Market Research
Market Research in the antiques industry involves studying what items are currently popular, their values, and what collectors are willing to pay. It's like being a detective who figures out the best prices and most desirable items to buy or sell. This includes checking auction results, following collecting trends, and understanding what makes certain antiques more valuable than others. Market researchers help dealers make smart decisions about what to stock and how to price their items.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Market Research to identify emerging trends in Victorian furniture collecting
Used Market Research and pricing analysis to increase shop revenue by 25%
Led Market Research projects to determine optimal inventory for seasonal antique shows
Typical job title: "Market Research Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Market Research Specialists
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Networking
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a pricing strategy for a high-end antique dealership?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods of analyzing market trends, competitor pricing, auction results, and customer demographics to establish optimal pricing structures. Should mention importance of maintaining relationships with other dealers and regular market monitoring.
Q: How do you stay current with shifting market values and collecting trends?
Expected Answer: Should explain use of multiple research sources like auction records, price guides, dealer networks, and market reports. Should discuss importance of attending shows and maintaining industry connections.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when researching the value of an antique item?
Expected Answer: Should mention condition, rarity, provenance, age, market demand, and recent comparable sales. Should demonstrate understanding of how these factors interact to determine value.
Q: How do you validate the authenticity of market information?
Expected Answer: Should discuss cross-referencing multiple sources, verifying sale prices through reliable databases, and importance of maintaining current market knowledge through trusted sources.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic resources do you use for market research in antiques?
Expected Answer: Should mention price guides, online databases, auction results, and basic research tools. Should show familiarity with standard industry references.
Q: How do you organize and track your research findings?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic methods of recording and organizing data, including price comparisons, market trends, and sale results.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic price guide usage
- Understanding of common antique categories
- Simple market trend analysis
- Basic research documentation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed market analysis
- Advanced price comparison
- Trend forecasting
- Network building with dealers
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex market strategy development
- Expert value assessment
- Industry trend leadership
- Mentor to junior researchers
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic price guides or research tools
- Unable to explain how condition affects value
- Lack of understanding about market trends
- No experience with auction results analysis
