Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Watch The Show American Pickers

I am totally hooked on Mike and Frank. They seem to have carried their friendship into doing a business that they both enjoy.

I caught the picking bug one morning driving down a street and noticed some twind bed head boards out on the street for collection on dump day. I had to stop, and loaded into my SUV, and was able to resell them that saturday at my yard sale.

That was ok but then I began to answer ads for garage sales, and in fact, two other men and myself had a side job emptying out garages and attics and paying a flat rate. So far, so good, not making fantastic money, but I 'm learning and having lots of fun.

The most fun is searching through abandoned houses that I get persmission to through by the owners. There is where you find all kinds of furniture, knick-knacks, old magazines and newspapers, and family photos.

When I find items set out on the street for collections, I often knock and ask if they any other items for free or for sale. They almost alwaya let me in and show me around. I'm getting better at negotiating often do better grouping items for one price - a methhod used by Frank on American Pickers.

In the past year I started having Saturday yard sales in my garage. I post an ad in Craigslist and I usually get 20 to 30 people show up.
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
This is definitely something I would love to get into but never really knew where to start. The biggest thing I think is figuring out a reliable way to sell things otherwise you could end up in a situation where people start wondering if you are a hoarder and well you need to sell stuff to make it viable.
Midnightblu · 51-55, F
I can't overfill my garage, otherwise it overflows outside or encroaches on my workshop. I mainly collect furniture right now .. couches are iffy .. depending condition. Some charity shops don't accept stuffed furniture to mold or insects living inside.
I avoid mattresses for the same reason, but frames are a hot item.

I also do well with small tables, and lamps !! Lamps really move especitally if you can clean them up. I often find new lamp shades for $1 at a local salvation army. They come and go since stores get up "lots" of item.

I don't make a lot right, but I hate seeing anything thrown away that is useful.
@Midnightblu: Cool. I would love to chat with you and maybe get some pointers. :)