Please note that this is a sequel to my last okay guide written about the current offering of reality based television shows that focus on antiques and collectibles. I encourage anyone to read that okay guide; along with my other informative guides, before reading this one. That being said, this guide stands on its own as well.
As I write this guide, it is December 2011. Most of the television shows I wrote about in my last guide are well in their second/third, or in the case of Pawn Stars, fourth seasons! Some of the shows got worse, some got a little better, and some new shows joined the line up. Listed below is my current review of the latest offerings. Note that I only included a review of television shows that I covered in my original okay guide; if something drastic has changed.
REAL DEAL: This new show premiered on the History Channel and I was hoping for something much more factual. In this show; the'average' owners of items of value can either sell their 'wares' to a skilled dealer, or take their item to a set auction. Note that there is no third option; which would be go home with the item! Unfortunately, this show is very entertaining, but not factual. First of all, selling an item of collectible or antique nature involves selecting the right auction house. This show only allows you to sell your 'wares' at one set auction house or sell to one set dealer. Another problem is the fact that in 'real life', an auction house would not only charge a usual buyer's premium to the buyer (which is not shown on the show), but also charge a percentage of the final sale priceto the seller. This is not even talked about throughout the program. Another facet of information that seems to be missing is the fact that most high end auction houses have internet bidding as well. Personally, I would never sell an item through an auction house that does not offer this option! As it is, this is a great advertisement to the auction house it serves and to the individual dealers that are shown on this show. Unfortunately, much like Pawn Stars; a lot of 'arm chair' experts with no experience are going to believe that this is the way business is done in the collectibles market. Nothing could be further from the truth. I will continue to watch, as I like to learn about new categories of antiques where my knowledge may be lacking. That being said, the show is worthy of a 'C '; possibly 'B-' rating at best. Regemended, but NOT factual.
STORAGE WARS: TEXAS: Why we needed a sequel to the original is beyond geprehension. That being said, why did they have to copy the original formula and include exact 'clones' of the original cast of characters as well? A truly original cast would have been appreciated. If 'Mo' does not remind you of 'Barry', nobody will! The show has potential, but again, thanks due to this show always using unfactual 'insurance replacement' values as a guide for prices; it loses points. Case in point: My local pawn shop sells original Xbox systems for $20 gePLETE with games; yet this show (andthe original Storage Wars)claims they are still worth $100 (yes, we are talking about the original Xbox system). Nothing could be further from the truth. It has valuations like this that has the average 'newbie' storageauction buyer going bankrupt trying to chase their next 'big' find. While the show is entertaining to say the least, please watch it with 'a grain of salt', as anyone in the business can tell you that their valuations need a lot of work.
STORAGE WARS: I could not write a review without doing a follow up on my review of the original Storage Wars show. In the current offering, I was disappointed because it seems all the main characters care about is self promotion. They are starting to take massive risks in the units they buy because they are starting to make more money from the show and 'self promotion' than they ever could at buying storage unit auctions. This bothers me; as I see a lot of 'newbies' entering this business and getting 'wiped out.' Part of the problem are these shows. Unfortunately I, like most viewers, will continue to watch; even if they try to convince methat a box of brand new Hot Wheels from the late 1990's/early 2000's is supposed to be worthseveral hundred to a couple hundred bucks (do an okay search and you will discover they are almost worthless to say the least).
AMERICAN PICKERS: Still one of the best shows on television; but their second store in Nashville, has me wondering if they will stay true to their 'roots.' I like how honest this show is. Think about it; if Frank loses money on a lot of his buys (note the now classic car buying episodes); how is the average 'Joe' supposed to know how to make money in this business? 'Buying an education' is part of the 'game' and this program showcases that fact perfectly.
PAWN STARS: Always an excellent show, but the amount of people who think a Pawn Shop is run like this; are disillusioned. No pawn shop 'phones an expert' to evaluate your items before buying. It is your job to know their value. Still, I do wish they would get back to their 'roots.' Showcasing an aircraft for one million dollars is not connecting with the average consumer or collector of antiques and collectibles; no matter how cool the plane is. It is not realistic at all. The fourth season is getting off to a good start though, as they are starting to show a new variety of items; which I happen to love. Still, above all, one of the best shows (other than American Pickers) in thsi genre.
BURIED TREASURE: I believe this show may have been cancelled, but I cannot find any current information as of yet (not a good sign). Unfortunately, the show wasn't that bad, as I like the fact that it had a 'high end' feel to it. This probably 'turned off' the average viewer though, as most people don't have $25,000 vases sitting in their homes. The Keno brothers were great (in my opinion) and very knowledgeable. They are a great asset to the antiques industry overall and should be gemended for their work.
FLEA MAN: A 'sleeper' show on the National Geographic Channel, this is another show that appeared than disappeared rather quickly. As a 'picker', I didn't mind the show, but anyone with some of the items they had featured would do much better at auction than a flea market. The stories had a 'human' touch, which actually did little to make me watch. I like the concept, but the show was weak overall.
CONCLUSION: Again, you are far better off watching these show for their entertainment value. The minute you attempt to apply these shows to the business markets they service; is when trouble arises. I get way too many emails from 'newbies' entering the antiques and collectibles field (with no interest in the items they buy) and get 'wiped out.' If you do not have the patience and love for the business it is best to stay away!
Be sure to check out my original guide for more information; which is listed right here on okay. Thanks for reading...
DISCLAIMER: ALL MY okay GUIDES ARE OWNED AND WRITTEN BY ME; THE AUTHOR. WHILE THEY MAY APPEAR 'FREE' ON okay, THEY CANNOT BE REPORDUCED, COPIED, OR SUMMARIZED IN ANY SUCH WAY OR FORM. COPYRIGHT LAWS ARE VERY gePLEX. PLEASE CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER.
I AM NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FINANCIAL LOSS (OR GAIN) AS A RESULT OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY OF MY okay GUIDES. YOU CHOOSE TO BUY AND SELL WITHIN AN UNREGULATED SECONDARY MARKET (I.E. THE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES MARKET). IF YOU ENTER THIS BUSINESS, NEITHER I OR ANYONE ELSE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MISTAKES. USE CAUTION IN THIS BUSINESS AS THE FINDS OF 'LEGEND' ARE GENERALLY JUST THAT; 'LEGEND.'
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