When a 12-year-old sold some old stuff to buy a new X-box, he had a no idea it would be a catalyst to making him a full time career and TV and internet star.
Now 26, Kieran Barnett has made a full-time career out of buying and selling second hand goods.
And a decision to document what started as a hobby through videos online means he’s now paid to upload videos about it to YouTube which has also led to him being involved in a hit new Channel Four show Bidding Wars.
“From buying the X-Box at 12, I’ve just always been buying and selling things,” said Kieran. “I just like going out, finding things, buying them.
“It’s all about re-using, re-cycling and re-homing items.
“It’s about knowing what you can pick up at a car boot sale or charity shop, buying something for £5 and selling it for £20 and £30.
“I love my job.”
Kieran began taking it seriously as a hobby about four years ago and set up the YouTube channel Rummage Around.
He particularly specialises in recycled clothes.
“I did that as a kind of vlog of my life,” he continued. “I put almost everything I buy on there and it’s great to go back and watch it to see what does and doesn’t make money.”
What he didn’t expect was for it to be such a hit.
The channel currently has over 3,000 subscribers and generates around 4,000 views a month a level at which YouTube pays its contributors.
With that and profits from sales two years ago he was able to give up his job driving tractors at Elsom’s Seeds and take up buying and selling full time.
Among his viewers were the makers of Bidding Wars who asked him to be in the first series which is currently airing at 5.30pm on weekdays and on All4.
He’s in nine of the 15 opening episodes with Kieran saying the channel is delighted with the viewing figures and reaction too.
“They contacted me on Instagram and said they’d seen me on YouTube and said they really liked what I did and that.
“I’ve never had any aspirations to be on TV but I thought it was a cool opportunity and it coincided with the business.
“At first it was very stressful filming 13-hour long days and I’m not sure they knew what they wanted at first, but overall I’ve absolutely loved it.
“I’ve met so many likeminded and positive people who are now friends for life.
“It’s great for the businesses as I’ve made contacts with people who have other specialities and we can ask each other for advice on bits.
“My whole life has turned upside down really.
“The reaction has been amazing and I’ve been getting hundreds of messages.
“I’ve had people get in touch who have been through their wardrobes asking me about vintage clothes, how much something might be worth or whether they should hold on to it.
“My mum and dad have been watching it, which is a bit awkward when I’m around the house, but they’re both inspirational people for me, and the fact I’m making them proud is amazing.”
