Enthusiasts of antique objects can make it their career by becoming a junk dealer, a professional in perpetual search of rare objects that they can resell at an attractive price. Here is the essential information about this career:

What does the job of a secondhand dealer involve?

A secondhand dealer is also called a bookseller or antiques-secondhand dealer. They are a great enthusiast of old objects who constantly searches for the rare gem likely to interest their clientele. While some secondhand dealers are interested in different objects at once, others may be more specific. The latter often collect only one category of objects (kitchen utensils, decorative objects…) or furniture.

The antique dealer profession

What Are the Main Duties of a Secondhand Dealer?

A secondhand dealer carries out several duties. Here are the main tasks assigned to them:

  • Hunting through flea markets and various cultural events in search of rare, old and original objects;
  • Restoring certain objects;
  • Entrusting the most delicate objects to specialized repairers;
  • Estimating the value of objects;
  • Authenticating an art object;
  • Displaying all their finds in their shop;
  • Haggling to get the best price when buying an object;
  • Buying, then reselling their acquisitions at a higher price.

The Main Duties of a Self-Employed Secondhand Dealer

A secondhand dealer can work for themselves. In that case, they will have to carry out the following activities:

  • Handling the administrative and accounting management of their business;
  • Promoting their products on their website;
  • Writing catalogs with all the products they offer;
  • Writing a short description and taking nice photos of each object in their catalog to show them off.

The skills needed to become a junk dealer

How to become a secondhand dealer? The person will absolutely need the following qualities:

  • Curiosity;
  • Patience;
  • Perseverance;
  • Ambition;
  • A passion for business and sales;
  • Good interpersonal skills;
  • A passion for antique objects and market trends.

Besides these personal qualities, a good secondhand dealer will also have to:

  • Having great knowledge of art history;
  • Knowing how to negotiate;
  • Having an excellent business sense;
  • Having experience in selling secondhand objects;
  • Being organized;
  • Being good at DIY;
  • Having a service mindset;
  • Having perfect command of the various computer tools;
  • Being able to close a sale.

Fields of Activity of a Junk Dealer

This profession requires a lot of patience and a good ability to manage stress. Indeed, the daily life of a junk dealer is not easy.

They often have to work on weekends. Generally, a junk dealer works alone. They carry out their activity either in a shop or during trade events (auctions, yard sales, flea markets, fairs…). Sometimes, a junk dealer visits private individuals who wish to sell an item.

A junk dealer can work for a shop or on their own account. For this second option, they will need to set up a micro-enterprise and comply with the various regulations in force.

Training and Degrees Needed to Become a Junk Dealer

No specific degree is required to practice this profession. Nevertheless, for activities to run smoothly, having solid knowledge of art history is important. Junk dealers with experience in this field have a definite advantage over beginners.

To train and thus excel in this profession, students can now join IESA. The International School of Art and Culture offers the following programs to all those who wish to become junk dealers:

The Bachelor in Art Market Bac+3

Students can pursue bachelor-type studies. The Bachelor in Art Market at IESA is ideal for acquiring the basics needed for this role. This program lasts 3 years and leads to the level 6 title registered with the RNCP (national directory of professional certifications). Over these 3 years of study, the student will learn to write technical sheets for each type of artwork, appraise an object, organize exhibitions, promote sales and works…

The Master in Ancient and Modern Art Bac+5

This 2-year program, with a work-study option, is open to Bac+3 holders. It covers administrative and financial management, appraisal and inventory of artworks, and the negotiation and promotion of modern or ancient art… During the first year, the student carries out an exhibition project as a team. The second year is devoted to personal projects.

The Master in Contemporary Art Bac +5

The Master in Contemporary Art is also a 2-year program open after a bac+3. It aims to provide a solid grounding in management, communication and web marketing. After this program, the student will be able to run an art organization, organize cultural events, appraise ancient and contemporary artworks, look for funding sources…

Good to know: career change

Many professionals choose to change careers to find greater fulfillment and work in something they are passionate about. To help them, IESA offers specific programs. Those who want to become flea market dealers can notably opt for the professional Master in Art Market. It lasts one year. It is open with a bac+3 and professional experience. The prerequisites, admission terms and program cost are presented on the admissions page.

A Second-Hand Dealer’s Salary and Career Progression

A second-hand dealer’s salary depends on the type of work they sell and their skill at estimating prices. In France, the gross monthly salary ranges between €1700 and €2100 (Source France Travail - Accessed in May 2025). By opening their own shop, they will have to pay several fixed costs. However, they will earn higher pay than if they worked for a company in the modern and contemporary art field.

Employability of a Second-Hand Dealer

These professionals who resell antique and contemporary objects are still few in number. According to statistics, only 15,000 second-hand dealers are listed in the trade register. In addition, many private individuals and specialized companies call on this professional’s services.

Besides being promising, the second-hand dealer profession eases access to high-responsibility positions. Once they have gathered the funds needed to build their own stock of antiques, they can move up to become an antique dealer. Their role will then be to find the rare gem, restore it, and resell it. Unlike second-hand dealers, antique dealers work in auction rooms and deal more with private individuals who own rare objects.

Tips for Becoming a Second-Hand Dealer and Sole Proprietor

It is entirely possible to work as a second-hand dealer under the sole proprietor status. You just have to follow the steps outlined. In particular, the person will need to go to the chamber of commerce and industry to gather all the essential information (social contribution rate, revenue ceiling, tax category…). As a general rule, the steps to follow are:

  • Choosing the company name;
  • Completing the various administrative formalities;
  • Establishing the registered office address;
  • Obtaining the various mandatory registers;
  • Registering the business;
  • Choosing the insurance policy;
  • Etc.

Leading art and history schools such as IESA welcome new baccalauréat graduates who want to enter this profession. The school also offers programs for professionals who wish to change careers.