How much should I charge for finding antiques?

Susan asks: 

Hello,

I was looking over your website trying to find out how much to charge a shop owner that wants me to do some picking for her.

I used to run my own antiques booth, but am not sure how much I should charge her for finding a lot of furniture and housewares for her new shop. She wants me to take pictures of items that I think she might like and text them to her and she can say yes or no. Just wanted your input on this. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Susan

AW says: Susan, as an auctioneer, this is an easy one for me. I advocate working on a commission based rate. That way, the better you perform, the more you make. It’s hard to get a set rate per hour on a job like this, but it’s perfect for a commission based fee.

I suggest that you ask 10% of the buy price, of course you’ll only be paid for lots the dealer is actually successful in purchasing. I will always pay a finder’s fee of 10% for lots that I am able to purchase. Sometimes more depending on the lot.

The antiques business is a great word of mouth business, and if you’re into networking online there are a lot of great ways to get paid for you endorsements.

Hope that helps!

By the way dear reader: If you’d like to become a finder for me in the Central or Western Massachusetts area, give me a call at 978-636-3101 or fire off an email to: finder@auctionwally.com