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An Introduction to the Antique Business

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There are approximately 36,000 antique dealers in the U.S. alone, and many of those are operating from home. An antique business is a low-risk business with a high return, and you can do most of your work on the weekends while you build up your capital. Before you begin, you need to understand the difference between an antique and a collectible. An antique is commonly defined as anything that is over 100 years old. However, most dealers choose merchandise not just by its age, but also by its design, workmanship, and rarity. Some examples of these types of items are: art nouveau furniture, pottery, glass, jewelry from the turn of the century through the 1940's, and Tiffany silver produced in this century. Collectibles, on the other hand, are often things that were a part of everyday life in a bygone era and are now fondly remembered. They are often items that represent the pop culture of a certain time frame. Some example of a collectible would include: coins, Star Trek memorabilia made in the 70's, children's toys, lunch boxes, old movie memorabilia, and comic books.

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