by Anthony Khoo

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

Antique dealers are involved in the evaluation, marketing and sale of antique items. In many cases, antiques are rare, old and expensive, and as such it comes as no surprise that the job of an antique dealer can be both complex and rewarding.

The first step an antique dealer takes in approaching a potential sale item is to evaluate its relative price range, and this will depend predominantly on its age, its condition and the regional demographics. Indeed, most people will employ the services of an antique dealer when attempting to sell their items in order to give them some idea of the worth of that particular antique.

It is important to note that the evaluation of an antique is helped immensely by a well documented history or receipt of sale. This enables the dealer to recognize the legitimacy of the antique item and thus market it appropriately. Of course, dealers are trained to distinguish and appraise antique items in terms of rarity, age and condition, but nonetheless a sale receipt can help guide the price range of the item of interest.

Often, antique dealers will not only evaluate and assess the value of a potential antique, but moreover will help in the marketing and sale of that item. This is achieved through marketing in newspapers, announcements, and more recently even through the use of the Internet.

It is primarily for this reason that people employ the services of an antique dealer when selling antiques, as they typically make the sale process far smoother and more efficient than trying to accomplish an independent sale. It should be noted however, that antique dealers will take a percentage of the gross sale price, as well as a commission if a sale is successful. Consequently, many opt to sell antique items independently of an antique dealer, and this option largely depends on your own personal and financial preferences.

After marketing, the next process in a dealer-mediated antique sale is the auction and negotiation of a reasonable price. The dealer will be in contact with the owner of the item, as well as any prospective buyers in order to ensure a price that is both fair and reasonable for all the parties involved. Of course, not every antique is sold by an auction, and in these cases the dealer can choose to purchase the antique themselves and market it at a later date.

If you are considering this option, it is always useful to receive another professional appraisal of the antique item to ensure that you obtain a reasonable sale price. Nonetheless, sale of your antique can take one of several pathways, the most common being the use of an auction sale. However, unless your item is in the higher price range, it may not be able to attain a profitable price this way, as it is typically the rare and expensive items which achieve high prices in an auction sale.

In conclusion, antique dealers are involved with the evaluation, marketing and sale of antique items. While in many cases it is possible to circumvent the use of an antique dealer and market your items independently, the use of an antique dealer can make your sale more profitable and more efficient. Although dealers do take a percentage of the profits in any antique sale, they typically make the sale process both smoother and more rewarding for all parties involved. Nonetheless, the sale pathway you choose will be dependant on both your personal and financial preferences and as such the choice is yours as to whether you use an antique dealer.

In any case, selling antiques can be a rewarding experience both financially and emotionally.

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