A Picker’s 5 Tips

Some call it a hobby and others call it earning a living; being a “Picker” is exciting and can really be rewarding! Pickers are constantly researching and learning about antiques and collectibles and honing their skills. I have written many articles right here on my crazy4me blog sharing tips with my readers about selling online, selling at antique malls, buying and selling at flea markets, antiques and collectibles shops, thrift stores and today I am sharing tips on being a Picker. An exceptional resource that is equally good for the novice picker or experienced picker is the Picker’s Bible: How To Pick Antiques Like the Pros by Joe Willard. The Picker’s Bible teaches all you dumpster divers, estate sale addicts and modern archaeologists tips and tricks to succeed as a Picker and it is a fun easy read that will get your “Picker’s” juices flowing!!

I would like to share with you all my top 5 tips for the novice Picker.

1. Research. If you follow my blog then you know I am always touting the term “Research” as the more you know about a variety of items the better Picker you will be and the better Seller your will be. You need to know what items are collectible, what items no one really want and what items to specialize in.

2. Getting Dirty. Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Sometimes you have to crawl around in an attic, basement, or out-buildings to Pick the treasure. No one said Picking was easy. Heck, even at flea markets and garage sales you will find dirty or grimy items, items in need of TLC. Also, don’t overlook dumpster diving especially when you see someone is moving or being evicted (good idea is to check to make sure you have permission from the people or landlord to go through the dumpster).

3. Learn to Negotiate. You must be respectful of other people’s stuff….they are attached to their stuff so if you want their stuff you need to learn how to negotiate. Remember “He Who Speaks First Looses” so you need to learn to get the owner of the stuff to first let you know if its for sale and then how much they want for it.

4. ReSelling. Pickers pick as a business and must have a way to off-load the merchandise.  Make contacts with thrift shops, antiques shops, decorators, designers, dealers (jewelry, coin and stamp), flea market vendors, online sellers etc. You can re-sell to these folks and charge a commission. Once you develop a reputation for sourcing or Picking great merchandise you can certainly make a steady and very profitable income being a picker, re-seller or personal shopper.

5. Business. Make sure you talk to a lawyer, CPA or account to get setup as a legal business with your state and learn all you need to learn about running a business as being a Picker is very hard work, demands many hours, and you don’t want to over-look any legalities.

Visit us at Crazy4Me Ebay
Crazy4Me Etsy
Share

My NEW TV Show!


I have been contacted several times in the past few months by casting directors for antiques and collectibles themed shows.  There are a lot of antiques and collectibles shows out there now as we all know American Pickers, Picker Sisters, Storage Wars, Auction Hunters, Antiques Roadshow, and good ol David Dickinson’s Bargain Hunt etc.. and the casting directors are telling me their “new” show’s twists where lots of the ideas behind the show is more of a “competition” or you get selected to be part of a group of folks that is given x-in cash and who can buy an item worth the most or a TV crew comes into your home and looks over all your amazing collections and collectibles and you talk about it all. Sometimes it sounds like fun and sometimes I am not sure. I am sure that I l have a real passion for antiques, collectibles, and vintage items and its that very passion that pushes me to learn as much as I can about these interests of mine. But, you never know so, keep your eyes on my website as I might just be appearing on one of these new “shows”.


Please visit us at:

Ebay Crazy4Me

Etsy Crazy4Me

RubyLane

Share

5 Tips For Being a PICKER


I find it’s more and more common that when I am out antiquing, thrifting, or junking I end up in conversations with folks that tell me they are Pickers. I regularly receive emails from my online stores from folks identifying themselves as Pickers. I’ve only been involved with antiques and collectibles for a handful of years and have not heard the term PICKER as often as I do now. Perhaps we have mainstream shows and television networks like the American Pickers, HGTV, A&E, Cash and Cari, Storage Wars, Bargain Hunt, Auction Kings and Pawn Stars to thank. I was even recently contacted by a casting agent to be featured on a new type of Antiques/Collectibles/Pickers television show so this tells me being a “Picker” is a very hip and happening thing these days!


I am constantly researching and learning about antiques and collectibles and am honing my skills. Since I really have a passion for antiques and collectibles I can say I fully enjoy all the learning! I have written many articles right here on my blog sharing tips with my readers about selling online, selling at antique malls, buying and selling at flea markets, antiques and collectibles shops, thrift stores etc. The best tip I can share is for you to become an Expert in whatever it is you buy/sell. You almost must have a Niche and Specialize.


5 Tips for the novice Picker:


1.    Research. If you follow my blog then you know I am always touting the term “Research” as the more you know about a variety of items the better Picker you will be and the better Seller your will be. You need to know what items are collectible, what items no one really want and what items to specialize in.


2.    Getting Dirty. Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Sometimes you have to crawl around in an attic, basement, or out-buildings to Pick the treasure. No one said Picking was easy. Heck, even at flea markets and garage sales you will find dirty or grimy items, items in need of TLC. Also, don’t overlook dumpster diving especially when you see someone is moving or being evicted (good idea is to check to make sure you have permission from the people or landlord to go through the dumpster).


3.    Learn to Negotiate. You must be respectful of other people’s stuff….they are attached to their stuff so if you want their stuff you need to learn how to negotiate. Remember “He Who Speaks First Looses” so you need to learn to get the owner of the stuff to first let you know if its for sale and then how much they want for it.



4.    ReSelling. Pickers pick as a business and must have a way to off-load the merchandise.  Make contacts with thrift shops, antiques shops, decorators, designers, dealers (jewelry, coin and stamp), flea market vendors, online sellers etc. You can re-sell to these folks and charge a commission. Once you develop a reputation for sourcing or Picking great merchandise you can certainly make a steady and very profitable income being a picker, re-seller or personal shopper.


5.    Make sure you talk to a lawyer, CPA or account to get setup as a legal business with your state and learn all you need to learn about running a business as being a Picker is very hard work, demands many hours, and you don’t want to over-look any legalities.

Share