I know of no successful pickers out there that have people calling them up with all of the inventory they might need? Just doesn't happen! You want to be successful at this---get out and do the leg work! Spend 12 to 15 hours a day on the computer---spend money on newspaper ads, drive hundreds of miles to auction sales--make a good name for your self--never cheat anyone--get to know a whole lot of people and maybe someday, someone will give you a call! MAYBE??
As a twenty-two year old with a few years of experience at buying and selling, I wanted to underline this point especially. You will learn quickly that it is usually the most honest and genuine people who have the most success in this industry. I rarely contribute to all the vitriolic arguments about dishonest sellers on this forum, but what I have learned from reading all the reactions is that most people are in agreement on one point - your reputation is all you have. I can tell you from experience that a good reputation will never hurt you in the long run. Acting professional and honest is what it takes for others to take you seriously and, with enough luck, to remember you when they have an item to sell. There is something to be taken away from the idea of treating others the way you would like to be treated. If you have ever spoken to a serious collector - either of porcelain signs or porcelain urns - you understand the pride most of them take in what they have assembled. And you should at least not trample over that pride on your way to the bank. I agree with what a few others have said - use this forum to learn a few things about porcelain signs, oil cans, what have you. I am not a specialist in service station items and, in truth, I almost never have an opportunity to purchase any of them at a "reasonable price," but I still enjoy using this forum as a research tool. And hell, I like these things too.
I usually never talk in such inspirational tones, but as someone who loves what he does and what he buys and sells, I felt inclined to share what I have learned in the brief time I have been at it. Not trying to preach down to you from the pulpit, just a little friendly advice.
