Pick for Profit

Get on the Advertising Bandwagon! Why It Sells, Hot & Cold Collectible Categories, and a Final Twist

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.

The Holiday Hustle: Sourcing Seasonal Collectibles Ahead of Time

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.

Obsolete Objects, Timeless Value: Antiques That Still Sell

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.

Ephemera Unfolded: When Old Paper Turns to Gold

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 Asked, We Answer: The Receipts and Records Q&A

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.

Slow Shop Survival Guide: Turning Downtime into Opportunity

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.

The Nostalgia Factor: Why Every Generation Collects Differently

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.

Harvesting Profits: Seasonal Selling Tips for Fall

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.

Can Antiques Go Viral? Social Media Strategies for Online Sellers

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).

Deck the Halls with Vintage Finds

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!