Antique Dealer
What the work is
Organises and controls the operations of an antiques business, including buying and selling antiques such as furniture, art, jewellery and china.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Manages the daily operations of an antiques business
- Sources and acquires antiques such as furniture, art, jewellery and china, for sale
- Inspects and evaluates the condition and authenticity of antiques
- Researches and appraises antiques to determine their market value
- Implements marketing and promotional activities to attract customers through various channels such as online platforms, auctions and fairs
- Provides expert advice and information to clients regarding the history, origin and value of antiques
- Negotiates and finalises the purchase and sale of antiques with clients
- Manages business finances, including budgeting and financial reporting
- May clean and restore antiques to enhance their appearance and value
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in a fictional homewares and gift store in a suburban shopping strip, in the week before Christmas. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A rush of customers and a team that keeps its good humour right to closing time
- A customer returns to say the gift you suggested was a hit
- You hit the weekly goal without pushing anyone too hard
Hard days
- A rostering gap on the busiest Saturday of the year
- An angry customer who wants a refund on something that was never sold by you
- A stocktake that shows something is missing and you do not know why
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 162132, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.