Have reality shows helped you.

[donsrods]

As much as I don't care for most reality shows, I have to admit I have gotten something good out of some of them. I have never been a good price negotiator and hated to bargain with people over the price of somethng........I usually end up paying more than I should have. But watching the guys on shows like American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and some of the auction shows, I have learned a little bit how to talk someone down.

I guess I was always shy and didn't want to offend the seller too bad, but those guys have no problem dickering with someone to get the best deal. From watching how they do it I have to say I have learned a lot about the art of negotiating. I have already gotten better deals at swap meets because I am not afraid to pop in with a lower offer, and tomorrow Don and I are going to one and I can't wait to use my newfound skills to buy stuff.

Any of you who feel the same way ?

Don

 

[skull]

corners

learned how to cut corners massively on my projects

also have learned a few new tricks.

Later

 

[striptnut]

Theres a few of those reality shows that kinda bite, But stuff like American Pickers, American Restoration, and Pawn Stars have indeed helped me out .Different stuff from different shows. American Restoration showed me different ways of tackling projects without it being too time consuming or costly. The other two shows gives you info on antiques or collectibles when it either comes into there shop or they stumble onto it at a pick.

 

[ratrodz]

when your poor it makes you a good negotiator out of necessity.

 

[Bamamav]

Not really, they have just made me hate TV even more. I seldom watch it anymore. I do like to see the old stuff the pickers find, but you know it's all staged. I think I've see 4-5 episodes of the pickers show and 3-4 of the pawn store shows. The pawn store guys mostly pee me off, except that guy that that will pawn anything, cattle, goats, etc. He seems like a down to earth guy, those others are hotheads. I'd have to japslap that mafia looking dude if he got smart with me.

My wife watches them all. I usually just get on the computer.

 

[Z.Z.Rat]

Don, I have the same mentality as you. Was never any good at getting a guy down on price. I should watch some of the shows mentioned & learn.

I was on a reality show once. A few years ago. The episode that I was on aired & the next day the network canned it! We had a good laugh.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

I hope those reality shows teach the seller to be realistic. An item advertised for x amount on the internet or E-Bay doesn't mean it's worth that, especially on a local level.

I used to be shy, and thought making a lower offer was embarassing. I also used to think it made me look cheap or like I can't afford it. (Which isn't far from the truth ).

These days, I like negotiating. I think it's fun and I enjoy the challenge. (I also hate paying too much for anything). Most people are willing to talk and BS a little. BS can be surprisingly effective and a little humor goes a long way.

So, I guess I don't learn much from reality TV. I learn from talking to people. Offers good or bad are part of the process. After all, you're not talking about somebody's mother, just money.

People need to loosen up a little and quit being so serious. Forget the hot rod T-shirt and wear one with "Imodium" or "Ex-Lax" on it. Firm? I don't think so.

 

[GJunktionMike]

Jerry Springer, found out other people have crazy families to. [cl

 

[offroadrolls]

I get motivation from the car build shows. I suppose I learn some too. But, mostly I get pumped to do my own thing.

 

[donsrods]

Oh, by the way, there is a new show coming on the Discover Channel starting June 6th. I think the title is Loud and Fast, or something like that, and the cars on there look pretty much like the ones we like on here. I'm sure it will be laden with drama but hopefully there will be some cool stuff there too.

Don

 

[skull]

commercial

ya, just seen the promo. it looks OK, just as long as it not all drama & bs like so many other car type TV shows.

l like the old chevy the guys are burnin' around in in the commercial.


Later

 

[Neverdone]

when your poor it makes you a good negotiator out of necessity.

Got a good point there!! If I wouldn't try to do so many projects at once I wouldn't be so poor

I like some of the shows mainly pawn stars and pickers. American restoration is pretty cool too.

I just hate on pawn stars how the "expert says it's worth about $2k", their response "Not going to lie to you it's worth about $50 to me. It's going to sit here a long time." 90% of the stuff the show buying most wouldn't ever buy!!!

 

[Sam_Fear]

On one of the old Biker Build Off shows, Jesse James (of all people) motivated me - 'If you don't know what to do, just pick up a hammer and start beating on some metal' (paraphrased)

Other than that, I have gotten something from shows like This Old House or any of the woodworking shows. Why can't the car shows be like those? Imagine This Old House with all the BS drama! LOL!

 

[moparcowboy]

I watch very little TV cuts into my car time!
Drama time- shut off time!! [S

 

[Tripper]

Oh, by the way, there is a new show coming on the Discover Channel starting June 6th. I think the title is Loud and Fast, or something like that, and the cars on there look pretty much like the ones we like on here. I'm sure it will be laden with drama but hopefully there will be some cool stuff there too.

I'm still waiting for the Don & BoB show! Hey Don... you were supposed to be welding on that frame! You're holding the build up and maybe we should step outside & settle this!!!

See... I've learned a LOT! Now Don & I are gonna get rich!!! Hahaha!!! [ddd[ddd[ddd

BoB

 

[RoddingRon]

You can always pick up a trick here or there by paying attention, but I think the thing that I got most from some of those TV shows....I'm really not that crazy

 

[Snake Farm]

Yes...........they've helped me finally kick my TV habit for good! [ddd

 

[Crossfire]

TV

The only thing that stands out on most of the reality shows is the experts they bring in to appraise the stuff. The auto expert the pickers use doesn't have a clue,and the guy the pawn stars send there cars to is a joke and outrageous on the cost. The restoration guy does do some good work but people pay some crazy money to restore junk. I.m glad some of the shows flopped,Southbeach Classics and whatever that show was out west where the Dad and son restored cars in 7 days and auctioned them off. Not any good car related shows on at all.

 

[donsrods]

I'm still waiting for the Don & BoB show! Hey Don... you were supposed to be welding on that frame! You're holding the build up and maybe we should step outside & settle this!!!

See... I've learned a LOT! Now Don & I are gonna get rich!!! Hahaha!!! [ddd[ddd[ddd

BoB

I like the idea , Bob !!!!! We could do one episode where you are out terrorizing less fortunates in Mercedes and stuff like that and I have to bail you out of jail !

So that the show has some sex appeal we will get that chick who lives 2.8 miles from all of us to be our secretary. (Can I get to keep her, please, please.)

Don

 

[old man dave]

I learned a valuable lesson watching Hillbilly Hand Fishin, stay out of the river.