American Pickers ... YOWZA!

All I'm saying is American Pickers (History Channel, Mondays 9 pm EST) could've had absolute TROLLS as the main characters and I STILL would've loved it as much as I now do. 

 

{photo, again, cribbed from the History Channel} 

I'm hoping that y'all watched it in real-time (and if you didn't, you need to stay up a little later than usual). This show was amazing! For all of us who have a daily intimacy with dustbunnies, who are enamored of the crusty and rusty, and who are unafraid of digging, it's a dream come true! Here's my blow-by-blow accounting of the debut: 

INTRO: "We make a living telling the history of America, once piece at a time." WORD. Does that succinctly encapsulate exactly what you feel like you're doing sometimes? It gave me chills. 

Of course, it got better: "We're in the trenches; it's not an easy job." I've got to give credit to all the pickers out there. I briefly looked into being a picker, but it didn't seem like it would pay off. Then again, if that's ALL I DID, I'd be rolling in money. Especially if I didn't live 4 miles outside of DC. 

These guys (Mike—aka Hottie McHottHott) and Frank (adorable in his persistence, perserverance, and cuddliness) are working harder on the junking clock than any of us are. Then again, their connections include collectors, dealers, and (most importantly) art directors (which is where the big money is). I was supremely impressed that Frank emphasizes that he has to WORK some of these people. I'm getting ahead of myself ... 

Here's my blow-by-blow analysis of the show (with, as expected, personal observations). It'll be tedious, I fear, but I wanted to chronicle what I felt: 

EARLY ON/FIRST SEGMENT: As they're driving around (often with no lead), Mike says, "We're looking for hoarders." And something about being a moth drawn to a flame. Sound familiar? Unlike us, however, they literally drive around the backroads, looking for junky yards, big barns, what looks like a personal scrapyard. [BTW, did anyone notice the "Lone Wolf" sign in the background of their first visit? I was SHOCKED that Mike Wolfe didn't buy it—or maybe not on camera?????] 

Mike and Frank also let slip the Number One Picking 101 super secret that every single reader of my blog knows: "Always let the seller say the first price." 

At some point, I was also hooked when the camera crew, while montaging loads of eye-candy, focused on a sign for "ice cold root beer". Clearly any junker worth her salt is into root beer, right? Quickly followed by a throwaway mention that one of their staffers searches BLOGS looking for stuff. YOWZA. Do I have a precious artifact for them! I haven't even blogged about it (except on Facebook, only alluding to the fact that I bought something that I think might be HUGELY valuable).... whoa. I might need to chill for a second. Hold on. 

The SECOND SEGMENT was teased with a real-live carny. DAMN! The first thing Mike (a man after my own heart) bought from this crusty second-generation carny was his belt buckle. I don't talk about it much, but I'm somewhat obsessed with my collection of rocking belt buckles. He actually bought the buckle off an 81-year old man (if I remember correctly)! It said "Carny Power"; I would've arm-wrestled him in a heartbeat for it. 

My other fave thing about this show is their irreverence. I heard a yitload of crusty picker patois that I shouldn't include (but soooo want to!), but they talk dirty, they reference bodily functions, just like we do!  One of them actually also said "look at the graphics on this"; HOLY CRAP they really understand us! 

I'm realizing now that I shouldn't document all the notes I took. Suffice it to say that they are RESPECTFUL of everyone they buy from, fair in pricing, and TRULY understand their market. As pickers, you're not just picking for dealers, but for interior decorators, collectors, and art directors, which is a HUGE market. I'm hoping the History Channel picks up this show for a second season, because it ROCKS. These are real people doing what we do; but more importantly, preserving America, while showcasing America. We might tee-hee (and fantasize) about their finds, but it's a reality that we live every day. Purveyors of junk like us will be hooked! Tomorrow"s post: proof in the pudding. I love the smell of righteousness.

Comments

[Linda @ A La Carte]

I watched and loved it! I could relate to some of the old men not wanting to get rid of anything yet! I will be like that I'm afraid. Years of stuff my children will have to deal with after I'm gone. I do believe I'm saving little bits of history! I will be watching this again. I also watched Pawn Shop, not as much fun but still interesting.

[Rachel Knoblich]

I also loved this show...finally...a real show that I can relate to and show my family that I am not crazy! I love what they do...and I wish they would hire me to go with them. Can't wait till next Monday...I now have a show to look forward to! Yee-haw!

[laurie magpie ethel]

Sue, watched and LOVED this show. Thanks for putting it on my radar. What a fun way to make a living and MAN they got some cool stuff! I wish they needed a partner in crime! (altho i would have to leave my husband and kids)

[Carrie]

I will have to look for this on Hulu...can't get it on my regular tv :(

I came over from my sister's blog "Saturday Finds".

I will pop in again soon. Thanks for the visit!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

[jojo]

Lets here it for the Iowa Boys! Of course we don't have cable so I missed it! There was a nice write up about them in our newspaper.

[Teresa]

I am completely HOOKED! Mondays just got fun. I was a little taken aback by Frank's comment about the carny's belt buckle. Did he just say what I thought he said? Anyway, the show ROCKS and I can't wait to see what goodies they find next week.

Happy Hunting,
Teresa

[Mary]

I missed it but it sounds sweet - as opposed to my usual Monday night session with "Intervention".
Your blog is fun and I enjoy reading about all the goodies you find.

[Wanda @ Just Vintage]

I caught most of it last night and am hooked, too! I was planning a blog post about it, too. LOL Not as detailed as yours, cause I didn't see it all and could never have remembered all that. I was never any good at book reports and I suppose movie and TV reports are basically the same. Yeah, I hope this show has a long run. They are doing what I'd absolutely love to do, but don't have the nerve - or the money - to knock on a door and offer to buy something out of the yard. I do personally know some folks who have, though.

[martina]

I was half asleep while watching the show but think that the carny guy said he'd never sell the buckle. Lone Wolf sign-yeah why didn't they buy that? The saddle was a steal.

[Two Barking Dogs]

The "carny" guy didn't actually sell him the belt buckle ...

I am not sure whether I liked it or not. I like the treasure hunt aspect of the show, but I really didn't like their arrogant attitudes. I felt really bad for that old guy who seemed like he was overwhelmed by these two guys showing up uninvited and with a tv crew ... like he had no choice to but to allow these people on his property to "shop."

I understand the digger, the treasure hunt, and all that, but I think this show is going to kill all that just like the Antique Roadshow killed yardsales.

[Kathy]

Oh this show is right up my alley! Just seeing all the good junk out there had me drooling. Thanks for the hook up.

[Sue]

FROM SUE: By the way, in reading news reports about American Pickers, History Channel picked it up for a 10-week run (unheard of for a new show). And Im TOTALLY ordering a t-shirt (http://shop.history.com/detail.php?p=256256&v=history_show_american-pickers)

[jewelee]

I loved the digging, the banter and the amazing finds.

However, I was REALLY uncomfortable while they were dealing with the gentlemen with the swords and saddle. I agree with Two Barking Dogs -- It did not seem right at all.

[Betty]

I watched too and enjoyed the show. I'll be sure to watch again. However, I ended up feeling sorry for the old man with the saddle. Wasn't he something like 88 years old? Elderly people get taken advantage of all the time. This show needs to make sure they don't even appear to be taking advantage of a very elderly person.

I went from this show to Hoarders on Lifetime. Now I have Monday night viewing all lined up.

[julie]

I caught the show quite by accident - didn't realize it was new until I saw your post!
While I did enjoy it, I am now wishing for a girly version - hey, maybe you and I could team up and get that gig! You can be Ms. HottieMcHotHot - I will have to settle for being the cuddly sidekick!

[Sarah]

Yes!!! I'm hooked too and omg, I have a huge crush on Mike - he's fantastic! I wonder if he's married ... hmmm ...

[Sarah]

oh my gosh ... i just ran across this group on facebook about how ppl are outraged and want to ban American Pickers from airing ... it's a little ridiculous but i thought some of you might be interested: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=258435861481&ref=search&sid=7702194.1400142006..1#/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=258435861481

[Sue]

FROM SUE: I read all the threads on that FB page, and know that anyone in the business knows the concept of haggling. I felt Frank and Mike were respectful to Leland, Dan, Bear, et al., and that many of the sellers knew (to some degree) the value of their items. However, without an outlet to get that price (like that old guy is gonna put the Philip Morris advertising sign on ebay?), they go for what to them is a fair price. As long as everyone walks away happy, its all good. I understand being conflicted buy do not believe the American Pickers are shysters. Theyre not twisting anyones arms.

As they said in the show, Danielle is trolling around blogs, Craigslist, fielding LEADS. I suspect, like on Pawn Stars, some of these sellers are applying or inviting them to visit. And if Mikes willing to pay $35 for a rusty old bike, the seller should be happy. Clearly none of his neighbors were interested in it.

Finally, Im sure they checked with the IA AG on the legality of what theyre doing. Antique Archaeology has been in business for years. Their website even has a Have Anything Worth Picking link. They leave fliers on peoples doorsteps. Theyre doing what pickers do, and have been doing for hundreds of years. I know Ive left notes on peoples doorsteps asking if theyd ever consider selling something theyve seen in their yards. And its WORKED.

Lets keep an eye on these developments, however. Thanks, Sarah for bringing this to my attention!

[svelteSTUFF]

Just watched my recording of the show... with mixed emotions - I really enjoyed the banter and checking out their 'finds', but the 'cold-calls' left me cold.
Oh, I will keep the DVR set, if for nothing else but a little eye-candy!! ...and keep my fingers crossed that this doesn't have the same negative effect that Antiques RoadShow has had!!

[Wendy]

I watched it and really enjoyed it! We will be watching again!

[Sarah]

Hey Sue - I totally agree about the $35 for the rusty bike ... I thought all of the prices they paid/suggested seemed extremely fair ... if not borderline generous!

Excited to see next week's show and check in here for a recap ;o)

Sveltestuff: What negative effect are you talking about with Antiques RoadShow? I watch it every so often but I'm out of the loop on how it's negative? Just curious what you mean.

[Sue]

FROM SUE: I dont watch Roadshow, so lets see what others mean by negativity. And Ill definitely do another recap on A.P. next week. Hopefully, I wont take 3 PAGES of notes, however!!!

[svelteSTUFF]

I'm looking at the negative aspect from the 'buyers' end... I work for an Antique Dealer (in a rural area) - people come in to sell something(s) - he asks what they want for it - 75% of the time they reply "Well, I saw THIS item on the Antiques RoadShow for $XXXX.XX..." and they expect that much. They don't take into account the item in their possession is NOT exactly the same item, or the fact that a dealer will not be paying 'retail' prices.

[Janice In Missouri]

I loved the show. and I thought they paid the owners of the junk good prices. Like that old motor cycle wheel $400.00 !!!!!!!!!!!and an old jug with things glued all around it $50.00?????????. I never seen them take advantage of any one.
I sure would like to have been digging in those old sheds.

What about that old Motor bike with the buggy attached, they paid $4800.00 !!!!!!!!!for it. I don't think they took advantage of any one. They are high price paying pickers.

[C. Dianne Zweig]

Sue, great post.....(I also wrote about American Pickers)....

I have a surprise for you.....here is a sneak preview http://www.blogs.com/topten/10-best-junk-collector-blogs/

I'll tell you more tomorrow.

Dianne