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..
Satisfying Aspects
- visiting various countries and learning more about their history and culture through the study of carpets
- working with objects of beauty and value
- meeting new people
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work long and irregular hours
- a lot of travelling can be tiring and being away from home can put a strain on family relationships
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
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: History
Training
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, Port Elizabeth FET.
Employer
- carpet dealers
- self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
Information can be obtained from carpet dealers and weaving companies.
Gilles Botbyl Ltd
P O Box 26046
Arcadia, 0007