American Pickers..Garbage it ain't in Other Shows that Suck Forum

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pamrose228

American Pickers..Garbage it ain't

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Posts: 1603

(01/20/10 05:28 PM)

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So did anyone catch this show on History Channel before Pawn Stars. These two guys go into the back woods and go thru barns and sheds for shit that has been living there for decades. Some of the stuff they pick (Buy) for $30 is worth $1500. It's kinda interesting and some of the characters that hoard this stuff are just as amusing. Discuss.

ParvatiMania

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Posts: 30

(01/20/10 05:40 PM)

I haven't watched the show, but it's already generating some controversy. If you read the comments at the History Channel forum, many people feel this show takes advantage of the elderly.

morlock9

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Posts: 142

(01/20/10 05:54 PM)

East coast, fast-talking sharpies taking advantage of old folks.
Exactly right.
Someone should file a lawsuit against these idiots.

pamrose228

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Posts: 1605

(01/20/10 06:08 PM)

So I went into the History Channel site and discussion forum....one or two folks are carrying on....they are wrong...I stole this from some guy who explained pickers:

I have never replied on any site but felt the need for some reason to add a comment or two. The ignornace of so many people is really amazing. Pickers roam the country in search of items that they can bring back into the business world for people to buy and enjoy. They spend countless hours on the road knocking on doors in hopes of getting an opportunity to negotiate the purchase of items to re sell at a profit. What you didn't necessarily witness during the first show was the fact that many days every door is closed in their face and they buy nothing. In addition, there are times they purchase items that they cannot resell quickly or ever or they lose money on an item. Another key element of understanding is the fact that a value placed on item is only relevant IF they find a buyer for that item via ebay,a connection, etc. and sell it. These guys probably have no health insurance and obviuosly pay a tremendous amount of expenses traveling the country. If you haven't figured it out yet the reason they show up and will continue to show up at (as most of you say) the elderly is because they are the ones that have accumulated old, rare, historic items that are buried somewhere on their property. I doubt in future episodes they show up at some 30 year old couples suburban home in search of unique items. I will say I can see various points that many of you have addressed concerning the show. I believe this show could be corrected to everyone's satisfaction by tweaking a couple of things. Overall, the premier garnered 3.1 million viewers and I see about 600 comments, mostly negative. What we do not know is how do the other 3,099,400 feel about the show? Next Monday will determine how the majority feel about the show. I can tell you what you already know if they draw the ratings IT will continue.

morlock9

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Posts: 151

(01/21/10 08:36 PM)

Yeah, it costs those pickers a lot to be in a position to screw over the elderly. I really feel sorry for them now.
And what do ratings have to do with it? If you nationally televise a murder, you'll get twenty million viewers. That doesn't make it right.

redkramer77

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Posts: 2650

(01/21/10 08:41 PM)

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morlock9 wrote:
Yeah, it costs those pickers a lot to be in a position to screw over the elderly. I really feel sorry for them now.
And what do ratings have to do with it? If you nationally televise a murder, you'll get twenty million viewers. That doesn't make it right.

What channel is this on?

appaloosa 56

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Posts: 125

(01/21/10 10:32 PM)

They always asked 'How much would you take for this?'. Most of the old timer know that the item is worth something, but wouldn't or can't physically go into the barn to set the stuff up for a sale.

I think the pickers aren't taking advantage, they are giving the old guys money now that their vulture relatives will fight over when they're gone, anyway.

morlock9

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Posts: 168

(01/25/10 01:42 PM)

Here's a link to the History Channel thread on Pickers.
These guys are really walking a fine line getting their stuff, and the cameras don't show a lot of the worst of irt, apparently. Some of show's defenders work for the production company- probably like Rose above.
This thread was started by the son of one of farmers who got "picked." He saw some of the stuff he stored at the family farm proudly displayed at the Picker's country lair.
Great if the Iowa AG shut this business down.

http://boards.history.com...ckers/I-Am-The/520089844

yofox02

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Posts: 1952

(01/25/10 04:45 PM)

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screw controversy. i thought the show was pretty cool. they should team up with the loonies on Hoarders. they'd make a killing on that crap.

pamrose228

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Posts: 1637

(01/25/10 06:03 PM)

morlock9 wrote:
Here's a link to the History Channel thread on Pickers.
These guys are really walking a fine line getting their stuff, and the cameras don't show a lot of the worst of irt, apparently. Some of show's defenders work for the production company- probably like Rose above.
This thread was started by the son of one of farmers who got "picked." He saw some of the stuff he stored at the family farm proudly displayed at the Picker's country lair.
Great if the Iowa AG shut this business down.

http://boards.history.com...ckers/I-Am-The/520089844

Yeah, right, I work for the History Channel........if you haven't noticed I've been a suckster for around 7 years.......just saving it up for American Pickers.

I just like the show and do not believe these guys are taking advantage. The so called pricey item sold for a few hundred dollars not thousands......please research before you post assumptions.

lizzo1

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Posts: 1340

(01/25/10 07:30 PM)

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It's not like they're stealing these people's life savings, or exploiting the work force of a third world country by paying little kids 10 cents a day to make tshirts for Walmart.

Really, these guys made up their own jobs and went out and worked. Good for them. Most of the shit they find would just get thrown out when people die anyway.

People get outraged about the stupidest shit.

appaloosa 56

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Posts: 130

(01/25/10 08:09 PM)

yofox02 wrote:
screw controversy. i thought the show was pretty cool. they should team up with the loonies on Hoarders. they'd make a killing on that crap.

In total agreement.... but who wants 37 cat carcasses?

pamrose228

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Posts: 1639

(01/25/10 08:11 PM)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what they are doing. The first guy called them and wanted them to come over...he was anxious to sell some of his JUNK and that's' exactly what it is. If the pickers make a profit because they have the buyers, well that's called business. Dan was not some senile old man he was pretty cool..

And they are ripping off the second dude......I think it's the other way......that guy knows wtf he is selling and is hardcore collector and NOT elderly.

And now this guy with the toy truck is very middle aged.....45......taking advantage of a middle aged well-to-do guy............ROTFLMAO at the tards who think they are weasels.

Last Edited By: pamrose228 01/25/10 08:46 PM. Edited 2 times.

morlock9

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Posts: 170

(01/25/10 09:08 PM)

Sure, it's one thing to buy from other pickers who know what they have. And it's really boring. So who cares?
But that little old lady at the end of the show, who was just happy to have someone visit her and was totally clueless about the value of what she had, that was REALLY bad. Oh, and they really loved that little old lady! What swell guys they are!
I wish the show a very quick death.

From the History discussion site:

benny202

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Registered: 12/28/09

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I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 2:14 PM

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I did what these guys do for 15 years, I quit 8 years ago. Every picker I ever knew, including myself, is a thinly disguised crook. Our entire goal is to get something for as close to nothing as possible. They are the greediest and most underhanded people you will ever meet.

They lie thru their teeth to convince the seller that what he has is worthless. I did it, and they all do it. I rode with guys like the ones on the show. They all laugh at how stupid people are. You have to have a tremendous knowledge of what things are worth, or you won't know whats valuable and what isn't. The thrill comes from buying something for $20 that you KNOW is worth $1000, or more. And it happens all the time. The camera people from History who are there would never know because they don't have the knowledge.

The guys on the show are very typical pickers. Excitable, hyper, always talking to the seller, being real nice and complimentary. They are all con men, they are there to steal him blind. I did it, I'm no better than they are. Its legal stealing, plain and simple. You would be amazed at how ignorant most people are, they have no idea what their stuff is worth.

The best thing is to get into some old persons house and start flashing big rolls of cash around. You would be amazed at what some of these old folks have thats valuable. Often they will sell you the good stuff for next to nothing. You just tell yourself, hey, its not my fault they're ignorant.

So read between the lines as you watch this show. These guys would steal grannies gold tooth if they could get her to sell it cheap enough.

garagehero

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From: South Pasadena

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 2:22 PM

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Great post!!! I was once offered the services of a picker to find old baseball equipment around the country but I said NO THANKS. Yeas, I could have amassed a great collection, but thats not my style. Better to go out myself and gather what I could on my vacations, and pay a fair price to these senior citizens who are more likely than not on a fixed income.

benny202

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Registered: 12/28/09

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 2:27 PM

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A big part of picking for me was to go to a town and get a newspaper and find out where the garage sales and estate sales were going to be and go there the day before the sale. I often got doors slammed in my face but I also got into houses that I made a fantastic profit on. A big part of picking is going to antique sales, auctions, shows, antique malls, etc. Picking thru old barns and garages is just a small part of the business.

kaboku68

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From: Fairbanks, alaska

Registered: 1/25/10

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 6:26 PM

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The one positive thing that I can see them doing is keeping this stuff from being damaged beyond repair.
Things that are extremely precious should be conserved and not lost.
I can see a picker who works to conserve something like a 500 year old Japanese sword that has made its way to Iowa as somebody doing history a service rather than just making a buck.

I think that the head guy not the can guy is a conservationist on bicycles and that isn't the worst thing.

Sincerely,
Thomas

mrs_u_know

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Registered: 1/25/10

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 6:34 PM

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I wonder if their home lender would consider this as self employed once they view their means of operations....

mrs_u_know

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 6:35 PM

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I wonder if their home lender would consider this as self employed once they view their means of operations....

antiquemama

Posts: 5

From: Coloma MI

Registered: 1/25/10

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 6:52 PM

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To the guy who was a Picker for 15 years, you sir are wrong. Not all pickers are crooks, yes there are unscrupulous people in this business as in every business, but there is nothing wrong with making an offer to someone for something they own and them accepting that offer. We are under no obligation to educate the public about the value of their items. I buy and sell and many times I sell things way under value, because I am ready for them to go. I don't feel it is my responsibility to inform the buyer or the seller, unless they are willing to pay me for an appraisal! (which seldom anyone wants to pay for, they want expertise for free). Just because you were a crook, doesn't give you the right to lump us all in the same catagory, I pride myself on my intergrity in my field! And the peace of mind, that I have cheated no one is priceless.

benny202

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Registered: 12/28/09

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Jan 25, 2010 7:02 PM

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Not all pickers are crooks>>>

Right. Denial is a wonderful thing..

Last Edited By: morlock9 01/25/10 09:33 PM. Edited 1 times.

pamrose228

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Posts: 1640

(01/25/10 09:25 PM)

morlock9 wrote:
Sure, it's one thing to buy from other pickers who know what they have. And it's really boring. So who cares?
But that little old lady at the end of the show, who was just happy to have someone visit her and was totally clueless about the value of what she had, that was REALLY bad. Oh, and they really loved that little old lady! What swell guys they are!
I wish the show a very quick death.

First off....they said they didn't want to make her a low ball offer on the car.

Second they bought a few things for $20 a pop, she was thrilled...they were worth double or triple not thousands.

Third.....she WANTED to sell the JUNK, her husband did 10 years before when he was OLD.

WHAT DON"T YOU GET??????????

morlock9

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Posts: 171

(01/26/10 12:00 AM)

Pam, I liked your bouncing tits avatar better.

lizzo1

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Posts: 1342

(01/26/10 09:32 AM)

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I'd love to know what all those people do for a living that's so much more better and more pure than picking. I just don't get it. Isn't it the American way, buy low sell high? Whatever. Just because they're not sitting in an office on Wall Street wearing a tie or working for some big exalted corporation, that makes them evil? God, people are stupid.

appaloosa 56

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Posts: 132

(01/26/10 09:52 AM)

pamrose228 wrote:

morlock9 wrote:
Sure, it's one thing to buy from other pickers who know what they have. And it's really boring. So who cares?
But that little old lady at the end of the show, who was just happy to have someone visit her and was totally clueless about the value of what she had, that was REALLY bad. Oh, and they really loved that little old lady! What swell guys they are!
I wish the show a very quick death.
First off....they said they didn't want to make her a low ball offer on the car.
Second they bought a few things for $20 a pop, she was thrilled...they were worth double or triple not thousands.

Third.....she WANTED to sell the JUNK, her husband did 10 years before when he was OLD.

WHAT DON"T YOU GET??????????

I'm with you, Primrose..

Marisa

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Posts: 266

(01/26/10 10:14 AM)

I thought it was a cool show. Would love to have that job!

morlock9

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Posts: 172

(01/26/10 10:50 AM)

I see the whole Iowa video production team is represented here.

Hi guys!

BTW, better not destroy all the out-takes and raw footage of these picker "visits."
The Iowa Attorney General will be VERY annoyed if you do.

Last Edited By: morlock9 01/26/10 11:01 AM. Edited 1 times.

lizzo1

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(01/26/10 11:05 AM)

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What the hell? I don't work for anybody. What exactly are they doing that is illegal?

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American Pickers..Garbage it ain't

American Pickers..Garbage it ain't

I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

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Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks

Re: I Was A Picker For 15 Years. Pickers Are Crooks