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...          

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!!