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Antiques and Art Dealers


Overview

Antiques and Art Dealers

Introduction

Antiques and art dealers make a living acquiring, displaying, and selling antiques and art. By strict definition, antiques are often defined as items more than 100 years old. In the last two decades, however, the term "antique" has been applied to furniture, jewelry, clothing, art, household goods, and many other collectibles, dating back to as recently as the 1970s. People collect a wide array of items, from traditional paintings and sculptures to unique period toys and cigar boxes. Many antiques and art dealers are self-employed a...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$63,387

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma


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Experience

One to two years helpful


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Skills

Business Management
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Personality Traits

Artistic
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Earnings

It is difficult to gauge what antiques and art dealers earn because of the vastness of the industry. Some internationally known, high-end antique stores and art galleries dealing with many pieces of priceless furniture or works of art may make millions of dollars in yearly profits. This, however, is the exception. It is impossible to compare the high-end dealer with the lower end market. The ma...

Work Environment

Much of antiques and art dealers' time is spent indoors. Many smaller antique shops and art galleries do not operate with a large staff, so dealers must be prepared to work alone at times. Also, there may be large gaps of time between customers. Most stores are open at least five days a week and operate during regular business hours, though some have extended shopping hours in the evening.

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Outlook

Although the recent economic downturn affected most people's ability to buy luxury goods, business is looking up for antiques and art dealers. High-end buyers of antiques and art are spending just as much as they ever have, especially since antiques and art can often present a more stable investment than the volatile stock market. Recessionary times have also given dealers more buying power, wi...