Pick for Profit

In last week's garage sale episode, we talked about a lot of Pokémon cards purchased for $5 with a potential profit of over $300. We got so many questions about buying lots that we decided to turn it into an entire episode. Here, we're breaking down our process of buying lots, revealing which have yielded the very best (and sometimes surprising) profits: from vintage thimbles, sports memorabilia, antique spoons, blue glass, scarves, barware, enamel pins, and vintage magazines to records, jerseys, and collectible patches. Lots can be time consuming and require tons of patience. But if you'll stick it out, a lot can be a fantastic way to turn a small investment into hundreds of dollars of profit.

Anyone new to buying and selling antiques and collectibles can walk into a garage sale and think, “There is no way I can ever make money on old sneakers and used kids’ toys.” In this episode, we answer your questions about how to shop garage sales by taking you through a recent shopping trip where small, inexpensive finds (Pokémon cards and Depression Glass to vintage kitchenware, Carnival Glass, and collectible pottery) turned into real profit. We talk about the best return on investment for garage sale flipping, strategies for shopping, how to spot overlooked deals, and how lots pay off. We also address some of your questions about how to save money on shipping supplies once you get your garage sale finds home.

Technically, the World's Fair still exists...but it's not the event to Americans it once was. In this episode, we explore how historic World’s Fairs (from the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition and the 1904 St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition to the 1933-34 Century of Progress and the 1964 New York World’s Fair) shaped culture and modern life, introducing electricity, the Ferris Wheel, early radios, Art Deco design, and even the spread of iconic foods. For us, it means there's a wide range of collectible items like souvenir spoons, commemorative glassware, advertising pieces, ephemera, postcards, guidebooks, and early plastic souvenirs. If you’re an antiques dealer, vintage reseller, or collector, you'll love this introduction to World’s Fair history, memorabilia, and high-demand collectible categories. After listening, you'll be able to better identify pieces that have a wide collector base and recognize why these global exhibitions, once the ultimate “influencer events," still impact what sells today.

In this, the 52nd (!) episode of Pick for Profit, we're marking one full year online. And this episode is all about the stuff we once walked around at estate or garage sales: vintage souvenirs. Yes, these items are in fact sellable. We take a tour here through buying and selling vintage souvenirs, travel memorabilia, and antique ephemera. We highlight items we've been surprised can sell, everything from classic souvenir spoons and thimbles to Route 66 collectibles, national park keepsakes, and the regional items from places like Branson and Lake of the Ozarks. Learn what makes place-based items valuable, including theme park memorabilia, concert programs, sports collectibles, and landmark souvenirs tied to destinations like the Grand Canyon and Mammoth Cave. We also cover overlooked categories like cranberry glass, vintage travel posters, railroad memorabilia, and even dark tourism collectibles. We also want to take a moment to thank our listeners. This has been such a fun year...and we can't wait to see what the next year will bring!

We're diving into pottery using recent buying stories! Here, we break down some basic pottery terminology (ceramics, porcelain, stoneware, salt glaze) to help you identify what you're looking at while shopping estate or garage sales. We also discuss why we bought some inexpensive vintage pottery books and drop a few excellent pottery names you can be on the lookout for yourself: Shawnee, Roseville, Rookwood, and California pottery brands. We're also letting you in on a recent pottery experiment. We bought 2 very different lots (rustic vs. refined-looking porcelain), two different price points and two very different values. One is far more valuable than the other...but what actually sells first? What turns out to be the walkaway price? Stay tuned for future episodes to find out. 

In this episode, we're taking you on a "buying trip"! Here, we're showing you step-by-step how to walk into an estate or garage sale and zone in immediately on the most valuable pieces. We show you how to identify valuable antique glass by spotting rich, saturated colors like cranberry and iridescent carnival glass and recognizing sought-after makers like Fenton, Northwood, and LE Smith (we even do a bit of a spotlight on Blenko). We also hit on the importance of understanding key features such as pontil marks, patterns, and unique shapes like swung vases and handkerchief vases. We're also discussing why we think white, or milk glass, is seeing a bit of a bump, how to evaluate quality through weight and craftsmanship, where to find hidden gems like fruit jars and insulators, and how to estimate the value of glass so you can get the most out of your resale profit (and not get burned paying too much for inventory). A must-listen for anyone heading out to spring estate and garage sales!

Have you ever passed by a pair of grungy cowboy boots or an old pair of used spurs at an estate sale? This episode will make you think twice about ever doing that again. This episode breaks down everything we've had luck selling in the Western or cowboy categories. We're talking, yes, authentic ranch-used gear like spurs; pop culture favorites from Bonanza, Gunsmoke; and the ever-popular Southwestern aesthetic—think geometric rugs, pottery, and turquoise jewelry (including some insight on Native-made pieces). You’ll also learn what makes rodeo belt buckles special, and how decor items like barbed wire, saloon signs, and Western-themed glassware keep selling. We even dish on some of our more successful surprises: railroad collectibles, cowboy sheet music, and cactus-shaped chip-and-dip sets. This episode is your guide to spotting the Western items buyers actually want.

Looking to boost your antique and vintage sales for Mother’s Day? In this episode, we break down the bestselling Mother’s Day antiques and collectibles, from mid-century greeting cards, vintage Pyrex in pastel colors, and chintz teacups to costume jewelry, lockets, floral prints, and nostalgic home décor like cake stands, table linens, and serving trays. Learn how to tap into the growing granny chic trends, list your items as ready-to-gift, and use emotionally driven descriptions that connect with buyers searching for meaningful, sentimental gifts for Mom or Grandma. The best part is, these items have broader appeal than Mother's Day, so even if they don't sell in time for the holiday, you can absolutely sell them year-round. 

Think you'll never be able to afford art to resell (or find any customers who can afford to buy it)? Art does not have to be museum-quality or painted by a well-known artist to attract a buyer. In this episode, we break down real-world art categories that sell, from figural pieces like cast iron doorstops, chalkware, porcelain figurines, and garden statuary to one-of-a-kind folk art, handmade “make-do” objects, and upcycled pieces. We talk a bit about what makes some quilts and embroidery samplers folk art (and what makes others craft projects). And we even discuss some surprises we've found along the way that can actually sell: amateur paintings, paint-by-numbers, velvet art, roadside motel art, and vintage prints (including bookplates and illustration art). The good news is, you don't have to be an art expert. Your love of vintage is all you need. 

Vintage technology is having a moment, and some retro gadgets are surprisingly profitable for online resellers. In this episode, we break down the vintage tech items that we're seeing consistently sell, from 1970s Princess rotary phones and colorful transistor radios to Atari games, Bakelite radios, and reel-to-reel audio equipment. We also talk about overlooked sellers like phone tables, metal office devices, typewriters, Big Chief tablets, and early movie projectors, plus how industrial parts like tractor seats and galvanized tubs are finding new life in garden décor. If you sell antiques or collectibles on eBay, Etsy, or in antique booths, this episode will help you spot profitable vintage tech inventory buyers are actively looking for.

Clothing can be one of the most unpredictable categories for John as an antique and vintage seller. Some months, everything flies out the door, and other times it just sits. In this episode, we break down the clothing items that are actually selling for him right now. From 1970s and 1980s fashion, varsity jackets, fur coats, and Harley Davidson boots to designer pieces like Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren, Coach, and Michael Kors, we talk about what buyers are searching for and what’s worth picking up at garage sales and estate sales. We also cover sports jerseys, graphic T-shirts (think Christmas and Star Wars), cowboy boots, prom dresses, vintage jewelry, and designer shoes. And be sure to stay tuned to the end, where we reveal one of the strangest clothing items John consistently manages to sell.

In this episode, we dive into some surprising items and categories John is having luck selling in his online antiques and collectibles shops: from overlooked smalls like vintage lapel pins, tie tacks, and band patches (think Spinal Tap and Black Sabbath) to chipped but still desirable 1800s transferware like Mulberry pieces. We also talk about some wintertime sourcing issues (fewer estate sales, but still hidden garage sale wins), and why antique store owners are actually becoming key buyers. Plus, we cover surprising fast-movers like ephemera as craft supplies, and nostalgic toys (think unboxed Star Wars figures and classic cap guns). This quick episode is all about spotting often overlooked inventory so you can turn your own odd finds into consistent sales.

In this Q&A episode, we break down selling antiques and collectibles online with a side-by-side comparison of eBay vs Etsy. John actually dug into his numbers on both, so you want to hear this...and, he lets you know the techniques he's used to make each platform profitable. He also shares his weekly schedule that keeps listing and inventory management doable and makes mundane activities less of a grind. Perfect for beginners and experienced vintage resellers looking to grow sales and work more efficiently.

For this Q&A, we answer listeners' questions about the most common scams John has faced in his 10+ years as an online dealer (including buyer high-pressure tactics). John also goes into depth about his current photography setup: camera preference, lighting, sizing references, etc. And if you're struggling with mounds of paperwork, John offers advice on recordkeeping: organizing inventory, tracking sales, and managing monthly profit and loss so you know exactly what's selling and where your money is going. This episode offers a ton of advice for streamlining your business. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we address even more listener questions!

In this episode, we explore the hidden market for antique accessories and vintage replacement parts: Depression glass lids, cookie jar lids, transferware lids, sugar bowl spoons, cruet stands, dust jackets, antique boxes, foam inserts, doll clothes, Star Wars toy parts, game tokens, kerosene lamp parts, appliance cords, and original packaging. Learn where to find antique replacement pieces at estate sales, auctions, and garage sales, and how to research, identify, measure, and price old lids, glassware parts, pottery pieces, and collectible toy accessories accurately. Whether you’re an antique dealer, vintage reseller, booth owner, or collector searching for a missing or broken piece, this episode covers how to buy and sell antique replacement parts the right way.

Did you make a bunch of New Year's resolutions for your biz in '26, and now, it feels like those resolutions are falling apart? It's absolutely not your fault. So much of the antiques and collectibles business is out of your hands. In this episode, we dig into our own January numbers, shifting buyer behavior, and what’s actually selling right now (and at what price points). We talk about pivoting inventory, pricing realistically, thinking beyond collectors, and reframing how you might approach the next six months in your online store. This is all about real talk from a real online seller. No hype, just strategy.

Ah, yes, we're sure you see what we did there in that title. In all seriousness, in this episode, we break down transportation-related antiques and collectibles that actually sell, with a special focus on cross-collectibles like ephemera, toys, advertising, and signage. We also talk about slightly lesser-known railroad items (Fred Harvey), and dish on some long-gone items that we wish we'd hung onto.

Americana collectibles tell the story of American life through the decades, and with America’s 250th birthday approaching, we're anticipating demand rising across the antiques and vintage market. In this episode, we define what counts as Americana and highlight high-interest categories for sellers, including ephemera, military photographs, Norman Rockwell and Saturday Evening Post covers, folk art, vintage cookbooks, sports memorabilia, rock and roll records, automobilia and petroliana, political buttons, Native pottery, early radios, and red, white, and blue nostalgia. This episode will put you in a true “baseball and apple pie” frame of mind as you source antiques and collectibles that connect with buyers.

In this episode, we explain why we’re coming back to buying and listing pottery and ceramics (hint: it's driven by cottagecore, farmhouse, and rustic interior design trends). We cover basic definitions of pottery vs. ceramics, why crazing is normal, and what we're seeing gain renewed interest right now, including transferware, mulberry, wall pockets, planters, teapots, chip-and-dip pieces, and brightly colored kitchen pottery. A practical, dealer-focused look at spotting design-driven demand and rethinking old inventory in the antiques and collectibles market.

If you sell antiques or collectibles online, this episode focuses on business resolutions and goal-setting for antique dealers and collectible sellers that actually work. Instead of vague goals like “sell more” or “find better stuff,” we break down realistic, controllable business goals for online antique sellers and vintage resellers: goals you can plan and execute regardless of the market or the economy.

Not sure how to describe vintage glassware, jewelry, or antiques without guessing? In this episode, we’re breaking down common antiques and collectibles vocabulary sellers and collectors need to know. Everything from glassware and jewelry terms to eras, styles, and condition descriptions. An easy, practical guide to using the right words so your listings are clearer, more accurate, and easier for buyers to find.

In this episode, we focus on kitchenware collectibles that have consistently had a market, long before trends and social media attention. We also share the single resource that helped John get truly versed in kitchenware collecting early on. It's a reference he still relies on today! It’s a practical discussion about learning the market, training your eye, and understanding kitchen collectibles beyond whatever happens to be popular right now.

You don’t have to be in the glassware market long before hearing dealers say, “And it glows!” But what does that actually mean? In this episode of Glassware 101, we talk about why some vintage and antique glass fluoresces, and break down the often-confused terms uranium glass and Vaseline glass. We also dig into solarization: what causes it, how to recognize it, and how it differs from fluorescence. We wrap it all up with practical, real-world tips for identifying Fenton glass. This episode is packed with clear terminology and seller-focused knowledge to help you source smarter, write more accurate listings, and sell glassware with confidence.

Join us for a deep dive into the sports items that have proven, time after time, to be steady sellers. We talk vintage gear, regional fandom items, trading cards, and the quirky finds that surprise us every single season. If you’ve ever wondered what sports merch is worth picking up, this episode is your guide!

Is your “vintage” item actually a reproduction? In this Q&A, we explain how to spot reissues, identify counterfeits, and decide what you can and can’t sell in the antiques and collectibles market. Plus, what to do with items that can’t be sold (yes, there’s still a silver lining).

Join us for our guide to spotting high-value books: first editions, first printings, dust jackets, vintage paperbacks, and more. Discover hidden money makers and the book categories that resell best. 

Join us as we explore why advertising collectibles continue to sell, the strongest-performing vintage advertising categories, and the items that have cooled off for us as online sellers. We dig into buyer psychology and what makes certain advertising pieces more valuable than others. At the end, we reveal one surprising twist about why advertising memorabilia remains a top collectible category for dealers, thrifters, and vintage enthusiasts.

Find out how to shop for holiday antiques and collectibles year-round! From Christmas décor to vintage treasures for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and more, learn how to source, stock, and sell for every celebration so you’re ready when the season hits.

From typewriters and rotary phones to milk bottles and butter churns, some antiques may have lost their original purpose but not their appeal. In this episode, we look at the bygone objects collectors still love, how they're used today, and why these obsolete pieces continue to sell in today’s antiques and collectibles market.

After this episode, you’ll never look at old paper the same way again. We’re diving into the world of ephemera (one of our most profitable categories!) and revealing the surprising pieces that actually sold. From flea market finds to forgotten drawer junk, these paper goods are pure gold.

You sent the questions, and we’re rolling up our sleeves! This You Asked, We Answer episode dives into bookkeeping and inventory for collectors. Learn how to manage your books in a (mostly) receipt-less industry, keep your records straight, prepare for tax time, and protect your treasures...and your sanity.

Every antiques and collectibles seller faces slow spells. But don't rush to assume it's also SPELLING disaster (pun intended). In this episode, we dig into practical ways to make the most of quiet periods in your shop or online store. From refreshing your inventory and reworking listings to creative marketing moves that bring buyers back, you’ll learn how to turn slow days into smart business growth. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar antique booth, an eBay / Etsy store, or all of the above, this is your blueprint for staying steady...and setting yourself up for the next big rush.

You can’t just buy what you like! Every generation has its own sense of nostalgia. What feels like junk to one might feel “vintage cool” to another. In this episode, John breaks down what different generations are buying (and why) so you can snag  better inventory and sell to everyone from Boomers to Gen Z.

Slow antique or collectible listings don’t have to stay that way! Fall is the perfect season to refresh and resell. In this episode, we’ll share online antique shop strategies to reframe older items with a cozy, autumn-ready appeal. From adding fall-inspired keywords to updating photos with seasonal styling, discover how to turn overlooked pieces into top sellers this season. Perfect for anyone looking to boost their antique and vintage sales online this fall.

After a decade selling online, John finds social media can absolutely help move items from his Etsy and eBay stores. Here, he shares some insights on how to get started (even if you've never posted on social media in your life), how to easily get tons of content out of every item in your shop, and what he believes it means to go "viral" in the antiques and collectibles world (hint: it takes far fewer eyeballs than you think).

John is definitely seeing signs from his Etsy and eBay shops that the Christmas season is upon us as antiques and collectibles dealers. Here, he shares why he believes the Christmas (or holiday) shopping season is in full swing, how long you can expect it to last, and key steps you can take right now to ensure your online shop's in top shape for maximum holiday profits. Also, he's got some pretty sage advice for how to handle those mid-December dates. You won't want to miss it!

It's an eyeballs episode (and no, it's not about Halloween). Here, John shares how his own eBay and Etsy stores have recently seen an uptick in views and sales: why we think this is happening, and how you can capitalize on this in your own online shop. Turn the algorithm from your nemesis to your friend, and get more people looking at your antiques and collectibles. 

We’ve had a ton of interest in opening and maintaining an antique booth, so John and I decided to share some common shenanigans that take place when you have a booth. We cover what to do when items go missing, how to tell if your prospective mall is analog or digital (and why it matters for tracking sales), how to think about stocking inventory, and even why kindness toward the people who work your antique mall can pay off in the long run.

In this latest Q&A session, John hits some best practices for listing online, and we both dive into some techniques we've used for identifying art pieces. John also relates a cool experience he had with one vintage enthusiast, walking him through successfully listing (and selling!) his first item online. 

As antiques and collectibles dealers, we're constantly bombarded with articles and tips on what's hot in the collecting world. Problem is, by the time you see that article, generally everyone else has too. When you go shopping for inventory, those hot items are either nowhere to be found or priced at top dollar. So how do you fill those shelves? John shares his tips here on how to buy items that are sort of popular-adjacent to keep your inventory fresh and your sales strong. 

In this episode, John shares what's selling quickly out of his eBay and Etsy shops right now. He also offers some pretty priceless (pun intended) advice on why those lower-priced items can absolutely be a godsend for your business.

As collectors and dealers, we've all faced the same dilemma: to clean or not to clean those new antique or collectible finds. John shares a few thoughts on why he almost always never does. (It all comes back to his specific selling niche!)

Great customer service doesn’t start at checkout. It starts long before a buyer ever clicks “purchase.” In this episode, John shares his top tips for delivering standout service in a digital storefront, from first impressions to follow-up. Whether you sell antique books or collectible figurines, these practices will build trust, ensure buyer satisfaction (and good reviews!), and, most importantly, keep customers coming back. 

This week, John shares practical tips for shipping the large, the heavy, the oddly sized and the oh-so-breakable. Whether you're mailing vintage glassware or brittle celluloid, these shipping strategies will help you protect your items (and your profits)!

It’s time for another Q&A! We got some great questions that ran the gamut across all the topics we’ve covered so far on the podcast. John shares some excellent additional tips this time around. Whether you’re new to the antiques and collectibles world or a seasoned seller, there’s something here for you.

John opens up about the antique and collectible finds he let get away (and still haunt him), as well as the items he did bring home only to find out they maybe should have stayed behind. Lessons learned in the treasure hunt.

From Beanie Babies to Pyrex, John's seen some crazy trends come and go in his past four decades in the antiques and collectibles biz. Hear all about some of the wilder trends that came and went, as well as some of those timeless items that always seem to sell.  

Just this past week, John hit his biggest garage sale jackpot yet! Here, he shares this story and a few other fun successes that prove treasure really is waiting at the end of the driveway. He also offers a few tips on how to open the door to negotiating garage sale prices and even a few thoughts on how to have a great garage sale of your own.

In this episode, John shares his own antique-booth journey, starting with the $35-a-month shelf and moving up to the larger booths where he could sell framed pictures and even a few small pieces of furniture. He offers some from-the-trenches lessons on how to open (and, more importantly, maintain) a successful booth. Learn what works and how to make the most of your space and budget!

Surprising sales. Great listings. Lessons learned. John spills what he didn’t expect when he took his antiques online.