Antique Dealer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of collectibles and history, the role of antique dealers has never been more essential.

As appreciation for vintage and historical items continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can identify, acquire, and preserve these treasures from the past.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What is truly expected from an antique dealer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A business owner seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of antiques,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a fully customizable antique dealer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Antique Dealer Duties and Responsibilities

Antique Dealers are professionals who buy and sell a wide range of old and valuable items.

Their primary role is to identify valuable items, negotiate their prices, and sell them to interested buyers or collectors.

The duties and responsibilities of Antique Dealers may include:

• Researching and identifying valuable antiques and collectibles
• Appraising the value of antiques and collectibles
• Negotiating the purchase and sale of antiques
• Maintaining an inventory of antiques and collectibles for sale
• Displaying and presenting items in an appealing manner to attract potential buyers
• Providing knowledge and advice to buyers about the antiques’ history, quality, and value
• Developing and maintaining relationships with collectors, auction houses, and other antique dealers
• Attending antique shows, auctions, and estate sales to acquire new items
• Keeping up-to-date with trends and prices in the antique market
• Ensuring the authenticity and legality of items before purchase
• Providing excellent customer service and handling customer inquiries and complaints

 

Antique Dealer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate Antique Dealer to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of a wide range of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, as well as a strong network of contacts within the antique industry.

The Antique Dealer will be responsible for sourcing, appraising, and selling items, and providing excellent service to our clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Sourcing and acquiring a variety of antiques and collectibles
• Appraising items accurately and fairly
• Selling items through various channels, such as auctions, online platforms, and direct sales
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the antique market and trends
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, collectors, and other dealers
• Ensuring the authenticity and condition of items
• Organizing and managing inventory
• Negotiating purchases and sales effectively
• Assisting with the planning and execution of antique shows and events

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Antique Dealer or similar role
• Extensive knowledge of a wide range of antiques and collectibles
• Strong network of contacts within the antique industry
• Excellent negotiation and sales skills
• Ability to appraise items accurately and fairly
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Good organizational and inventory management skills
• Passion for antiques and a commitment to preserving history

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Potential for travel to antique shows and auctions
• Opportunities for career development and learning
• Paid time off
• Health insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Antique Dealer
• Work Environment: Retail setting with opportunities for travel. Some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Store Manager or Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Antique Dealer Do?

Antique Dealers are professionals in the trade of antiquities and artifacts of historical and cultural significance.

They can work for antique stores, auction houses, museums, or operate as self-employed individuals.

They spend significant time researching and identifying valuable items, often specializing in specific periods or types of antiques.

This could involve traveling to auctions, estate sales, and flea markets to find items of interest.

Their role involves negotiating purchases and sales, pricing items appropriately based on their age, condition, rarity, and demand.

They must also ensure the authenticity and legality of the items they deal with.

Antique Dealers often engage in restoration work to repair and maintain the value of the antiques they handle, while being careful not to damage the item’s integrity and value.

They provide advice and consultation to collectors and clients looking for specific pieces or wanting to learn more about their own antiques.

This can involve detailed record keeping and providing provenance for items.

Antique Dealers also need to keep up-to-date with market trends and fluctuations in the value of different items, which can be influenced by economic factors, changing tastes, and new discoveries.

 

Antique Dealer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient antique dealer should have a variety of skills and qualifications which include:

• Extensive knowledge of different periods, styles, and regions of antiques to accurately identify and appraise items.
• Excellent negotiation and sales skills to effectively buy and sell items, maximizing profits while ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Strong research abilities to find information on various items and stay current on market trends and pricing in the antique industry.
• Superb customer service and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with clients, and to communicate effectively about items’ history and value.
• Great attention to detail to identify subtle differences that may affect an item’s authenticity and value.
• Business acumen to manage inventory, finances, and marketing for their business or shop.
• Physical stamina to be able to lift and move heavy items, as well as to travel to auctions, estate sales, and other sourcing opportunities.
• Patience and perseverance to find rare and valuable items, often amongst a large number of lesser items.

 

Antique Dealer Experience Requirements

Experience requirements for Antique Dealers often include a solid foundation in historical items and a keen eye for detail.

This can be gained through a bachelor’s degree in a field such as history, art history, archaeology or another related field.

This education provides an in-depth understanding of different historical periods, cultures, and types of artifacts.

Additionally, valuable experience can be gained through internships or entry-level positions at museums, auction houses, or antique shops.

This hands-on experience aids in developing a good understanding of the market, including pricing, and how to identify and assess the condition of various antiques.

Antique Dealers with about 2 to 3 years of experience have often developed skills in negotiation and customer service, and have a solid network of contacts in the industry.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often experts in a particular type of antique, such as furniture, artwork, or jewelry, and are experienced in sourcing, buying, and selling items in these categories.

For those seeking positions as managers of antique stores or leaders in auction houses, a combination of education, industry experience, and managerial experience is often required.

 

Antique Dealer Education and Training Requirements

Antique Dealers typically do not require formal education degrees; however, a bachelor’s degree in art history, history, or archaeology can be beneficial in understanding and appraising antiques.

They must possess a strong knowledge base about different eras and styles of furniture, art, jewelry, and other collectibles.

This knowledge is often acquired through years of experience, self-study, and on-the-job training.

Antique Dealers should also have a good understanding of business principles, marketing, and customer service.

Therefore, courses in business management, accounting, and marketing can be advantageous.

It is highly recommended for Antique Dealers to gain professional certification from reputable organizations such as the Appraisers Association of America or the American Society of Appraisers.

These certifications can provide credibility and indicate the dealer’s dedication to the profession.

Moreover, building a vast network through attending antique shows, auctions, and seminars can help in gaining practical experience and industry knowledge.

Attending such events also provides opportunities for ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with market trends.

Although not required, many Antique Dealers choose to specialize in specific types of antiques, and pursuing further study or training in these areas can enhance their expertise and career prospects.

 

Antique Dealer Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Antique Dealer is around $51,500 (USD) per year.

However, earnings can greatly vary due to factors such as the dealer’s experience, location, and the value of the antiques being sold.

Successful Antique Dealers with rare or high-value items can potentially earn significantly more.

 

Antique Dealer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an antique dealer need?

Antique Dealers should have a good eye for quality and detail, as well as a deep knowledge of various eras and types of antiques.

They also need strong research skills to authenticate and value items.

Excellent negotiation and communication skills are crucial, as they will often need to bargain on prices.

Additionally, business and marketing skills can also be beneficial to manage the business and attract customers.

 

Do antique dealers need a degree?

While a degree is not a requirement to become an Antique Dealer, having a background in art history, history, or archaeology can be beneficial.

Many successful Antique Dealers have gained their knowledge through extensive research, attending auctions, and gaining hands-on experience in the field.

 

What should you look for in an antique dealer’s resume?

In an Antique Dealer’s resume, look for experience in buying and selling antiques, either through a shop, online, or at auctions.

Knowledge in certain types of antiques or a specific era can also be beneficial.

Business and marketing skills can be advantageous as well.

 

What qualities make a good antique dealer?

A good Antique Dealer has a passion for history and artifacts, and they are always eager to learn more.

They should have a keen eye for spotting valuable items and be able to research and authenticate antiques effectively.

Good negotiation skills are important for buying and selling items at a profit.

They should also have integrity, as dealing with antiques often involves high-value transactions and the trust of customers.

 

Is it difficult to become an antique dealer?

Becoming an Antique Dealer can be challenging, as it requires a vast amount of knowledge about different types of antiques and their values.

It also requires a significant investment of time and money to acquire inventory.

However, for those with a passion for history and a knack for finding hidden gems, it can be a rewarding career.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an antique dealer.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not only about selling old objects.

It’s about curating pieces of history, one item at a time.

With our handy antique dealer job description template and practical examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to creating precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each antique is a fragment of the grand tapestry of time.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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