Do we buy?
We are often asked, “Do you buy items from people?” The simple answer to that question is, “YES!” We “shop” various places and through various ways to find every perfect item our customers are looking for. There are many seasons in life, but at one time or another everyone either downsizes their household or helps consolidate the lifetime of treasures of a friend or family member. Whether you're interested in selling a single item, a handful of treasures or dozens of possessions, The Picket Fence can be a place to begin. Many people are overwhelmed by this process and find it easier to donate than to have a garage sale. Before you donate, stop by or contact us through our email. We would be happy to swing by, see what you have, and let you know what we are interested in and willing to pay.
What are we looking for?
Another common question we are asked is, “What are you looking for?” That can be a harder question to answer, many times we do not know we are looking for something until we see it for the first time. We do have items we keep an eye out for, but many times we buy items for no other reason than it captures our attention. It is sort of like love at first sight. You weren’t looking for it, but WHAM! There it is. For that reason, it is simply too hard to create a complete list. To help give an idea of what we might be interested in, the following is a brief list of what we are looking for:
Antiques and collectibles in excellent condition.
Industrial items such as lamps, fans, light fixtures, small tables, and chairs.
Wood crates, old galvanized items, tool boxes, tackle boxes, jewelry boxes, trunks/chests
Small furniture such as end tables, foot stools, step stools, dressers, vanities, wicker furniture, and desks.
Macrame
Vintage artwork and photographs
Old cameras, working record players, binoculars, sports equipment, trophies
Pyrex, Fire Kings, Bone China, Fiesta ware, Frankoma,
Mid Century, Retro, Hollywood Regency, Boho, Farm, Shabby Chic, Art Deco, Rustic
Books, vinyl, posters
Toys
Is there anything we do not want?
We are more than happy to look at your treasures. There are so many wonderful vintage items and antiques, but we cannot possibly buy them all. Here are a few things to keep in mind. We do not purchase items that are broken, chipped, torn, or have been glued back together. We look for solid wood furniture. Rust is not always a bad thing, but less is better than more. And last, old doesn’t always mean it is valuable.
Prior to selling an item, people will often look on the internet to see “how much their items are worth” and can get enamored with the highest price posted. As a buyer, I too have to be careful looking on the internet to determine the value of an item I have purchased. It is important for both parties involved to remember, just because someone is asking for that price doesn’t mean it will be purchased at that price. An objects value is only what someone is willing to pay for it. We have learned, the prices listed on the internet, don’t always mean that is what a person is willing to pay in Great Falls, MT.
(Please email before bringing in large items or loads into the shop. This gives opportunity to schedule a time for you to stop by the shop where we have the proper staff available to assist you, or to determine whether it’s better for us to come to you.)
