Pick for Profit

Real-World Pottery Buying Stories

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. 

A Glassware Buying Trip: Step-by-Step Guide for Spotting Valuable Vintage Glass at Estate & Garage Sales

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!

What Actually Sells in Western Collectibles: From Ranch Relics to Rodeo Buckles

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.

Selling Sentiment: How to Turn Vintage Finds Into Mother’s Day Gold

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. 

Art You Can Find and Sell: Vintage Art, Folk Art, Figurines, Art Glass & Antique Reseller Tips

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. 

Rotary Phones to Atari: Vintage Tech That Sells

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.

Vintage Clothing That Actually Sells

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.

Strange but Selling: Unexpected Antique & Vintage Items Making Money Right Now

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.

Q&A Part 2: eBay vs Etsy + The Weekly Workflow That Keeps You Sane

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.

You Asked, We Answered: Avoiding Scams, Photography Tips, and Records Organization

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!