My Journey: 25 Years of Vintage Reselling

If you’ve ever wondered how someone turns a $1 box lot into a full-time business that’s still running strong 25 years later—this is my story.

I’m Kim, the face behind Backroad Picking. Today, I run multiple online shops, consult for small e-commerce businesses, and still spend my weekends digging through auctions and antique malls for hidden treasures. But none of this was part of the plan when I started in the late 1990s.

Here’s a look back at where it all began, what’s changed in the world of vintage reselling, and why I’m still passionate about it all these years later.

The First Sale That Changed Everything

Like many resellers, I started on eBay. It was the late '90s, and I had bought a little too much at a neighborhood estate auction. I listed a few of the extras online—just to see what would happen.

And one of them sold. Fast.

I was hooked. But reselling in those days looked very different.

We didn’t have Google or smartphones. There was no image search or barcodes to scan. If you wanted to learn about an item, you had to know it. Or you learned the hard way—by going to the library, buying reference books, talking to antique dealers, and walking through malls, booths, and flea markets.

That’s how I learned glassware, pottery, figurines—and how I fell in love with vintage. I never turned away from the weird and unusual either. If it had a story or mystery to it, I was in.

Growing with the Industry

In the early 2000s, as the internet matured and Google came onto the scene, information became easier to find. Forums and online libraries were goldmines. I dove in.

By 2005, I had formed an LLC and started working with manufacturers. At the time, some were open to online sales… but many were not—especially on Amazon. Back then, Amazon was the villain to a lot of suppliers. And honestly? In some ways, that hasn’t changed much.

I transitioned into selling newer collectibles and more modern products. I could research manufacturers quickly and verify product lines—my reseller sleuthing skills were in full force.

Then came 2008. The recession hit hard, and the bottom dropped out of the collectibles market. eBay started shifting focus, and buyers became pickier.

But I didn’t quit—I pivoted.

From Seller to Ecommerce Consultant

I started helping others move their businesses online. I worked as an Operations Manager for a safety products company and helped build their eCommerce presence. I beta-tested inventory software and worked with small sellers to set up their shops.

In 2014, I joined a startup called SkuVault—a warehouse and inventory management system built for online sellers. That job changed my life. I got to work directly with sellers to improve their warehouse layouts, track inventory more effectively, and build scalable operations.

I eventually became a Senior Director, overseeing teams and departments—but the best part was still helping the little guy win.

Eventually, SkuVault was acquired by a private equity firm… and if you’ve worked in corporate America, you probably know the story from there.

Returning to My Roots

In 2023, I returned to full-time reselling—and I’ve never looked back.

These days, we sell across multiple platforms, including:

  • 🛒 eBay – Our main channel. Everything starts here.

  • 🧵 Etsy – A strong second, especially for vintage and handmade goods.

  • 🌐 BackroadPicking.com – Our own Shopify site, where we control the experience.

  • 🎥 Poshmark & Whatnot – For live selling sessions that connect us directly with buyers.

  • 📦 Facebook Marketplace & Amazon – When it makes sense.

Alongside reselling, I still consult with small businesses, help with warehouse and inventory setups, and occasionally onboard clients to new software tools.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from my 25+ years of doing this:

  1. Find Your Focus.
    Know what you sell, where you sell it, and who you’re selling to. Stay in your lane and get good at it.

  2. Limit Your Channels.
    For us, it’s eBay, Etsy, and our Shopify site. We don’t try to be everywhere—we just try to be excellent where we are.

  3. Buy from the Right People.
    I’ve had auctioneers I’ve worked with for 20+ years. Loyalty and relationships matter, especially when inventory is tight.

  4. Presentation is Everything.
    Photos, titles, SEO, and advertising. This business isn’t just about “finding the right stuff” anymore—it’s about marketing it correctly. And yes, that means market, market, market.

  5. Stay Curious.
    The best sellers are also the best researchers. If you don’t know what it is—find out. If you don’t know where it came from—dig in. The mystery is half the fun.

What's Next?

I’m excited to finally be sharing my journey publicly, and this blog is just the beginning. I’ve started posting short-form and long-form content on:

Coming soon:

  • ✅ Common mistakes new resellers make (and how to avoid them)

  • ✅ Flipping: Buy for $5, sell for $80

  • ✅ Why online selling isn’t your only option

  • ✅ How to price vintage items with confidence

If you’re a reseller, picker, thrifter, or just someone who loves old things with a story—stick with me.

This isn’t just a job. It’s a passion. It’s a way of life.
And after all these years, I’m still just as excited to open the next mystery box.

—

📌 Want to learn more about reselling?
➡️ Subscribe to my YouTube channel
➡️ Follow @BackroadPicking on TikTok
➡️ Shop our finds at BackroadPicking.com

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