Even the biggest American Pickers fan might not realize the show is currently airing its 17th season, which is definitely impressive for a show that focuses on two men, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, essentially digging piles of garbage for treasure. Of course, that’s not the biggest surprise this surprisingly addictive show is hiding. Here are 5 things you didn’t know about the show American Pickers.
Some prices are settled on before filming begins.
While it may seem like the guys just run across items and then start throwing out prices, this isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to rarer and more expensive items, such as old cars. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, they want to be sure the seller is okay with letting this unique item go. Two, they want to ensure that both the pickers and the sellers are happy with the final price. And, finally, it is meant to save The History Channel from potential legal problems in the future. Once the price has been negotiated, the cameras start rolling and the negotiations are essentially recreated.
Speaking of those finds, they are found before filming begins.
Before Frank and Mike start picking through items, producers and assistants have already done it for them and found the best items. Then, they put them back so the guys can “find” them on camera. That saves them the trouble of going through all the junk and dust for nothing.
Frank was sued over an item he found on the show.
In August 2010, Frank found an antique polarimeter (used to measure the sugar content in alcohol) and was almost immediately contacted by Jerry Bruce, a South Carolina resident who wanted to purchase the item for display in his future museum. The two agreed on a price of $300 and Jerry mailed off a check. Unfortunately, he never received the item. On the other hand, Frank didn’t cash the check either. After not receiving the polarimeter and not hearing back from Frank, Mr. Bruce filled a lawsuit against Frank for breaching their verbal contract. Frank never responded and the judge entered a default judgment of $1,000 plus court costs for Mr. Bruce.
Frank and Mike have made plenty of money picking through trash.
Although how much Frank and Mike are paid per episode is very hush-hush, we do know that the duo own two shops together. According to estimates, Frank had an estimated net worth of around $4 million, as of 2016, while Mike’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.1 million in 2013. More than likely, Mike’s net worth is even higher now. Apparently, there is money to be made in picking.
Frank and Mike are often surprised by what is shown on the show.
In an interview, Frank reported that producers often cut out quite a bit. Apparently, “They don’t show about 80 percent of what they film.” He went on to say that they frequently buy way more items than what are shown on the show. He also admitted that they travel with way more than just the white van. Their fleet includes several vans, a motor home, and a U-Haul truck, which most of the things they show being put in the white van are actually stored. After the cameras go off, they switch the items over.
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