Dealer in Oriental Carpets

Eastern carpets today are much sought after items, and within reach of most people. Hand-knotted carpets come from a very wide area, which makes it impossible to determine exactly where each carpet comes from.

Oriental carpet dealers purchase carpets from all over the world and then sell them again. Buyers also purchase the carpets directly from suppliers from all over the world. The carpets may be stored for a while before being resold.

Carpet dealers need to advise buyers on the proper care of carpets and thus need to know a lot about the carpets they sell. Oriental carpet dealers often travel extensively, in search of carpets to buy. They need to have a good eye for colour, design and texture.

There are several factors that influence the price of a carpet. Buyers examine the quality of the carpet, as well as the colouring agents that were used. The pattern, number of knots, fineness and evenness of the carpet are other factors which have an influence. Many different types of carpets can be purchased such as Persian or Iranian carpets, Caucasian carpets, Chinese carpets, Anatolian carpets, etc..

Personal Requirements

good eye for colour, design and texture, as well
as quality
good sight and normal colour vision
able to observe detail
knowledgeable about carpet values
good business sense
managerial and sales skills
good communication skills
enjoy travelling and working with people
able to maintain good interpersonal relationships

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Learners need to complete at least a Grade 9 Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Consumer Studies, Visual Art, Design Studies

What to Study

In-service training under the supervision of an experienced oriental carpet dealer.

The prospective dealer in Oriental carpets obtains his knowledge through years of experience.

A short course in interior decoration could be valuable - UJ, NMMU, CPUT, DUT, TUT.

Employment