New Markets for Buying and Selling Antiques and Gathering the Stories with the Goods

by Rob Wolfe of American Pickers

The antiques market is an ever-shifting landscape with new market entrants, ever-changing trends on what’s in and what’s out, and new ways of monitoring the market and buying and selling. In my business, it’s all about staying sharp and seeing trends before they fully hit. Of course, I have a few ways to do that. Being a part of American Pickers takes me all over the country meeting a huge range of collectors with all types of collections. And outside of the show, it’s my full-time passion to stay on top – always meeting with collectors and dealers in person and online. If there’s a trend to my collecting, it’s that I collect things that have a story and a history and things we can learn something from, whether it’s about the start of an industry, a specific business, or a region.

 

But of course, other collectors do follow trends. One trend I’m seeing today is that many younger collectors are starting to value mid-century modern. Perhaps Mad Men kicked off this trend more than a decade ago but museum exhibits and online apps like Houzz or magazines like Dwell have helped this trend ensure. Of course, it’s a classic look, but technology today helps these trends endure.

 

And, it’s not just young generations. I’m seeing many new, older collectors getting into the market for various reasons. New collectors sometimes feel they are finally at a place in their financial life where they have a stronger sense of stability, where they can devote resources to collecting what they love and enjoy. That’s the practical reason. The emotional driver? They’re getting nostalgic about their childhood and want to reconnect and claim ownership of items that were once, and now again, meaningful to them. Today I’m seeing that a lot of items once overlooked—like vintage toys, retro tech, and early video games and memorabilia—are now very hot. Any memorabilia from the 1970s and ’80s is very collectible.

 

Other big trends I’m seeing are collecting vintage advertising and industrial design. You can probably tell vintage advertising is a big trend because restaurants and local businesses turn to these styles to enhance their branding. It’s also spilled over into home design, a trend supported by decorating apps where you can see people mixing old and new. It’s an ever-shifting landscape, and those who know how to spot the next big thing in collectibles are the ones who will thrive. Stay ahead by keeping your eye on emerging trends and what excites new generations of collectors.

 

Today’s online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Etsy, as well as more specialized sites like 1stDibs, Chairish, and Ruby Lane, as well as other specialized auction sites, have expanded access to a global marketplace, allowing collectors to discover ethnographically created goods and rare pieces without leaving home. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, also enable collectors to connect with sellers, share knowledge, and spot trends in real-time. Technology has made antique hunting more accessible, competitive, and data-driven, allowing collectors to find treasures with greater speed and precision.

 

In my own business, Instagram seems to be the place I go to first. Being on television has changed the game when it comes to buying antiques. On one hand, it’s opened doors, with more people reaching out to me with amazing collections we might not have found otherwise. On the flip side, however, it’s made some sellers raise their prices, thinking everything’s worth top dollar just because they’ve seen it online. So, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword – you get more opportunities, but you’ve got to navigate the expectations that come with fame.

 

Being on American Pickers has changed how I approach work and appreciate what I find. It’s become more than just the thrill of the hunt – there’s a responsibility to tell the story behind each piece and share that passion with a huge audience. The show has pushed me to dig deeper into the history of items and the people who’ve owned them, which makes each find even more meaningful. While exciting, it’s also about connecting with others and preserving a piece of the past for everyone to enjoy. It’s all about getting up in the morning and enjoying what you do every day, trying to hunt down good things, and enjoying the stories that come with them. It’s not always about the dollars, at least for me, it’s the stories and the people I meet that mean more than anything.

 

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Best known for his co-hosting role on The History Channel’s long-running hit, American Pickers, Rob Wolfe is also a seasoned antique dealer. From vintage signs to antique cars and motorcycles, and everything in between, Rob has an extensive knowledge of, and passion for, all things antique. He’s been collecting unique items and learning about their history since early childhood and today that passion can be seen at his showroom in Bettendorf, Iowa where this summer he’ll host the annual Bettendorf Americana Car show and Antique Auction.