The “Pickers” are coming back to Maryland. Here’s why you shouldn’t deal with them.

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (1/18/2023) – Recently it was announced that the popular “pickers” show is coming back to Maryland. For those not familiar, the show features several “pickers” who pick through collectibles and other items in people’s garages and barns, offering them extremely lowball prices in order to resell the items for a hefty profit. Sometimes the prices are so low it should be considered predatory, and here’s some helpful alternatives to selling to the “pickers”.

One of the main issues with selling to “pickers” is that the pickers often offer lowball prices for items. They are in the business of buying items at a low price and reselling them at a higher price, so they will often try to negotiate a low price for the items they are buying. This can be especially frustrating for people who have invested a lot of time and money into collecting and preserving their items.

Another issue is that the show often does not accurately depict the value of the items. The show is heavily edited for entertainment value and often does not show the real-life negotiations and haggling that takes place. This can give viewers the impression that their items are worth more than they really are.

Additionally, when you sell to the “pickers” it can be difficult to find out what happens to your items after they leave your possession. The show frequently doesn’t disclose where the items end up and at what price they are sold. This can be disappointing for some people, who may have sentimental attachments to their items and want to know that they are going to a good home.

Donating to local thrift stores or privately selling collectibles can be a great alternative to dealing with the lowball “pickers” and even give back to the community at the same time. A few local favorites include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and The Overwatch at the Prime Outlets.

When considering what items to donate or sell, it’s important to first assess their condition. Clothing, shoes, and other textiles that are in good condition can be donated to local thrift stores, while items that are stained or torn may not be accepted. The same goes for furniture and household items – they should be in good working condition to be accepted by most thrift stores.

Donating to thrift stores not only helps clear out space in your home, but also helps support the community. Many thrift stores are run by non-profit organizations that use the proceeds to fund programs and services that benefit the community. For example, some thrift stores may support local schools or provide assistance to families in need.

Another option for decluttering is to privately sell collectibles, such as antiques, art, or vintage clothing. These items can often fetch a higher price than items sold at thrift stores, and can be a great way to make some extra money while getting rid of unwanted items. Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, or local buy-sell-trade groups on social media can be a great way to reach a wider audience and sell these items.

When selling collectibles privately, it is important to be honest about the condition of the item and to provide detailed descriptions and photos. This will help attract buyers who are looking for specific items and can help increase the chances of selling the item at a higher price. Additionally, knowing the market value of the items before listing it for sale can help set realistic expectations for the price and can help the seller to make a better deal.

It is also important to consider the environmental impact when decluttering. Before throwing away items, consider whether they can be donated, sold or recycled. Many thrift stores also accept items such as electronics and small appliances which can be refurbished and sold again.

Assessing the condition of items, being honest about the condition of the item when selling, and considering the environmental impact are all important factors to consider when decluttering. With a little bit of effort, it’s easy to make a positive impact on your home, your wallet and the community.