I've watched American Pickers several times on TV. While I enjoy watching most anything related to antiques and collecting (i.e. Antiques Roadshow, Pawn Stars, etc.) I just don't care for this show. The odd duo often find a couple of items here and there that I find interesting to learn about, but the part of the show that irks me is my impression that they are always trying to take advantage of some bumbling old crotchety man who knows no better.
The show reminds me of the worst about collecting - the dynamics that one will often see, though usually in a milder form when going to or participating in a swap meet. I guess these guys have an actual real business behind them and that they must turn a profit in order to keep the machinery going, but it just seems that they go about the art of the deal in a slimy way. Again this is only my impression and perhaps you may feel otherwise. I wouldn't be surprised if the tall skinny chap in the show would try to deal down his own grandma in order to get a better price; a real turnoff of the show for me. Curious what other people think about these guys.
Re: American Pickers TV Show
Don't forget that there are commercials in these half hour episodes. The money has to go somewhere. I myself like the Pawn Masters. They are a group of professional antique dealers and it's fun to watch them barter over a certain item. They're not worth a fortune but it keeps these people in business and it's interesting to see what people have in their homes.
Re: American Pickers TV Show
Re: American Pickers TV Show
My sentiments exactly...
Re: American Pickers TV Show
I guess we all have things which annoy us. The "Pawn Stars" happen to be what annoys me. In most episodes, I find them condescending, if not downright rude. It is however, fun to see the old, odd and interesting pieces that come through their doors. Here's the kicker for me. There was an episode when a lady came in with a boxed, Faberge spider brooch, knowing nothing about it and wanting what she probably assumed was alot for it ($2,000.) Rick explained to her what she had and if I remember correctly, offered her $15,000. I would bet money that if the cameras weren't around and he didn't have a TV / public eye reputation to worry about, that never would have happened. Chances are, she would have walked out with half or less her asking price, in keeping with their usual M.O.. As for the "Pickers," their home base is a couple of miles from where I'm located. I've met them personally, been to their shop and run into Frank occasionally at local estate sales. Aside of being goofy at times, they're pretty likable, down to earth guys. When you get right to it, the name of the game is buy low, sell high. Often times people don't have the resources, nor the desire to mess around trying to sell their things. Alot of folks don't even realize that they have valuables and are happy as clams when someone offers money for something they considered junk. If somebody comes along that is willing to pay what they are asking, or somewhere in that ballpark, they are pleased, even if undervalued. The key is, do some research, know what you have, consider the market and then decide for how much, where or to whom you want to sell. Remember, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay, despite it's book value. Sometimes there is a bit of taking of advantage of ignorance going on, but noone passes up a great deal, whether scrupulous or not...
Re: American Pickers TV Show
I really enjoy both shows, and do not begrudge anyone trying to make a living. I really believe in Karma, and if they were truly greedy, it would come back three fold on them. I really see honest guys in a business that is less than that at many times. just thinkling about Mike and Frank selling the Carnival poster for $10,000.00, and circling back to give the guy $5000.00, because it was woth more that they had thought.
Re: American Pickers TV Show
I agree with wendy and like her posting ,however I also have seen both shows and can recall the spider brooch episode .Someone watching with us said the same thing about the cameras being gone and the price would have been way less.Maybe,maybe not but the people can get a second opinion.They do not have to say yes and sell right then.I do not care for pawn shops much but as others, I do enjoy the things people bring in.I like pickers and agree people have to make a living.There have been shows where they paid decent money for things and they were worth 0 dollars or cents so you know, be smart and do not take the first offer someone gives you.When in doubt have it checked out!!My Grandma has just passed in January she was 83 and is the reason I love antigue and vintage stuff.I would not get rid of anything that I thought I could pass on to mine,my brother or my sisters kids.What we do get rid of I will research myself or find sites like this one to help me.I refuse to sell her thing in a yard sale.She was veryy charitable and alot has and will be donated but the rest doesn't have to worth alot but it was her's and I want someone to have it who will appreciate it for what it is.
Re: American Pickers TV Show
I too know that this show is not for real. How do they drive around in a Mercedes (that's what my husband says it is) burn all that gas, and where do they sleep? Sometimes a days work only brings a few hundred dollars profit! Now that's not doing good business! Let's see something real for a change and not all this scripted stuff that is refilmed to get the most affect. Let it happen naturally, your audience can tell when it is not for real!!
Re: American Pickers TV Show
Those picker dudes picked a neighbors garage some time ago
He didn't fare too well,..(Cheaped him big time)
. The truck is a dodge sprinter with a mercedes motor. I know someone else who has one. They get over 35 miles per gallon on the highway. That's why they can afford it. It is a fat price tag on it, but I think it pays them back in fuel costs.
Mercedes/Dodge
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dodge+sprinter&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=945&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=bWVEv0ogcngQgM:&imgrefurl=http://www.allpar.com/trucks/sprinter.html&docid=P-qjc9rQ_fW6vM&imgurl=http://www.allpar.com/images/dodge/trucks/sprinter.jpg&w=616&h=406&ei=_ogFUN7eH-Lr0gGR3bnUCA&zoom=1Tom.....
This is a Dodge Sprinter....notice the difference? Altho Benz owned Chrysler at the time, this is still a Dodge. The vehicle on the show is a Mercedes.
Re: American Pickers TV Show