Category: Pawn Industry

Pawn Shop Guide for Secure Deals: Navigate Your Way to Lambert Pawn in Whittier, CA

Quickly and confidently locate the best local pawn shop with our comprehensive guide to Lambert Pawn in Whittier, CA. Eliminate the guesswork and identify this trusted establishment for immediate cash needs, secure loans, or unique purchases. Learn to distinguish Lambert Pawn through ratings, reviews, and essential tips, enhancing your pawn shop experience.

Key Considerations
Effectively locate Lambert Pawn through online reviews, personal referrals, and comprehensive investigations. Ensure a trustworthy experience with transparent loan terms and knowledgeable staff.
Lambert Pawn offers various services, including pawn shop loans, buying and selling items, and expert appraisal services. Experience transparency and customer understanding of all transaction terms.
Adherence to strict regulations ensures Lambert Pawn’s fair and lawful operations. Licensing, compliance with state regulations, and protection against transactions involving stolen property are priorities.

Finding Lambert Pawn in Whittier, CA
Locating Lambert Pawn may seem daunting initially, but with the right resources, it’s achievable. Utilize online reviews and ratings from platforms like Google My Business or Yelp to gain insights into customer experiences. Additionally, seek recommendations from trusted sources and conduct thorough research on social media presence, website information, and related articles.
In Whittier, CA, Lambert Pawn stands out for its commitment to excellent service and transparent transactions in Whittier. Take note of its convenient location to enhance your experience.
Utilizing Online Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews and ratings play a crucial role in assessing Lambert Pawn’s credibility. Explore experiences shared by customers on platforms like Google and Yelp. Top-rated pawn shops, such as Lambert Pawn, receive positive reviews for their customer service and transparent practices.
Specialized pawn shops focusing on jewelry, like Lambert Pawn, are recognized for their expertise in dealing with precious metals. Before visiting, conduct thorough online research to ensure the shop aligns with your needs and expectations.
Considering Location and Accessibility
Apart from reputation and positive reviews, location and accessibility are vital factors when choosing a pawn shop. Lambert Pawn’s convenient location ensures easy access for customers, saving time and effort.
Evaluate whether the shop is situated in commercial areas or near public transportation to cater to diverse demographics. Regardless of location, ensure compliance with state and federal laws for secure transactions.
Services Offered by Lambert Pawn
Discover Lambert Pawn’s range of services, including loans, buying and selling items, and expert appraisals. Lambert Pawn prioritizes transparency, providing written contracts outlining all transaction terms. This ensures customers have complete clarity and confidence in their dealingsWhittier,

Securing a Pawn Shop Loan
Lambert Pawn offers practical pawn shop loans, allowing customers to obtain immediate funds by offering collateral. The flexibility of loan amounts and reasonable setup fees make it a convenient choice for various financial needs.
Buying and Selling Items at Lambert Pawn
Beyond loans, Lambert Pawn serves as a platform for buying and selling various items. Whether decluttering or seeking additional cash, Lambert Pawn offers opportunities to sell or use items as collateral for loans. Prices are determined based on factors like rarity, condition, and market demand.
Appraisal Services at Lambert Pawn
Expert appraisal services at Lambert Pawn involve a thorough assessment of items’ popularity, collectibility, purity, and condition. Experienced appraisers provide accurate valuations for diverse items, ensuring fair treatment for customers.

Understanding Regulations in Whittier, CA
Pawn shops in Smyrna, GA, including Lambert Pawn, adhere to regulations ensuring fair and lawful operations. Licensing requirements, compliance with state regulations, and protection against transactions involving stolen property are key aspects. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure a secure and lawful experience.
Specialty Pawn Shops: Lambert Pawn’s Expertise in Jewelry
Lambert Pawn specializes in jewelry, offering expert knowledge and customized services for these items. Staff members are trained professionals who can accurately assess market value, brand reputation, condition, and rarity.
Trust Lambert Pawn for a secure and transparent experience. Expertise in valuation and enhanced security measures, such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems, ensures customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Tips for a Positive Experience at Lambert Pawn
To maximize your experience at Lambert Pawn, build trust with the pawnbroker through effective communication, transparency, and respect. Understand your rights as a customer, ensuring fair treatment and protection during transactions.
Establishing trust involves open sharing of experiences, negotiation for favorable deals, and genuine interest in Lambert Pawn’s operations. Knowing your rights as a customer, including proper identification, protects you during transactions.
Let’s Remember
Lambert Pawn in Whittier, CA, offers a unique combination of services, including loans, buying and selling items, and expert appraisals. Recognized for expertise, transparency, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Lambert Pawn is a top-rated pawn shop. Understanding regulations, building trust, and being aware of your rights contribute to a positive experience at Lambert Pawn. Explore the opportunities this pawn shop offers for secure and unique deals.

January 7, 2024
Leveraging Collateral Loans at Lambert Pawn: A Practical Approach to Overcoming Unexpected Expenses and Building Credit for the Future
Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can arise at any moment. Whether it’s a medical emergency, car repair, or other unforeseen financial challenges, navigating these situations can be daunting. Lambert Pawn offers a practical solution through collateral loans, providing a way to manage immediate financial needs, while also offering an opportunity to build or rebuild credit for future financial endeavors.

Understanding Collateral Loans:

Collateral loans, also known as pawn loans, are a type of secured loan where borrowers offer valuable items as collateral to secure a loan. Lambert Pawn specializes in this financial service, allowing individuals to access quick cash without the stringent requirements of traditional loans. Collateral loans are not only a practical solution for immediate financial needs, but also a strategic step toward building credit.

Many different valuables can be used for collateral loans. Coins, diamonds, gold, electronics, musical instruments, and other items that have value can be used for a pawn loan. Lambert Pawn understands how to value luxury items like coins, to get you the most cash for them or to help you buy them in the future as an investment once your credit score is improved.

The Practicality of Using a Collateral Loan:
1. No Credit Checks: One of the significant advantages of collateral loans is that they do not require a credit check. This accessibility makes them an ideal option for individuals with a less-than-perfect credit history or those struggling to qualify for conventional loans.
2. Quick Access to Cash: Lambert Pawn understands that financial emergencies require swift solutions. With collateral loans, individuals can bring in valuable items, receive a fair appraisal, and walk out with cash in hand. This quick and straightforward process is designed to alleviate the stress associated with unexpected expenses.
3. No Employment Verification: Unlike traditional loans that often require extensive documentation, collateral loans at Lambert Pawn do not require proof of employment or detailed employment history. This makes them particularly beneficial for those facing short-term financial challenges.
4. Flexible Repayment Terms: Lambert Pawn works with borrowers to establish clear and reasonable repayment terms. The loan agreements include specific payment dates, interest rates, and options for extending the loan if needed. This flexibility ensures that borrowers can manage their financial obligations without unnecessary pressure.
5. Diverse Range of Accepted Collateral: Lambert Pawn accepts a wide variety of items as collateral, providing flexibility for borrowers. From electronics and tools to gold, silver, and fine jewelry, the pawn shop accommodates a diverse range of valuable assets, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of customers.
Building Credit Through Collateral Loans:

While collateral loans are secured by valuable items, they also present a unique opportunity to build or rebuild credit. Lambert Pawn recognizes the importance of helping individuals strengthen their creditworthiness for future financial endeavors. Here’s how collateral loans contribute to building credit:

No Impact on Credit Score: Since collateral loans do not involve credit checks, obtaining one does not impact your credit score. This means individuals can access the funds they need without the fear of additional negative marks on their credit report.

Responsible Repayment Demonstrates Creditworthiness: Timely repayment of a collateral loan positively impacts an individual’s financial responsibility. Lambert Pawn reports such positive behavior to credit bureaus, contributing to the establishment or improvement of credit history.

Gradual Credit Building: Successfully managing collateral loans over time contributes to a gradual improvement in credit history. This positive credit behavior can eventually position individuals to qualify for more conventional and favorable loan options in the future.

Financial Education Opportunities:

Lambert Pawn prides itself on providing financial education to its customers. Understanding the terms of the loan agreement, interest rates, and the impact of timely repayment fosters financial literacy, empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and further contribute to credit building.

Steps to Improve and Rebuild Credit:

In addition to collateral loans, individuals can take proactive steps to improve and rebuild credit:

Check and Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly review your credit report for inaccuracies or discrepancies. Report any errors to the credit bureaus and ensure that your report reflects accurate information.

Pay Bills on Time: Timely payment of bills, including credit card payments, loans, and utility bills, is crucial for a positive credit history. Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.

Reduce Credit Card Balances: High credit card balances relative to your credit limit can negatively impact your credit score. Aim to reduce outstanding balances and keep credit utilization low.

Diversify Your Credit: Having a mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can positively influence your credit score. However, only open new credit accounts when necessary and manage them responsibly.

Create a Budget: Establishing a budget helps you manage your finances effectively, ensuring that you allocate funds for essential expenses and debt repayment. A well-managed budget can prevent financial strain and improve your creditworthiness.

Lambert Pawn: A Trustworthy Partner in Financial Solutions:

Lambert Pawn stands out as a reliable and community-oriented pawn shop that understands the financial challenges individuals face. With a commitment to transparency, fair appraisals, and ethical business practices, Lambert Pawn is not just a place for collateral loans but a partner in financial solutions.

Transparent Appraisal Process: Lambert Pawn employs experienced appraisers who assess items based on fair market value. This transparent process ensures that borrowers receive a fair appraisal for their collateral, fostering trust between the pawn shop and its customers.

Community Engagement: Lambert Pawn is deeply rooted in the community, actively participating in local events and supporting community initiatives. This commitment to community engagement reflects the pawn shop’s dedication to building lasting relationships with its customers.

Educational Resources: Lambert Pawn goes beyond the transaction by offering educational resources to its customers. Whether explaining the terms of a loan agreement or providing insights into credit building, Lambert Pawn is invested in the financial well-being of its clientele.

In times of financial uncertainty, Lambert Pawn stands as a beacon of practicality and trust, providing collateral loans that offer immediate relief from unexpected expenses. Beyond the immediate financial assistance, Lambert Pawn recognizes the importance of empowering individuals to build or rebuild their credit for a brighter financial future. With transparent processes, a commitment to community, educational support, and proactive steps to improve credit, Lambert Pawn emerges as a partner in financial solutions, paving the way for individuals to overcome immediate challenges while building a solid foundation for their creditworthiness.
November 20, 2023
Lambert Pawn: What Are The Benefits Of Pawning Here?

For those seeking a trustworthy, professional, and convenient avenue for pawning valuable items, look no further than Lambert Pawn. Serving customers for several years, we have firmly established ourselves in the heart of the community, offering a reliable service that meets all your immediate financial needs. Known for our transparency and honesty, Lambert Pawn continues to uphold a reputation that outshines many others in the industry.
In a fluctuating economy, finding quick, uncomplicated ways to secure funds is more crucial than ever. This is where pawning valuable items comes into play. By leveraging your valuable items, you can obtain an instant loan without the prolonged wait times and intricate credit checks associated with traditional banking methods. As such, Lambert Pawn presents itself as a lifeline, providing immediate funds when you need them the most.
What is the difference between loaning (pawning) and selling at Lambert Pawn?

Easy and Convenient Pawning Process
At Lambert Pawn, our pawning process is designed with simplicity and convenience. After a quick assessment, you’ll receive a loan offer on the spot, giving you immediate access to the funds you need. This user-friendly approach ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, as we understand the urgency and importance of your financial needs. We pride ourselves on our rapid and fair appraisal of items. Our knowledgeable staff is adept at quickly identifying the value of a wide range of goods, from jewelry to electronics.
At Lambert Pawn, we ensure you receive a fair offer grounded in the current market value of your items. Unlike traditional loan services, we keep paperwork to an absolute minimum. We focus on getting you the cash you need quickly and efficiently. Lambert Pawn requires only a valid ID to initiate the process, freeing you from endless forms and lengthy approval processes.

Competitive Loan Rates and Terms
One of Lambert Pawn’s most significant advantages is our competitive loan rates. We believe in providing our customers with fair and affordable services, so our rates are often more appealing than those at other financial institutions. We ensure you receive the maximum value for your items without overwhelming you with high-interest rates. Understanding that everyone’s financial situation differs, Lambert Pawn offers flexible repayment terms that suit your unique needs. Whether it’s a short-term or long-term loan, our tailored approach ensures the repayment process is as manageable as possible.
Compared to other pawn shops in the area, Lambert Pawn stands out for its superior customer service, advantageous loan rates, and efficient processes. We continuously strive to deliver a personalized and satisfying experience. This is why customers choose Lambert Pawn as their preferred choice for their pawning needs. The difference is palpable, strengthening our position as a leading pawn shop in the community.

Wide Range of Accepted Items
One of the many benefits of choosing Lambert Pawn for your pawning needs lies in our broad acceptance of items. We acknowledge that each individual owns different types of valuable possessions, and thus, we offer our clients the opportunity to pawn a diverse range of items. Lambert Pawn welcomes various goods, from jewelry and watches to electronics and firearms. You can transform almost any high-value item in your possession into immediate cash.
Our expansive scope sets us apart from the competition, enhancing our appeal as the preferred pawn shop for many. At Lambert Pawn, we understand that everyone has unique assets. That’s why we’re committed to demonstrating maximum flexibility regarding the types of collateral we accept. We work closely with each client, considering various items for pawning that other shops might decline.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
The strength of Lambert Pawn lies in our experienced and helpful team. Our staff is highly knowledgeable about the value of various items and understands the sensitivities associated with pawning personal belongings. Their expertise and professionalism ensure a comfortable and satisfactory experience for our clients. Our staff is adept at evaluating various items, offering a fair and competitive price for your valuables.
Their extensive experience in the industry guarantees accurate assessments, ensuring you receive the best possible loan amount for your possessions. We take pride in delivering a personalized customer service experience at Lambert Pawn. We treat every client with respect and understanding, providing tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. Our focus on exceptional service keeps our customers coming back time and again.
Secure and Reliable Transactions
When dealing with Lambert Pawn, you can rest assured that your transactions are safe and confidential. We value the trust that our clients place in us and safeguard their information and assets with utmost care and responsibility. Your valuables are safe with us. Lambert Pawn maintains secure storage facilities, carefully preserving pawned items until the loan is repaid. This provides peace of mind for our clients, knowing their possessions are in safe hands.
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No Credit Checks or Employment Verification
One of the distinct advantages of pawning with Lambert Pawn is that we don’t require credit checks or employment verification. We understand that everyone has different circumstances and are here to help, not judge. This makes the pawning process hassle-free, accessible, and more convenient than other lending options. At Lambert Pawn, we believe in financial inclusivity. Regardless of your credit score or employment status, we offer an accessible platform for securing funds.
Additional Services and Special Offers
Lambert Pawn isn’t just your average pawn shop; we offer a plethora of additional services tailored to cater to a wide range of customer needs. From buying and selling various high-quality items to providing consultations on the value of your assets, we’re committed to providing a comprehensive, one-stop solution for all your pawning needs.
Lambert Pawn consistently strives to provide value-added services to our customers, including rolling out exciting promotions and discounts. We have a robust loyalty program to reward our returning customers, ensuring they enjoy more benefits each time they choose us for their pawning needs. In addition to our vast array of services and special offers, Lambert Pawn goes above and beyond to serve our customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lambert Pawn is an exemplary model in the pawnshop industry. From our easy and convenient pawning process to the wide range of items we accept for pawning, we make it as simple as possible for you to access instant cash. Our dedicated team ensures a personalized, supportive service every step of the way, and our commitment to secure transactions assures your peace of mind. With competitive loan rates, flexible repayment options, and an extended redemption period, Lambert Pawn provides an unmatched pawning experience.

July 10, 2023
Most Popular Items to Pawn
Pawn shops have a lot of stigmas attached to them that aren’t true. One of them that we find fairly comical is that the only items you can pawn are invaluable, rare antiques. Often when people are considering getting quick access to cash via a pawn loan, they think that they need to scrounge through their grandma’s attic to find a long-lost rare piece of art. We find a lot of people shoot down the idea of pawning because they almost immediately assume that they don’t have anything a pawn shop would be interested.

Here’s the truth of why this is such a painful misconception to the rest of us in the pawn industry: we don’t routinely have customers enter our doors with a personally signed portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Nor do our customers often negotiate a loan with us on an original American flag sewn by Betsy Ross herself. We don’t expect to see items like this in our stores every day, or to be quite frank, ever.

Most Popular Items to Pawn

Most folks bring normal, everyday, high-value items in exchange for a quick loan. Items that most of us have in our homes. If you are a typical, hardworking person who was lucky if their grandparents left them a portion of their hard-earned savings, this post is for you. Let’s take a look at the most popular, everyday items that are used as collateral for pawn loans.

Pawn Electronics

Smartphones? Laptops? Flat screen TVs? If your electronics are in working condition, don’t write them off as useless. Even if they have minor cosmetic damage. They are a popular pawn item.

Pawn Jewelry

Gold, silver, diamonds, gemstones? They don’t have to be vintage or even pretty. When it comes to jewelry, it’s not the design but the material that creates the item’s value.
- Disclaimer: A lot of pawn blogs will say that luxury watches are one of the most popular items to pawn. And they are, if you own a luxury watch. But luxury watches aren’t nearly as common as other types of jewelry.
Pawn Firearms

Hunters rejoice! Firearms are one of the most popular items pawn shops will agree to a deal on. Trust us, it DOES NOT have to be a rifle from the Civil War. New/old, pistol/rifle, accessories/no accessories – it doesn’t matter. If your firearm is in working condition and clean, you will not have a problem making a pawn deal.

Pawn Power Tools

Yep, tools. Particularly power tools can earn you a hefty amount of collateral. If you have a box of tax returns sitting on top of the table saw that you thought you’d use to make a treehouse for your kids, you have an item that you can pawn.

Let go of the idea that you have nothing that a pawn shop would be interested in. Also maybe turn off the TV and stop watching all of those reality pawn shows. You live in the real real world and so do we. Which means, we are interested in your everyday items.

P.S. If you do happen to have a signed portrait of Abraham Lincoln or a flag sewn by Betsy Ross, we’d love to make you an offer.
September 7, 2018
History of Hong Kong Pawn

Pawn shops have a long and robust history throughout the world. One of the longest-running pawn civilizations is that of Hong Kong. Dating back to 3,000 years, Buddhist monks began the first ever recorded pawn and trade operation when they began granting loans to peasants while holding common household goods as collateral. The world took note of this brilliant business model and soon western civilizations like Greece and Rome were implementing pawn loans to provide a way for the lower class entrepreneurs to build their small business dreams.

The History of Hong Kong Pawn

Unfortunately over the years, the unregulated industry allowed seedy and/or illegal activities to take place undetected, earning the industry a negative reputation in most western civilizations.

However in Eastern civilizations such as Hong Kong, pawn shops have continued to be pillars of their communities. The positive intentions of the Buddhist monasteries stayed with the business model for generations to come, creating a rich tradition. A government-regulated industry since 1926, there are now more than 250 pawn shops in Hong Kong. The law limits the amount of interest a shop can charge to 3.5% per month and limits the overall loan amount to $100,000 HK.

Eastern and Western pawn shops have much in common aside from their reputations within their communities. The business model itself is the same on both sides and the intentions of their customers remain the same. Shops in Hong Kong required collateral from their loan customers the same as in the US. And if the loan customer fails to pay back the amount of the loan, they lose their collateral. Customers are often folks who are interested in quick access to cash. Whether to finance an investment or payoff another loan, customers on both sides of the world find the pawn loan process much easier than dealing with the bureaucracy of being approved for other institutional loans.

What is really interesting is the trend both Eastern and Western pawn industries are currently experiencing of high-net worth pawning. If you read our previous article on Luxury Pawn shops, you know that the number of individuals with large amounts of capital, or the capability of producing large amounts of capital, is rapidly increasing. Turns out that high net-worth individuals across the world are recognizing the exponential benefits of using pawn loans over traditional business loans. The only differentiator between the East and West here is the low loan limit the Hong Kong government sets on their loan amounts.

So why do such identical industries have such different reputations across the globe? There is speculation that the 19^th century boom of pawn brokers across Britain sparked industry competition that granted loans on practically anything (like bed linens). Taking into consideration that the industry was unregulated and there were no paper trails, pawn brokers could (and would) change the loan terms on borrowers at will. Whereas on the Eastern hemisphere, pawn brokers have always been viewed as part of a rich tradition that others in the community adore and value. In fact, when the infant mortality rate in Hong Kong was at a critical level, parents would choose their local pawn broker to serve as godparent to their child because they were viewed as an auspicious person and would bring good fortune to the infant.

If you are considering pawning one of your belongings or simply visiting us to see what is available for sale, please stop in at 14158A Lambert Rd in Whittier.

June 25, 2018
Luxury Pawn Shops

Most of us common folks can relate to the expression ‘“cash poor”, but when you think of what being cash poor looks like, you probably don’t envision Rolex watches and Ferraris. However, that is exactly what cash poor looks like in the world of luxury pawning.

In a world where individuals have a high number of assets but a low amount of cash on hand, there is often a need for quick access to capital. Business loans can take several months to be approved, so what do you do if you need liquid cash to buy necessary inventory for your business TODAY? Well, it turns out that some of the wealthiest among us can simply put up their Picasso or Aston Martin for pawn with a luxury pawn broker.

Luxury Pawn Shops

Luxury pawn shops specialize in high-value asset pawn loans. Meaning, they don’t deal with your run-of-the-mill pawn loans for fine jewelry or electronics. These pawn loans average $15K, but can range anywhere from $1,000 to 2 million dollars.

So why would someone risk losing their precious Harry Winston diamond for quick cash? Well, the approval process for a pawn loan is a lot easier and faster than other types of loans. Since the borrower is putting up an item as collateral for the loan, a credit check is often not necessary. The interest rates are higher than some other loan options but they are also short-term loans, which means that typically the borrower has the expectation that they will be able to pay the loan off fairly quick. It’s hard to wrap your head around paying off a $1.2 million loan in 60 days, but for some people, that kind of cash flow exists!

High net-worth individuals also find that managing these transactions are actually quite easy. The loan format stays the same, where the lender offers a cash loan for an item of value. If the borrower accepts the loan terms, they hand over the high value item until the loan is paid in full. If the borrower fails to pay back the loan, the lender receives ownership of the asset.

Simple enough?

It gets better.

Luxury pawn stores offer the capability to manage their loans online and even the transit of their high-value items. Individuals not near a high-end pawn store can ship their asset to a broker securely and receive their cash the next day. When the loan is paid in full, the asset is shipped back.

It is an understatement to say that luxury pawning is a completely different ball-game. Ninety percent of borrowers are looking for loans to finance business dealings. The typical luxury pawn borrower will take out an average of 4 loans. These customers appreciate the ease and speed of pawn loans compared to other business loans and often times have no concern with their ability to earn their asset back.

June 4, 2018
4 Reasons to Shop eBay for Pawn Items

It is no secret that the retail industry has become a slave to consumer demands for online purchasing. More retailers are developing an online presence in addition to their brick and mortar store due to customers wanting to research and shop from the comfort of their homes. Some would argue that finding unique, valuable items online for a great price is near impossible. Some might even say that you’d be better off visiting your local pawn shop to find items that fit that description. Shockingly, although we would love to see you in our store, we would argue that unique items and great deals can be found online. That’s why we have our own eBay store in addition to our brick and mortar location in Whittier.

Many folks who frequent our shop or pawn shops around the country are folks looking for unique items at a great price. Folks who enjoy haggling and walking away feeling as though they got a steal. Luckily, pawn shop store fronts are not the only place folks like you and I can find something truly of value and walk away feeling like we found the bargain of a lifetime. eBay offers that same opportunity for folks to find that unique item they’ve been hunting for with an added touch of convenience. Some of our best customers are people we’ve never met in person but have made deals with time and time again using eBay as our trusted host.

Many still think of eBay as the place people go to sell their great-grandmother’s old lamps. And we’ll be honest, it can be.

However, the majority of active sellers on eBay are small business storefront owners supplementing their in-store sales with online ones on a marketplace that’s safe, fair and easy-to-use for all involved. If you haven’t purchased or browsed eBay recently, here is our list of top reasons why you should give it a try.

4 Reasons to Shop eBay for Pawn Items

Shop eBay for Price

eBay is known for its auction-based sales. Consumers have a certain amount of time to bid on an item before the auction closes and often, the selling price is well below retail price. You can set your bid to automatically stop when the auction reaches your financial limit without you even lifting a finger. We’ll also add in that the selling fees on eBay are around 5% less than the selling fees on Amazon, making for an all around better price.

Shop eBay for Convenience

There’s not much to explain here. You find a thing, you like the thing, you buy the thing, the thing shows up on your doorstep in a few days. It’s basically magic.

Shop eBay for Confidence

eBay was founded in 1995. How many of you even had internet in 1995? Exactly. It’s fair to say that the company has had a lot of time to work out the kinks in their Auction Web. They have a fully vetted program to recognize and deal with shady buyers and sellers alike. Once a purchase is made, eBay is mainly a silent partner in the transaction. However, if things go south, they are ready and available to assist.

Shop eBay for Options

If you had to guess, how many merchants have listings right now on eBay for the iPhone X? Literally thousands of merchants are on eBay right now trying to sell you an iPhone X. On the other hand, I guarantee you the Apple website has one price.

One.

Can you negotiate? No, of course not.

No doubt, if you’re reading this post you’ve made an online purchase at some point, if not several (or several hundred). Have you shopped eBay?

February 12, 2018
What TV Doesn’t Tell You about Pawn Shops

In the last ten years, a tide has shifted in the pawn shop industry. Or rather, in the way the pawn shop industry is viewed. In 2009, a reality show called, “Pawn Stars” debuted on the History Channel. It quickly became a fan favorite and is still on the air today despite the flurry of knock-off shows that have tried to compete with the show’s ratings (e.g. Hardcore Money, Hardcore Pawn, Beverly Hills Pawn, etc.).

Thanks to shows like Pawn Stars, people who have never visited a pawn shop in their life have been given access to the inner workings of a real-life pawn shop in Las Vegas, NV.

Or have they?

Most reasonable people assume that what they see on reality TV shows is either scripted or at the very least, well-polished. Do pawn shops really haggle over civil war rifles and Paul Revere’s silver spoon every day? No! In fact, if you were to video the day-in, day-out activities of a pawn shop, it would most likely put you to sleep. Nevertheless, it is fun to watch.

We thought we would share some insider information on how shows like Pawn Stars make it happen behind the scenes.

What TV Doesn’t Tell You about Pawn Shops

Pawn Sellers Are Pre-Approved

Producers of the show vet potential sellers and their items before they ever walk into the store. Given that the most common items in pawn shops are used electronics, tools and musical instruments, you should not be surprised to hear that the undeniably rare items that are brought into the Pawn Star shop are pre-arranged beforehand.

Everyone Gets Coached

It doesn’t matter how cool or rare an item is; if the seller is awkward on camera, it’s not good TV. That’s why producers coach the sellers on how to act during their interaction with the Pawn Star cast.

Coaching doesn’t stop there, either. The cast is also “coached” with information about the item they are discussing with a seller. Ever wonder how in the world they know so much about so much? Well, they don’t.

No Negotiation

The agreed upon sale price for the pawned item is determined before filming. Hope that doesn’t break your heart, but the logic makes sense. A lot of people want to be on TV.

If the producers assumed that every seller would be willing to sell their item to the pawn shop for a reasonable price, they would waste a lot of time.

Pawn Shops Are Not That Busy

It is true that the Pawn Stars shop has become a tourist attraction in Las Vegas, but all those people in the busy background of the show are not tourists or customers! They may be fans of the show, but they have all been selected to be in the background and have signed waivers to be on film.

While there is a lot that goes into a show like Pawn Stars that isn’t quite “reality”, we are still thankful for the success it’s had. Not only did it help bring pawn shops into the spotlight of American culture for good reasons, but it also extended a bridge to those people who had never even considered stepping into a store.

January 22, 2018
Pawning Vinyl Records

Sometimes old things become cool again, and just like Betty White, beards, and bell-bottoms, vinyl records are back. In fact, for the past 10 years, the sale of vinyl records is up 28%! One argument for the rise in vinyl sales is that the sound quality of a record dominates pretty much any other form of listening available. Others argue that the rising trend of vinyl records is influenced by the nostalgia it offers for some of the music icons that have recently passed such as David Bowie, Prince, and even George Michael. Another argument for vinyl records is quite simply, the “retro-cool” factor.

If you have a stash of vinyl records from your youth hidden away, you may be sitting on some cash. But before you get too excited thinking you can retire early, there are a few things you need to know about vinyl records.

3 Tips for Pawning Vinyl Records

First, many vinyl records had several different releases with different imprints or album covers. Depending on which version of the record you own, you could sell it for a few bucks or several hundred dollars. For example, there are at least 24 versions of The Beatles record “Yesterday and Today”, and there is a wide range of value depending on which of the 24 versions you own.

You also need to be honest about the records you have. Just like with today’s music, there were tons of releases every year in the 60’s and 70’s. Maybe you didn’t have great taste in your 20’s (or 30’s or 40’s). If no one else listened to your music 40 years ago, no one is going to want to listen to it today either. For your record to be worth anything, it must be something that was and, is popular, and is in good condition.

Lastly, it is important that you don’t assume your newer vinyl record is worthless; in fact, just the opposite may be true. Vinyl albums have become so popular that some artists are releasing vinyl records in limited amounts. The fact that they are releasing vinyl in limited amounts makes the records rare and therefore, usually worth a decent amount of money.

If you are interested in pawning or selling your vinyl records, you will need to do some research. An easy place to start is by researching historical rates of the same or similar records on sites like Discogs, Ebay and Amazon. If you are concerned about the imprint or version of the record you have, you can use things like catalogue numbers, label names, and the etchings found in the runout groove to verify which release you own.

It also important to use some common sense when pawning or selling your records. Things like making sure the record still plays and/or isn’t scratched is an important step before heading to your local pawn shop. Having the original album cover will help increase the worth of the record, too. However, having a missing or damaged cover does not automatically rule out a sale, depending on the record itself.

September 11, 2017
4 Warning Signs of a Bad Pawn Shop

Contrary to a popular-but-outdated belief, pawn shops are not interested in buying your stolen goods. A pawn shop’s long-term success relies on its repeat customers, which means its reputation can make or break its business. If you’ve read about the benefits of buying or selling through a pawn shop and want to be sure to choose a reputable pawn broker for your first (or next) deal, we have a few guidelines for you below.

4 Warning Signs of a Bad Pawn Shop

Their license isn’t current All pawn shops are regulated through their respective state governments. Ask the pawn shop to see a copy of their license at your next visit. If they refuse or show you an expired license, take your business elsewhere.

They don’t ask questions A pawn shop will ask a variety of qualifying questions to ensure that the individual selling an item is, in fact, the owner of the item. If you have tried to sell an item or overhear another individual selling an item, and the shop representative asks little to no questions, you have good reason to be concerned.

There is not a lot of variety Most reputable shops will have a wide variety of items in their store such as but not limited to: jewelry, tools, art, and electronics. If you walk into a shop that only has electronics to sell, it may be a good indicator to take your business elsewhere.

Better Business Bureau Just like you would with any other type of business you are considering doing business with, be sure to do some research before you even leave your home and look the shop up on the Better Business Bureau’s website. If you see that multiple reports have been made against the shop, don’t even bother going to the store.

The truth about stolen goods and pawn shops is that most criminals would rather sell their items online or on the streets to avoid being caught. However, as you would find in any industry, there are some bad seeds out there. Know what to look for before making your purchase and always trust your instincts.

June 12, 2017