American Pickers

How do they take advantage?

They have to resell this stuff and take a risk doing it.

Are they gay?

Let me get this straight

some person has a piece of crap sitting in their garage or barn that they have had for a long time. They aren't using it, they aren't cleaning it up and they aren't advertising it for sale.

The pickers know that they have a customer who would like the item. So they offer the owner a price which the owner can accept or reject. It isn't like they are breaking into these people's homes and stealing the items.

If the owner accepts they pickers have to transport the item, in many cases spend $ to restore, repair or clean up the item. Find a buyer for the item, pay salaries, pay taxes and actually work for a living.

And you think they are "ripping people off"

Conversely the "treasure" that the person has they maybe could get more money in the right auction. But its a crap shoot. Or they die and their heirs get a dumpster load up all the "treasure" and pitch it in the trash.

If you have ever collected or sold any kind of unusual items you will find that the owners often over value their item. Or you have a valuable item but you have no idea where to go to promote and sell the item or its impractical to ship.

Also to anyone who collects mass marketed collectors pieces; longaberger baskets, disney pieces, collectors plates, etc., you aren't going to recoup the original prices.

And lastly the people who sell to Pickers or to Pawn shops it is because they want cash in their hands NOW. Traditional auctions can take months to run, and you will pay at least 35% of the items estimated value. Internet auctions will go faster but you may never get paid and you still owe listing fees.

Jesus Christ! With the giant corporations ripping people off to the tunes of billions and you are barking about a couple guys trying to make a few hundred? Get a sense of proportion pal.

I agree. When those old collector guys that they visit die one day, that stuff will be thrown in the trash. They have found some pretty cool stuff that was covered in garbage. If they never came by those old people would NEVER get that kind of $$$ if they tried to sell it anywhere else.

i have some things you may want to look at. 1.5 h.p. fuller johnson hit & miss engine rebuilt & runninig like a top. lots of old stuff from antique wood stoves to small old items. i'd have to make a list to give ya a more accuate listing but i have alot of old items you guys would like & i'm getting older & it's time to move them. my email is [email protected] or call @ 920-386-9213 cell 920-296-1088. thanks. larry davidson