How to become an Antiques Dealer

Everything old is new again, right? Finally, traditional furniture and accessories are topping design trends—and it's never been a better time to try your hand at dealing antique and vintage pieces. The question is, how do you get started as an antique dealer?

Become an Expert

Thriving antique dealers are experts in one or more areas of the broader field, so figure out what you love and immerse yourself in it. Go to auctions and learn from the experts, visit antique shops, ask the shopkeepers many questions (they love to talk about their specialties), and search the internet for information. There is so much more to the industry than just furniture—think about textiles, lighting, porcelain, and other decorative arts—just soak up as much knowledge as you can. While you're out researching, look for books on design, architecture, history, and books on antiques. The best dealers know how to tell the stories of their wares—why, for example, there was such a huge Asian influence on European furniture in the 19th century or what led to the mid-century modern movement in the 1950s.

How to Sell Your Stock

The next question: how and where to sell? Most business experts would caution against opening your shop until you have some experience in the business, so what are your other options? You could lease a table or two at a flea market, but that means breaking down and setting up every weekend. You could try selling online, but you're limited to "smalls" that are quickly shipped—also, shipping costs eat into your profit—and serious buyers like the tactile experience.

The best way to sell is to lease space in a multi-vendor area, ideally an antique mall. This is the best of all worlds for a new antique dealer. You have a place to display your established and permanent inventory, and there is staff on-site to handle the day-to-day running of the business. The rent you pay for your stall space covers all the expenses of starting a business, including licenses, taxes, insurance, and a social media presence.

A well-established dealer space like Old Crows Antiques also has the advantage of many years in the same location as well as an excellent reputation for being the place to go for antiques.

Where to Find Items to Sell

While you're learning, build up your inventory. Try to find out where the dealers in your area source their stock but don't be afraid to strike out yourself. Scour sites like estatesales.com for sales, visit secondhand stores in your area, and be prepared to walk a lot of aisles looking for things you can resell. While shopping for stock, always consider that you're in this for a profit, and pay accordingly. No matter how much you love that Hoosier cabinet, you must remember this: will someone else love it at least fifty percent more? If not, you're losing money.

Restoration

A talent for being somewhat handy is a good thing in this business. You'll need to know about making minor repairs and restoration and know the artisans and craftspeople who can do more extensive restoration work. Mostly, you'll need good cleaning and polishing products and a lot of elbow grease to make your stock shine.

If you find an exceptional piece that needs lots of work, consult with a restoration expert to estimate the cost—having this kind of knowledge is the sort of small thing that confirms your expertise.

Why Old Crows Antique for Your Dealer Space

We are a destination dealer for much of the greater Littleton area. We offer over 42,000 feet of climate-controlled display space and booths in various sizes. Beginner dealers can start small and add to your space as the business grows. Experienced dealers are committed to the long haul. They spend time in their space and engage customers frequently. They pay attention to what's hot, and what's not, and they're often excited to share their knowledge.

Our dealers at Old Crows in Littleton, CO specialize in everything from tools to furniture to toys and dolls, so shoppers come here knowing they can find just about anything they're looking for. And since we host so many dealers, we handle all the transactions—leaving you free to search for new inventory or take a day off now and again.

If dealing in antiques is your passion, contact us to discuss how we can help you get started.

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