• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

American Picker-Anyone?

70salesguy said:
As I have watched another episode or two, I have grown to like these guys a little more. They seem to treat people fairly, and seem like the kind of guys I would enjoy talking to.

Anyone else have opinions now that more shows have aired?
Click to expand...

I've only seen parts of two episodes now, but they do seem like they're fair to people. Obviously they have an idea of the profit margin they need to make things worthwhile, but they don't seem out to just screw people over for a buck. They actually seem to operate on my theory - get the seller to make an offer first, then run with it. One episode I saw they were giving an older lady a lot more than she asked at first, both for reasons of fairness and future business opportunities.
 
I love the show. I want to be that guy. When I say that guy, I mean the old guy with a ton of stuff that everybody wants. Bury it with me. It's mine.
 
I have watched all the episodes and think it is an enjoyable show. They can't really be called antique dealers; most of what they find isn't an antique by definition (i.e., more than 100 years old).
 
My wife and I both enjoy watching the show, but we both have pros and cons to it, and both think pretty much alike on them..

The biggest problem we both have with the show is we believe they could be hurting their business. The reason we feel that is because at times, they boast they knew what they could get for an item when they saw it, but then continued to talk the seller down knowing this after the seller gave them a value. If a seller is to see a show later, and see that they got talked down after the pickers knew the value, then they may feel they were screwed, and not do any more business with them, and others that see the show that may be cold called on will run them off their property... Only time will tell there...

The PROS:
We get to see some pretty colorful people and hear some of their great stories from the back roads of the US... I'd love to meet people like this daily...

We get to see some things that you just wouldn't consider had any value, so you start to look at objects in a different light.

We get to see some ways to reuse old discarded things in new ways, that adds value and some cool eye candy...

we get to find a few more ways to barter with people when you do find an object you want, but just don't want to pay that price...

The CONS:
Pretty much the opposite of all the pros... other people are getting clued in too..
 
I find the show to be incredibly boring which surprises me because I thought I'd like it more than Pawn Stars. I guess my biggest gripe is the two guys are bland as heck and the show is more about the scrounge as opposed to being about the items. I like it when they show the refurbed items on Pawn Stars or show them actually using an item they've purchased (like firing a really old gun). The lame ass end graphics where they show the stuff like: Bought $50, Value $80 is hardly a payoff after you've watched them scrounge a barn for 30 minutes.

Another negative is it's depressing to see some really old guy with a huge pile of stuff rusting away in his yard or barn. Hoarding isn't pretty, especially when the stuff has time to fester and rot.
 
The show isn't bad but they need some fact checkers.
One episode they were looking at a 57 Chevy that the owner clearly wasn't selling. The graphic on the screen was showing stats on how the V8 chevy small block has been in production for over 50 years or something to that effect, and the camera was clearly showing a in-line six in the car.
In another episode they purchased a 1948 Rockola jukebox and their "expert" was telling them how it had been converted from a 33 1/3 to 45s. In 1948 I am sure it came out as a 78 rpm machine.
 
Last edited:
parcs said:
I have watched all the episodes and think it is an enjoyable show. They can't really be called antique dealers; most of what they find isn't an antique by definition (i.e., more than 100 years old).
Click to expand...

That definition only applies to some items (mainly furniture and possibly some household good and tools). There are different accepted ages for an "antique" depending on what is being discussed. IIRC, cars are considered to be "antique" after about 50 years, for example.
 
I like those type of shows including Antique Roadshow and Pawn Stars just to see the unusual items that show up that I haven't seen or realized the value of. I'll give it a couple more shots for sure.
 
Hate the show and the two who are in it.
 
Ski said:
I love the show. I want to be that guy. When I say that guy, I mean the old guy with a ton of stuff that everybody wants. Bury it with me. It's mine.
Click to expand...

I am that old guy with a ton of stuff. Problem is no one want's the crap I have.

I saw one of the early episodes of pickers where they shook down this old guy. Got a saddle for $75 and sold it for $1500. I think it ticked me off and perhaps some others as well. Newer shows there is at least one instance where the picker is offered something for $5 and he says 'oh thats worth much more than that' and gives them $20. Then they pat themselves on the back for the remainder of the show for being so fair. :puke:
 
Im not too crazy about American Pickers, but I can sit and watch Pawn Stars for hours. The old man is the best.
 
I like the show. Like others have stated I think they are fair having the seller set a price for what they want for an item. I don't think there are too many people here that wouldn't snatch up an old vintage amp or set of speakers at a gs that they knew was worth a lot more. Seems like people are making themselves out to be goody-to-shoes when they are looking for a good deal like everyone else.

I wish they would stop by my place. That way I could sell a bunch of the **** that's laying out in my grove and barn and wouldn't have to haul it away and try to find a buyer for it.
 
DENNYDOG said:
I like the show. Like others have stated I think they are fair having the seller set a price for what they want for an item. I don't think there are too many people here that wouldn't snatch up an old vintage amp or set of speakers at a gs that they knew was worth a lot more. Seems like people are making themselves out to be goody-to-shoes when they are looking for a good deal like everyone else.

I wish they would stop by my place. That way I could sell a bunch of the **** that's laying out in my grove and barn and wouldn't have to haul it away and try to find a buyer for it.
Click to expand...


Sorry I disagree with you and commend anyone who would not run around ripping off people who have no idea of what they have. Not good karma at all going on for that show.

Karma and all that aside, the show concentrates on one thing, money, not history as it claims to. Not cool to me.
 
grumpy said:
sorry i disagree with you and commend anyone who would not run around ripping off people who have no idea of what they have. Not good karma at all going on for that show.

Karma and all that aside, the show concentrates on one thing, money, not history as it claims to. Not cool to me.
Click to expand...

++1
 
grumpy said:
Sorry I disagree with you and commend anyone who would not run around ripping off people who have no idea of what they have. Not good karma at all going on for that show.

Karma and all that aside, the show concentrates on one thing, money, not history as it claims to. Not cool to me.
Click to expand...

I definitely agree. The show has nothing to do with history. Its just a couple guys who go around ripping off old people. Atleast in Pawn Stars, they give you some background on the items coming into the shop. They arent rescuing American artifacts, just your typical guys looking to put bread on the table...nothing too exciting about that. Wonder when the Hitler Channel is gonna make a show about folks who visit the thrifts? lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

janikphoto
American Pickers
3 4 5
Replies
81
Views
7K
janikphoto
janikphoto
B
American Pickers pick a Dual and a Fisher studio standard... hmm...
3 4 5
Replies
99
Views
5K
biscuithead
B
nefertem7
Vintage Audio on TV
Replies
2
Views
265
ggregg
ggregg
D
My favorite drama show is "the Shield" on FX
Replies
8
Views
1K
tomt
tomt
T
BBC Reception outside of the UK
Replies
3
Views
443
petehall347
petehall347
Back
Top Bottom