Where do pickers usually find good items to buy?

Pickers find items in many places: estate sales, yard and garage sales, auctions, thrift stores, flea markets, and online local listings. Some of the best finds come from private sources, such as barns, attics, basements, and storage buildings that have not been opened in years.

Relationships matter a great deal. Pickers often get leads from family members cleaning out a home, real estate agents, contractors, cleanout crews, and other dealers. Word of mouth in a community can bring a steady stream of calls once people know you are fair and reliable.

Some pickers also leave business cards with property owners in rural areas or ask permission to look at old buildings. Always ask first, respect a no, and never enter property without permission. Trust is the picker's most valuable asset, and it is built one honest deal at a time.