American Pickers 2: Picking 101

One of the greatest things about being a junker is that every pick is a new opportunity, and you're never done learning. Tonight's episode was all about tips, tricks, and passing along the lore to the next generation. And I guarantee we ALL learned something from it! The show was RIPE with killer picking adages and quotes.

Rhesa, Mike's 12-year-old nephew, takes Danielle's longed-for guest picking spot! Their first pick was a re-pick at Danny Bean's 13 outbuildings (he attends 3-4 auctions a week). Rhesa was the first one into the barn (good for him), where we got Mike's first tip: Get at the highest point, and pick with your eyes before you pick with your hands. He calls this the "primary search." Frank then teaches Rhesa the art of bundling—if the prices are higher, group things together and offer a bundled price. Mike wanted an awesome drafting table (I would've too!) that Danny was unwilling to sell. To demonstrate to Rhesa that a good picker won't give up too fast and can't back down, Mike keep yammering away at it and got it! Rhesa eventually made some good picks of his own, countering one price at 50%. I'd love to see Danielle try her hand though; methinks she'd be a charmer.

The next pick was in Michigan. Tim had called Danielle, explaining that since his grandsons were moving in, he wanted to offload some junk. Once Mike & Frank establish the motivation of the seller, they decide that they'll push to buy anything big or dangerous that might fall over and harm the kids. When Tim keeps quoting high prices, and is waffly about selling anything, Frank trots out the photo of the grandkids and keeps zooming it in Tim's face, reminding him of his purpose. Good tv, but maybe not an ideal tactic to use in everyday life. But figuring out the M.O. was key.

The final pick was at an 1890s farm that a younger couple had bought—furnishings included. With dollar signs in their eyes, they'd called Danielle. Unfortunately, it wasn't the goldmine anyone had hoped. Mike summed it up perfectly: As a picker, you have to remain optimistic until the last door, the last stairway, the last seller. The home had belonged to a famed early-20th-century opera singer (which was cool), but didn't yield too much. But Mike had another pearl: If you don't think outside of the box and don't take chances, you'll never move forward.

My favorite lines, however, were blurted by the non-stars of the show:

"Sometimes you don't get paid, but you do get satisfaction." (Danny)

"Picking isn't as hard as Mike and Frank think it is. They're just old." (Rhesa)

***

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a few other notable gems.

I love it when, in anticipation of a good pick, they refer to it as a jungle gym, safari, or in this case, "we're going to see the wizard!"

I'm hoping my sister was watching tonight, because she has a few old, old mousetraps. Mike bought one for $20, and proclaimed, "To a mouse, this was ALCATRAZ!"

I love this show.

Comments

[sue]

FROM SUE: By the way, today is Frank's birthday, so a big phat shoutout to him. In honor of it, I bought myself a mini flashlight for my next picks.

[Randi]

It was a great show! Happy belated birthday to Frank!

[Curtains In My Tree]

I love American Pickers also. I think they give to much for some things and I read once where this lady thought they was ripping people off. Not so

You always have good write up anout them

Janice

[Kim]

Thanks for the post about Pickers! We cut back our channels on our dish because the bill was through the roof and into the next county-and we can't watch Pickers any more! I know I can watch them online, but I never remember and I miss the show!!

[cindy boyenga]

a great show with very nice people!...have met them and Danielle ( my couson Judy , momma picker was on their show twice)..and they are exactly as they depict...very kiond and honest pickers. great article..wasnice to see them show the boy the ropes..loved watching this one!