Antiqbook started its services in April 1996. At first it was meant to be a platform for Dutch book dealers, but it was soon discovered by booksellers from abroad. Admission is restricted to independent professional booksellers. Antiqbook has gradually but consistently grown to its present size of 8 million books from 850 booksellers world-wide.
Over the years one of Antiqbook's strong points has been a simple and straightforward service to both book dealers and book buyers. A prospective customer is put directly in touch with the bookseller of his choice, who then processes the order in his own preferred way. Booksellers have a choice between paying a commission to Antiqbook or a fixed monthly fee.
Antiqbook is privately owned. Piet Wesselman, who started as an online antiquarian bookseller in 1993, is president and general manager.