Become an Antiques Shop Owner

Are you a fan of shows like Antiques Roadshow or American Pickers? These shows illustrate that there are amazing historical items to be found in people’s collections which are often quite valuable. When you become an antiques shop owner, you will be connecting people to objects that have special meaning for those purchasing them. This career is perfect for research hounds who love to shop for bargains and enjoy working with people.

What Do Antiques Shop Owners Sell?

Whether it involves true antiques or more commonplace collectibles, an antiques shop owner can appeal to buyers seeking both types of lucrative items. An antique is usually an object at least 50 to 100 years old that is valued for its beauty and historical importance. Collectibles are of more recent vintage, less than 100 years old, but have that same aesthetic and historical charm or have some other cultural importance.

Decorating with antiques is popular with both older and young adults just starting to decorate their first homes. Interior designers and decorators frequently search antique shops and auctions for the perfect piece for their projects. As an antiques shop owner who gets to know decorators’ needs and tastes, you can quickly gain a steady clientele.

An antique piece of furniture is often less expensive than a new one, especially if it is in need of some work. Revamping antique pieces can is a hobby for many people. When you become an antiques shop owner, you can offer pieces ready for refinishing or even add furniture restoration to your list of services.

Collecting often moves in trends or fads, but you can identify that a trend is stirring if you stay in the loop by reading antiques publications and talking to others in the industry like dealers and collectors groups. As an antiques shop owner, you may find that household items like lamps, dishware, kitchen utensils, artwork and so on, are deemed collectibles that will be sought-after.

Become an Antiques Shop Owner Your Own Way

Sellers of antiques come in various shapes and sizes that allow for a truly custom business model. You can focus on whatever area of antiques or collecting you’re most interested in. Doing research in your specialty niche will help you become the “go to” expert for whatever concentration you choose. As an antiques aficionado, you can also offer seminars on antiques or contribute to articles or blogs.

Here are some additional ways to specialize when you become an antiques shop owner:

• A storefront antiques shop is a frequent ambition, but it does require a large inventory and regular business hours.
• Antiques malls offer a space sharing arrangement with month-by-month rentals to showcase your offerings.
• Auction houses buy and sell antiques from estate sales and collectors at auctions while also increasing their shop’s inventory.
• Collectibles dealers concentrate on the latest trendy items of interest to collectors. An antiques shop owner can also enhance their inventory with modern collectibles.
• Secondhand inventory of gently used items can add a revenue source to any antiques business. In this industry, consignment arrangements in which a percentage of the sale goes to an owner help keep inventory costs down while providing new pieces for display.
• Flea markets and antiques shows occur over most weekends in many communities and provide an instant avenue to sell items and meet the public.
• Online and virtual antiques dealers can market their items to customers all over the world and easily reach an interested collector who is searching for specific antiques.
• Offering antiques repair and restoration will appeal to many clients and help to improve the condition of your own inventory.
• Making appraisals and consulting with purchasers and other dealers can help those looking for guidance on what to purchase and how to budget for their collection.

As an antiques store owner, there are numerous avenues to produce income. You can choose the business model which most appeals to you and works best for your clientele. To learn how you can get started in a dream career as an antiques dealer, check out this free sample from the FabJob Guide to Become an Antiques Shop Owner. For more information, visit https://fabjob.com/program/become-antiques-shop-owner.

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