Pick for Profit

Transportation Antiques and Collectibles That Actually Move

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.

Selling Americana Collectibles for America’s 250th Birthday

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.

Taking Our Own Advice: Why We’re Re-Listing Pottery

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.

Antique & Collectible Seller Business Resolutions: Realistic Goals You Can Actually Control

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.

Antiques and Collectibles Vocabulary Explained: Glassware, Jewelry, Eras, and Condition Terms

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.

Kitchenware Collectibles That Never Lost Their Market

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.

Glassware 101: What It Means When Glass Glows (And Other Glass Collectibles Must-Knows)

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.

MVP Finds: Sports Stuff That Scores Every Time

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!

Q&A: My Item Is a Repro! Can I Sell It? Real Talk from a Seller Who’s Been There Before

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).

The Ultimate Guide to Reselling Books: How to Identify Your Finds and Spot Hidden Money Makers

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.