What exactly does an antique picker do?

A picker hunts for antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, buys them, and resells them, usually to dealers, collectors, auction companies, or online buyers. Pickers spend much of their time knocking on doors, visiting barns and attics, going to estate sales, yard sales, and flea markets, and building relationships with people who might have things to sell.

The picker's profit comes from the difference between what they pay and what they can sell for, after travel, time, cleaning, and storage. Good pickers know their markets well and often specialize in a few categories, such as advertising signs, tools, furniture, or toys.

Many pickers work part time, and some supply specific dealers who tell them what they are looking for. It is a business built on knowledge, persistence, and trust.