to keep up with trends in the industry and business, as well as understand antiques. It’s also important for antique dealers to understand the market value of antique items.

Although there are some training courses available to help with this profession, most antique dealers have a long standing knowledge and passion for the business. They get their experience by working in the family business or spending their career working with antiques. It can start as a hobby that eventually progresses into a full-time career. The best training for this job is to gain experience working with antiques.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired as an antique dealer is two-fold: to have customers or contacts; and, to have experience working with antiques. Customers trust that their antique dealer is knowledgeable and has expertise in the field. To get hired by a customer, it’s necessary to demonstrate ability and an in-depth knowledge of antiques and their market values. It’s also important to have access to a wide array of resources to buy and sell antiques for customers.

A great way to get hired is to work within a family business, manage your own antique store, or turn this hobby into a full-fledged career. Reputation and experience are the best indictors for getting hired. It can be competitive, so having a good instinct and excellent follow-up skills are important traits in getting hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

This can be a very competitive business, and therefore there is not a great opportunity for job prospects in this field. Since many antique dealers start by turning a hobby or passion into a career, this field is flooded with potential candidates. Antique dealers who have a thorough knowledge, good reputation, proven experience, and a good network of contacts are sure to get jobs and hold onto them long term.

Antique dealers can stay in this role for a long time, because this isn’t a job that is necessarily filled or which comes available often. If working on an independent basis, this job may take awhile to get started and the potential for growth may not be high.

Working Environment

The typical working environment for antique dealers varies. As some work independently through their own antique store, they may also work in a quaint retail environment. For those who work as part of a larger company or in a full-time capacity, they may have an office but travel quite a bit. It is necessary for antique dealers to travel to where the antiques are, particularly when they are in search of a particular item for their client.

Antique dealers spend part of their day meeting with current or potential clients. They also visit antique stores, auction houses, or other resources for antiques on a regular basis. They usually maintain an office where they plan out their activities or meet with clients.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for an antique dealer is around $45,000 per year. The average antique dealer works on a part-time basis, so this range varies from anywhere between $18,500 up to $49,000 a year. Salary depends on the need, the employment status (part-time or full-time), the geographical location, the demand from consumers, and the employer. Some antique dealers work independently as they own a store or service. Others work for a company typically on a part-time or contingent basis. Most antique dealers are responsible for their own benefits, especially if they work independently.