History Channel's "American Pickers" - Anyone Hooked?

[theantiquetiger]

This show is awesome.

I think they have based this show off my garage selling. The junkier the place, the greater the dig.

One thing I do not agree with is these guys will find something pretty valuable(and they know it), and low ball as much as they can. I know it is their business and it takes money to sell items, get contacts, etc, but when they basically lie to someone to get a steal.

Another thing I find funny, at the end, they will show what they paid for something and than will list it as either what they sold it for, or what the item is "valued" at. I think the "valued" price may be a little high.

[Mikey]

Did you see the one where they p'ed that old guy off for making him wait outside the barn too long ? :smiley1:

[kryptosmaster]

I actually got turned off by the promo commercials. They seem like they'd be a bunch of scamming thieves ripping people off for pennies on the dollar and then turning around and reselling the stuff for thousands.
I have yet to watch it. I actually don't even know when it's on.
Rich

[Mikey]

To me it seems like the opposite .... They seem to offer too much considering what their expected return would be.

They'll offer $30.00 for an old rusty oil can hoping they can resell it for $60.00 --- which I have my doubts they wouldn't get anything close to $60.00

Most of the stuff they buy is truly rusted out old junk

[theantiquetiger]

To me it seems like the opposite .... They seem to offer too much considering what their expected return would be.

They'll offer $30.00 for an old rusty oil can hoping they can resell it for $60.00 --- which I have my doubts they wouldn't get anything close to $60.00

Most of the stuff they buy is truly rusted out old junk

Plus, they don't show the 100's of items they buy that is worth what they pay for (or even less)

[luey]

I am running my commercial over the next months on American Pickers and Pawn Stars, hoping to unearth some goodies!! Love the shows BTW!!

[supes]

I really like this show. Also I am actually pleasently surprised how they do really take advantage of the people. They ask what the person wants and on multiple occasions they gave the person sometimes double what they asked.

I also like Pawn stars, however I think it is pretty lame how they lowball everyone, I just like watching it for the cool stuff.

[Mikey]

The problem with Pawn Stars, it was cool when they first started but now they're into helecopters, cars, boats etc .......

I don't like that kind of big stuff (I think it's boring) ...

[toyman]

Lots of interesting old items,love it and pawn stars.They are in business to make money so they can't pay what a item is really worth,if you could get a real buy on something wouldn't you jump on it,say a unopened mego collection?

[Mikey]

One thing about Pawn Stars, I really like the interaction between the old man, the son, big Hoss and Chumley.

I actually watch the show just to see them more than the stuff that comes in :)

[toys2cool]

I'm hooked, it's hilarious when these rednecks have a ton of junk rotting away and they don't want to sell it cause the offer's too low? :smiley1:

[AAAAA]

remember they ask how much the seller wants. how many of you guys saw at a flea market a High value item selling 0.25 to 1.00 .did you tell the seller.
Pawn stars the old man always stated tell them whats its truthly worth and then go from there.

[jwyblejr]

That one that had the White Castle,that was awesome.

[jessica]

I love watching Pawn Stars. Tried to watch American Pickers, but couldn't really get into it because I had just watched 3 hours back to back of Pawn Stars. I'll try again. I love this stuff.

I was cracking up last night when Chumley won the bow and arrow contest.

[toys2cool]

I love watching Pawn Stars. Tried to watch American Pickers, but couldn't really get into it because I had just watched 3 hours back to back of Pawn Stars. I'll try again. I love this stuff.

I was cracking up last night when Chumley won the bow and arrow contest.

lol! yeah that was funny

[Duncan]

Hadn't heard of Pickers, but I'll give it a try. I'm in the process of cleaning out my parents' house, and I've received a few "How much do you want for it?" offers, when I've already been up front that I don't know something's value. It just ticks me off. Tell me what it might be worth, and we can work down to a fair price. Jeez. In spite of the fees & work, that's one reason I like ebay.

[johnnystorm]

I've watched both Pickers & Pawn Stars. The Picker guys seem fair, usually asking the sellers to name the price. On the Pawn Stars show, I get tired of the smugness and sarcasm of the Pawn Star crew, especially Rick who has that "Muttley" s******. And the son who mocks everybody's stuff they bring in. They obviously get more than their share of people who think the item they have is worth a fortune. But occasionally it really is a nice historical piece and these clueless clowns start making fun of the seller. Was watching one where the guy had an old Edison player and the kid just started mouthing off about how stupid it was. And why Chumley is kept around I dunno. Any real business owner would have fired him long ago for being such a waste.

[Mikey]

I'm guessing Chumley is probably a good buddy of big Hosses or something.

[Hector]

I'm completely hooked with both Pawn Stars and American Pickers...I love both shows...I have them set on my DVR.

I don't think American Pickers rip off anybody...they buy stuff that's rotting away in some spider-infested barn anyway...yes...they sell the stuff for a profit...but they have to seek out their clients...they do all the hard work...I think it works great for both parties.

Pawn Star are also in business...they low ball sellers a lot more if you ask me...but it's a pawn shop...they have to make a profit to stay in businness...as they have many salaried employees.

As for Mike saying they buy and sell only big stuff like helicopters and cars...they also mingle with other cool stuff like historical memorabilia, pinball machines, and swords/rifles...the stuff that we all love here...lol.

Both shows rule...right up our alleys.

[Hector]

IRick who has that "Muttley" s******.

Dude...they both share the exact same laugh...lol...

:smiley1:

[Goblin19]

Pawn Stars is great. I like Pickers, too, but Pawn Stars hooks me in every time.

[The Toyroom]

Maybe Pickers can have a cross-over with the Hoarders show.....

[AJ Collector]

I have not caught the show yet but wanted to.....

[Adam West]

Pawn Stars is definitely the better of the two shows. I am truly amazed at the vast array of items that come into that shop. If you notice on both shows; they really don't lowball, they simply ask "What do you want for it?" which starts the negotiation process.

Actually, the old man from Pawn Stars is the biggest low baller of all time. He typically doesn't bring in experts and deals with the antique type items but always seems like he is offended that someone wants a price for their item and will usually give a sarcastic reply like (you mean U.S. Dollars?). At least with the bald guy (can't remember his name), he will usually tell the person selling the item that he likes it but also has to understand that he is running a business with overhead and is taking a chance on he thinks he can sell the item (my guess is that he gives higher prices on certain items because he already has a clientele of people who are always willing to purchase the items at a predetermined markup...so no real risk).

Pickers I like for the educational part but boy do they pick up some trash. I'm sure the show is edited but quite honestly if they didn't have a show on the History channel; I'm not sure how they'd make a living. I feel like I could go to local estate sales and auctions and pick up items that they buy for the same prices.

[Sideshow Spock]

Pickers is watchable but the hosts are duds. I don't see it lasting beyond a season without some tweaking.

[Mikey]

Pickers is watchable but the hosts are duds. I don't see it lasting beyond a season without some tweaking.

I agree, especially the fat guy

The other guy isn't bad.

[Duncan]

Pickers is watchable but the hosts are duds. I don't see it lasting beyond a season without some tweaking.

Agreed. The one guy doesn't say much, and the other is mildly annoying.

[toys2cool]

Pawn Stars is definitely the better of the two shows. I am truly amazed at the vast array of items that come into that shop. If you notice on both shows; they really don't lowball, they simply ask "What do you want for it?" which starts the negotiation process.

Actually, the old man from Pawn Stars is the biggest low baller of all time. He typically doesn't bring in experts and deals with the antique type items but always seems like he is offended that someone wants a price for their item and will usually give a sarcastic reply like (you mean U.S. Dollars?). At least with the bald guy (can't remember his name), he will usually tell the person selling the item that he likes it but also has to understand that he is running a business with overhead and is taking a chance on he thinks he can sell the item (my guess is that he gives higher prices on certain items because he already has a clientele of people who are always willing to purchase the items at a predetermined markup...so no real risk).

Pickers I like for the educational part but boy do they pick up some trash. I'm sure the show is edited but quite honestly if they didn't have a show on the History channel; I'm not sure how they'd make a living. I feel like I could go to local estate sales and auctions and pick up items that they buy for the same prices.
I agree, when ever the old man asks how much and you say a price, he says No before you even finish

[Luke Landwalker]

I hate this show i think they are ripping people off! At a fea market you can find things cheap and you dont tell the seller its value but hes there to sell and could find the value before going.The pickers dont give the people that chance

[toys2cool]

I hate this show i think they are ripping people off! At a fea market you can find things cheap and you dont tell the seller its value but hes there to sell and could find the value before going.The pickers dont give the people that chance

yeah but it looks like most of the time they over pay for everything..there's no way they get those prices they list

[Mikey]

Yea, but some people that walk into Pawn Stars are just plain stupid .....

Made up scenario

Guy walks into the shop with an old coin ....

He don't know what it's worth ....

Pawn Stars calls an expert to come down ...

Expert say's its worth up to $5,000

Pawn Stars asks ... "so how much you want for it ?"

Person says, "Since it's worth $5,000, i'd like to get $5,000"

Why even insult the guy by asking what the expert say's it might be worth ?

Don't these people know re-sellers CAN'T pay top dollar ?

[Hector]

American Pickers do not rip people off...simply because it's stuff rusting away in spider-infested barns...and the owners of that junk...don't make the effort to sell them outside of their environment.

Besides...they have the option to say no...but they sell nevertheless.

This is a very specialized market...you gotta have contacts in order to sell this stuff for a profit.

:wink:

[Hector]

Yea, but some people that walk into Pawn Stars are just plain stupid .....

Made up scenario

Guy walks into the shop with an old coin ....

He don't know what it's worth ....

Pawn Stars calls an expert to come down ...

Expert say's its worth up to $5,000

Pawn Stars asks ... "so how much you want for it ?"

Person says, "Since it's worth $5,000, i'd like to get $5,000"

Why even insult the guy by asking what the expert say's it might be worth ?

Don't these people know re-sellers CAN'T pay top dollar ?

You forgot to point out what the Pawn Star dude says in his counter-offer for that $5000 item..."I'll give you $300 for it..."

:smiley1: :smiley1: :smiley1:

[Mikey]

You forgot to point out what the Pawn Star dude says in his counter-offer for that $5000 item..."I'll give you $300 for it..."

:smiley1: :smiley1: :smiley1:

that's true :smiley1:

[Hector]

:smiley1:

[toys2cool]

did they finally sell that $38K hot air balloon? :grin:

[Hector]

did they finally sell that $38K hot air balloon? :grin:

Probably their dumbest purchase ever...

:smiley1:

[jwyblejr]

What I don't get with Pawn Stars,is why don't people take more in trade? Get yourself X number of dollars and maybe a nice Rolex.

[toys2cool]

Probably their dumbest purchase ever...

:smiley1:

the dad's face was priceless :smiley1:

[Adam West]

What I don't get with Pawn Stars,is why don't people take more in trade? Get yourself X number of dollars and maybe a nice Rolex.

My guess is desperation for cash. It is in Las Vegas after all (what better place to open a pawn shop).

I don't think they ever addressed whether or not the hot air balloon sold (my guess is it did and they probably even made a profit on it even if it is a small one).

They have Big Hoss portrayed as the dummy son who takes big risks and buys items that Rick and the old man both think are all time stupid moves (the boat and Belgium motorcycle come to mind) but both of them sold for a pretty decent profit but he still gets not credit at least not much on camera.

A lot of it is just for show. Chumlee is portrayed as the court jester and I'm sure most of it is just hamming it up for the camera but the guy really knows his stuff. There was the episode where Rick was going to give Big Hoss a test of items sold in the shop and who did he turn to learn some of the values of the more obscure items.....Chumlee.

There are also people that go in the shop just to get their 15 minutes of fame....like the guy who had the collection of Pez dispensers. That would be like one of us walking in with our collection of Megos and start educating the shop owners about the figs.

Actually, now that I think of it...might be a good way to get some coverage of Mego collecting. Anyone live in the Vegas area that wants to take their collection in and get on tv?

[Adam West]

The other weird thing about Pickers is they always go for the same stuff.

Cans, bikes, advertising items, and things that they see as decorative. I have watched the show Hoarders and have never really been able to relate to it because most of the time; the people's houses are filled with literal trash...empty soda cups, newspapers, etc.

The people on Pickers should be the ones they run shows on for Hoarders. It is really is interesting to me at least see people that have such a strong emotional attachment to something that has been collecting dust for years.

I can relate to it in some ways. I still have some old items that belonged to me as a kid including my bicycle which is a Schwinn Sting Ray. It actually is in really good shape with spots of rust here and there. I have always had the intent of cleaning it up and displaying it somewhere but I haven't found the time to clean it and don't have the heart to sell it so it just sits in a back storage area of our basement. I can't explain why I have a strong attachment to it other than the great memories I had riding it and that at least back when I was young, we lived in a semi rural suburb so I was allowed to ride it pretty much anywhere I wanted within reason so it gave me a feeling of freedom and independence that didn't otherwise exist.

[Mikey]

Was watching the Pickers show the other day that showed the unaired times they had the door shut in their faces ... That was interesting

[toys2cool]

Was watching the Pickers show the other day that showed the unaired times they had the door shut in their faces ... That was interesting

yeah I saw that :smiley1:

[jwyblejr]

The one tonight with the underground place was something else.

[Mikey]

The old guy that was asking too much for the coin scales ..... If I was them, when he came back later to lower his price after they wouldn't pay it, I would have told him - sorry bud but you talked yourself out of a deal and I don't want them anymore.

He was very annoying - I hate sellers that act like that

[bgrimm77]

Did anyone else notice the Green arrow car hanging from the ceiling?

[Hector]

Did anyone else notice the Green arrow car hanging from the ceiling?

Holy crap...no!!! :terror:

I'm going to re watch that episode on OnDemand.

[Hector]

The old guy that was asking too much for the coin scales ..... If I was them, when he came back later to lower his price after they wouldn't pay it, I would have told him - sorry bud but you talked yourself out of a deal and I don't want them anymore.

He was very annoying - I hate sellers that act like that

Agreed.

[Hector]

On the most recent Pawn Stars episode...the son and Chumley wanted a fortune teller cabinet (similar to the one featured in the movie Big with Tom Hanks) from an auction house...so they tried to buy it before auction...I bet they were going to offer something low like a thousand or something...the auction boss told them no...that they had to wait for the actual auction.

So they participated in the auction...and quickly got crushed by others...for the fortune teller cabinet went for a whopping $6000 +...:smiley1:

Now they know how it feels...especially Chumley...he looked crushed...lol.

The other question that comes up...why in the hell do people with prized antiques go to that pawn shop...why not to that nearby auction house instead?

:smiley1:

[Mikey]

The other question that comes up...why in the hell do people with prized antiques go to that pawn shop...why not to that nearby auction house instead?

:smiley1:

I always wonder the same thing .....

The only reason I can come up with is Pawn Stars probably has an audition process ... No way are those people just walking off the street.
If that was the case there would be 10,000 gawkers just hanging around.

So, I think these people audition just to show their stuff off on TV and are will to take a lowball price to do it - In the cases where they actually do sell the item.

[toys2cool]

On the most recent Pawn Stars episode...the son and Chumley wanted a fortune teller cabinet (similar to the one featured in the movie Big with Tom Hanks) from an auction house...so they tried to buy it before auction...I bet they were going to offer something low like a thousand or something...the auction boss told them no...that they had to wait for the actual auction.

So they participated in the auction...and quickly got crushed by others...for the fortune teller cabinet went for a whopping $6000 +...:smiley1:

Now they know how it feels...especially Chumley...he looked crushed...lol.

The other question that comes up...why in the hell do people with prized antiques go to that pawn shop...why not to that nearby auction house instead?

:smiley1:

his face was priceless when it went for $6K :smiley1:

I missed the ending, how much did the time thingy from the 1600's appraise for? and how much did he offer or pay for it?

[theantiquetiger]

Did anyone else notice the Green arrow car hanging from the ceiling?

I just finished watching this episode. I don't think it was a GA car. It looked like it had a yellow roof, so I am thinking some kind of John Deere toy.

[bgrimm77]

^^^ Could be.... I have been wrong many times before.

[Hector]

his face was priceless when it went for $6K :smiley1:

I missed the ending, how much did the time thingy from the 1600's appraise for? and how much did he offer or pay for it?

The expert said it could be worth up to $7000.

The pawn shop bald dude offered him $3000.

The seller counter with $5000.

The pawn shop dude said $4000 was the most he would go.

The seller said $4500.

The pan shop dude really thought about it hard...then said that his absolute highest would be $4200...and that would be it.

The seller said..."Ok...this is Vegas...lets flip a coin...you win...I'll sell it for $4200...and if I win...you give me $4500".

Pawn shop dude said, "Ok, flip the coin".

The seller won the coin flip...he got $4500 for it...and pawn shop dude wasn't too thrilled about it...he didn't wanna pay that extra $300...

:smiley1:

P.S. The seller was elated that he got $4500...he had no idea it was worth that much...I mean...he initially was going to pawn it for a measly $600...

:smiley1:

[Hector]

I always wonder the same thing .....

The only reason I can come up with is Pawn Stars probably has an audition process ... No way are those people just walking off the street.
If that was the case there would be 10,000 gawkers just hanging around.

So, I think these people audition just to show their stuff off on TV and are will to take a lowball price to do it - In the cases where they actually do sell the item.

Good points.

[Adam West]

I also think that people take their items to the pawn shop because they are paid cash on the spot and I suspect most of them are desperate.

With an auction house, you have to deal with commissions, not knowing what your item is going to sell for, waiting for the item to be listed, etc.

I suspect many people go in thinking the worst that can happen is being offered something lower than they are willing to accept and they will simply walk away and list it in an auction. The people may audition but I really don't think the price is negotiated beforehand. I would also suspect having a camera on you adds additional emotions to the process. You don't want to look like a fool on tv for passing up on what seems like a good offer. The pawn dealers know they always have the upper hand for the most part because they aren't emotionally attached to anything and can simply walk away from a deal even if it is over $50.

[toys2cool]

The expert said it could be worth up to $7000.

The pawn shop bald dude offered him $3000.

The seller counter with $5000.

The pawn shop dude said $4000 was the most he would go.

The seller said $4500.

The pan shop dude really thought about it hard...then said that his absolute highest would be $4200...and that would be it.

The seller said..."Ok...this is Vegas...lets flip a coin...you win...I'll sell it for $4200...and if I win...you give me $4500".

Pawn shop dude said, "Ok, flip the coin".

The seller won the coin flip...he got $4500 for it...and pawn shop dude wasn't too thrilled about it...he didn't wanna pay that extra $300...

:smiley1:

P.S. The seller was elated that he got $4500...he had no idea it was worth that much...I mean...he initially was going to pawn it for a measly $600...

:smiley1:

dam :smiley1: thanx bro... it was killing me not to know

[Hector]

:smiley1: :grin:

[shyndman]

The pawn shop guys are obnoxious sharks, and the old man makes the rest of them seem like saints. Pickers is a total sham. The "thrill of the hunt" is to find a treasure in the midst of the garbage. This will never happen on this show because they can't air a show where they take advantage of some eighty-year-old widow by giving her a few bucks for something she has that is really valuable. Fake drama, fake finds. Pawn shop show is more realistic but then, who really like those pawn shops anyway? Predators all!

Give me Antiques Roadshow anytime. At least there, folks come in and find their yardsale find is worth a fortune. That is what is fun to me!

[Hector]

Antiques Roadshow puts me in a coma...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

:sleep: :smiley1:

[Mikey]

Antiques Roadshow puts me in a coma...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

:sleep: :smiley1:

That was a good show back in the early 80's when there was nothing else like it on.

Today it's CRAZY-BORING

I'd rather watch New Yankee Workshop :)

[Hector]

That was a good show back in the early 80's when there was nothing else like it on.

Today it's CRAZY-BORING

I'd rather watch New Yankee Workshop :)

I like Yankee Workshop too..the only thing...he really doesn't teach you anything...he just shows off...knowing damn well you can even remotely approach his master craftsmanship...

:smiley1:

[Mikey]

I like Yankee Workshop too..the only thing...he really doesn't teach you anything...he just shows off...knowing damn well you can even remotely approach his master craftsmanship...

:smiley1:

If you took away his biscuits, Norm would be useless:smiley1:

[Hector]

:smiley1:

[jwyblejr]

Well,they finally got burned on a deal tonight.

[Mikey]

Well,they finally got burned on a deal tonight.

Oh that car :smiley1:

Even I knew it was a heap and not worth what they paid.

Could sell it to a customizer to turn it into a rod, but as it is I don't think they could get more than about $800 for it --- if they're lucky.

[toys2cool]

Oh that car :smiley1:

Even I knew it was a heap and not worth what they paid.

Could sell it to a customizer to turn it into a rod, but as it is I don't think they could get more than about $800 for it --- if they're lucky.

I knew that was a **** up:smiley1:

[johnnystorm]

I like the Pickers show but I'm thinking they're working themselves into a corner here. I mean, after awhile, people should figure out that these guys are flipping their stuff for a lot more thn they are paying. I'm sure there are a lot of folks who just want the stuff gone, but most of the sellers I've seen so far they have to talk into parting with the stuff. And yeah, they just keeping buying rusty bikes. I'd like to see them get something different.

[Adam West]

Actually, most of the stuff they buy shows estimated value, not actual value that it was sold.

I'd be interested in finding out how much money they are actually making on this junk. I just couldn't imagine driving hours and hours only to find a few things and make a couple of hundred bucks.

[jds1911a1]

Actually, most of the stuff they buy shows estimated value, not actual value that it was sold.

I'd be interested in finding out how much money they are actually making on this junk. I just couldn't imagine driving hours and hours only to find a few things and make a couple of hundred bucks.

I don't know I spend 40 hours a week in artificial light staring at this screen and 3 half walls for a few hundred bucks a week
their job sure sounds like more fun

[Mikey]

I don't know I spend 40 hours a week in artificial light staring at this screen and 3 half walls for a few hundred bucks a week
their job sure sounds like more fun

Biggest problem is their job is feast or famine.

Unless your wife was working and made enough money to cover you during bad weeks/months you could never raise a family on what they're doing.

The paycheck is just to unpredictable.