Working Life

Antique dealers buy and sell artifacts of historical or artistic value. They source their material in a variety of ways, for example through auctions, house clearances and trade fairs. They will also attend private houses to examine and buy goods.  

Experienced in advising clients on the valuation, sale, purchase and management of antiques and fine arts and are able to advise on storage, security, conservation and restoration, shipping and packaging.

They may clean or restore items before offering them for resale.  

Some antique dealers offer valuation services. They provide the provenance (the age and history) of an artifact, if available and then put a value on it.  
 
Some dealers deal in a range of antiques but most will specialise in a specific area such as furniture, glass, books or paintings.

Some work auction houses, but most antiques dealers are self-employed and have their own antiques shop. They often travel to fairs and clients’ homes where the working environment may be dusty at times.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Calculate the value of property based on comparisons to recent sales, estimated cost to reproduce, and anticipated property income streams.
• Create and maintain a database of completed appraisals.
• Determine the appropriate type of valuation to make, such as fair market, replacement, or liquidation, based on the needs of the property owner.
• Document physical characteristics of property such as measurements, quality, and design.
• Forecast the value of property.
• Inspect personal or business property.
• Locate and record data on sales of comparable property using specialised software, internet searches, or personal records.
• Recommend loan amounts based on the value of property being used as collateral.
• Take photographs of property.
• Testify in court as to the value of a piece of tangible property.

Further Information

• Antique Dealer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Antiques dealer- from: GradIreland
• Art Valuer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

There are many entry routes to become an antique dealer. Some collect and research antiques as a hobby and then take a stall at an antiques market or fair, buy and sell on the internet, or open a shop.

Qualifications are not always needed, but many antique dealers have studied relevant subjects at third level, such as Fine Art or History.

You can also start your career in the field by working in an auction house or antiques business as an assistant or cataloger and build up your experience and knowledge.

With experience you can set up your own business, offering a valuation service as well as buying and selling antiques. However, a great deal of capital is needed to get started.

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland - career pathways in antiques assessment & auctioneering 

Training & Development

You could progress by specialising in a particular field, or branch out as a valuer, conservator or auctioneer.

There are postgraduate courses in fine art, art history, and art conservation in Ireland.

You can often find relevant information about training and events through professional organisations, such as: 

SCSI Society for Chartered Surveyors Ireland

Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers 

Irish Antique Dealers Association 

Institute of Conservator-Restorers in Ireland

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €55k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties. Antique dealers can be retail based, or online. Earnings vary depending on sector and items. 

Data Source(s):
Indeed / Glassdoor/ Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Buyers and procurement officers, Marketing associate professionals, Estate agents and auctioneers, Conference and exhibition managers and organisers, Property, housing and estate managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was above average for this occupation, having grown steadily between 2018 and 2021; employment levels have declined annually since (and by 3,000 in 2023). Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were mainly for buyers and procurement officers. Approximately half of the new employment permits issued in 2023 were for the ICT sector (although the share in employment in this sector was small); roles included marketing executives, procurement and supply chain roles and account managers/strategists.

Difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey related to procurement and supply chain roles. Skills identified in the Spotlight on Skills data included bid preparation, procurement, and tender writing skills.

• Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers

  • 129 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 678 5685
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Antique Dealers Association

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Institute of Conservators-Restorers Ireland (ICRI)

  • The Greenhouse, 17 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

  • The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6445500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here