As traditional furniture is topping design trends, now could be the time to consider turning your passion for antiques into a career. Getting some hands-on experience in the industry is a good way to see if this is something you will enjoy long term.
One of the key things to remember is that regardless of which type of antique business you operate, success is based on results. This means a steady stream of customers, a solid product knowledge and hard work. Keep reading the article below to learn more aboutAntiquario Roma.
1. Know What You Want
Whether you are downsizing, liquidating an estate, or just want to sell some of your antiques, it’s important to find the right buyer. The best way to do this is to start by finding a reputable appraiser. This will give you an accurate baseline for each item’s value, which will help you negotiate a fair price. It’s also a good idea to find a buyer who specializes in the type of antique you have, as they will be more familiar with its value and will be able to offer a fair price.
It’s common for new dealers to specialize in a particular area of antiques, such as furniture, art, or jewelry. Some choose to work for auction houses, while others prefer to work on their own as independent dealers. Whatever route you take, it’s essential to understand the business side of the industry, including profit margins, resale values, and shipping costs.
It’s also important to understand how to market your items, and which methods of selling are most effective for you and your customers. Some dealers sell in group shops, at shows and fairs, through online marketplaces, or by visiting individual sellers, collectors, and flea markets. Choosing the right marketing methods will depend on your budget, audience, and desired level of reach. Be sure to select a marketing platform that is transparent about their processes and encourages clear communication between all parties to avoid misunderstandings and disputes. For example, a reputable antique seller will provide clear payment terms and delivery or pickup arrangements in writing, which can protect both parties. This will contribute to a positive and hassle-free selling experience for everyone involved. It will also reduce the likelihood of a dispute over the quality or condition of an item, as there is a record of the agreed upon terms in case of a disagreement.
2. Make Sure It’s Worth It
People spend entire lives learning about the intricacies and nuances of old, valuable objects. They rely on detailed knowledge of construction, workmanship, and materials to appraise historical items. But new collectors may be hesitant to hand over cash for fear that they’re getting duped by a dealer who’s selling something at a high price point. Luckily, Dreweatts Auctioneers has put together some quick tips to help new collectors decide whether that too-good-to-be-true flea market find is actually worth what it’s asking for.
First of all, remember that antiques aren’t just objects—they’re also sentimental. That one chip in a ceramic vase or that dusty, old-timey smell may make the item feel like it has history and heritage to you. But to the broader market, those flaws can reduce the value of an object significantly.
Other factors can impact the price of an antique, too. For example, if an object is historically significant, or has been owned by famous people in the past, it can command a higher price than similar pieces. Also, if an antique is in its original condition with original parts and elements, it will likely be worth more than a piece that’s been repaired or restored.
But most importantly, if you want to be successful as an antiques dealer, you’ll have to do more than just buy and sell. You’ll need to research your items, learn inventory and bookkeeping methodologies, and attend group shops and shows. You’ll need to be able to negotiate prices and deal with customers. The rewards of being an antiques dealer can be great, but the work can be hard—and it’s not for everyone. That’s why most dealers spend two years working alongside an established professional before becoming fully independent.
3. Find a Dealer
A dealer may choose to sell at group shops, at shows, through auctions, on the internet or all of these. He or she must decide how much he is willing to invest in stock, and how many hours he or she is willing to devote to the business. The one legal requirement is that a dealer obtain a reseller’s certificate and collect sales tax from buyers.
Many people become antique dealers for the joy of being surrounded daily by objects of history and beauty. Their love of the items often helps to offset the long hours, paucity of compensation and the difficulty in achieving independence from established dealers.
Most new dealers spend two years working alongside an established dealer learning inventory systems, bookkeeping methodology and the less-quantifiable aspects of the trade. During this time, most begin to assemble the pieces they need to open their own shops. By this stage in their careers, contacts have been established, and they have gained experience in assessing client contact and valuation decisions.
More than a few individuals become antique dealers for the prestige of being able to call themselves “antiques dealers.” Prestige dealers are likely to focus on easily recognizable items such as Chippendale and Queen Anne furniture, Chinese export pottery or paintings by well-known artists. They are more likely to pay top dollar when purchasing and then try to resell their purchases for more money.
Most dealers find the best way to market their stock is by advertising it on a number of online platforms. These are typically reputable and transparent, which gives confidence to buyers and sellers alike. They include sites such as The Hoarde, which allows dealers to upload their items at any point in the day.
4. Take Care of Your Items
Antiques dealers must have a keen eye for detail and be prepared to work long hours in search of valuable pieces. Many choose this profession because of their enthusiasm for beautiful objects and the interaction with clients. They must also be patient and willing to invest time in studying antiques, including researching history, evaluating and cleaning pieces, as well as storing, shipping, and transporting them.
While online price guides and auction catalogues are useful, they can’t account for differences in condition and who else is selling a piece, which all affect its value. As such, an antique dealer must have a lot of faith in their product and be able to sell even during difficult economic times.
It’s important to remember that antiques are more than just pieces of furniture or art; they are often family heirlooms and hold emotional value. To protect these pieces, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight. It’s also recommended to use acid-free wrappings for delicate pieces, such as lace and embroidery. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have an expert clean your furniture once or twice a year, to prevent deterioration.
Antiques are often sold at group shops, shows, auctions, or through e-commerce. However, it’s essential for an antique dealer to find a client base and create a brand that makes them stand out from the competition. As such, it’s helpful for an aspiring antiques dealer to have a diverse background that includes sales, business experience, and a strong interest in antiques. In addition to these skills, an aspiring antiques dealer should be comfortable working unsocial hours and traveling to buy and sell items.
5. Know When to Sell
A good antique dealer has a keen eye, but they also know when to take a step back. For example, if they’re clearing out an entire room and discover a cache of items they want to sell, it’s probably not the best idea to hawk them all at once. Rather, it’s more effective to carefully select the pieces they feel are most valuable and hold their own as part of a collection.
For new dealers, it’s important to decide what kind of business they want to build. And then direct their efforts toward doing those things that make that type of antique business successful. This could mean opening a group shop, selling at shows or auctions, doing both, or even going to yard sales and flea markets to find interesting items to buy and resell.
Once they’ve chosen their specialty, thriving antique dealers immerse themselves in it by going to auctions both online and in-person, visiting antique shops often, and asking storekeepers lots of questions (they love talking about their specialty). They also do a lot of research on the internet to learn more about each period they specialize in. For instance, even the materials used to make a piece of furniture or how the art is framed can offer clues as to its value.
They also understand the importance of caring for their items, which isn’t always easy. It may require cleaning, refinishing, storing, packing and shipping them, and handling them often and safely. They also need to keep accurate financial records, and manage their inventory and accounts well. Most dealers work in the antiques business full time, and many do it for a living. But, like any other business, it’s not for everyone.