When you’re short on money and hoping to pawn something to fill the gap, at first, it seems hard to choose. However, there are certain things most pawn shops always want, including quality watches. At Cash Express, we review watches when they come in and come up with an appraisal.

The Appraising Proces

The checklist for watches being considered for pawning goes something like this:

1. Reputation: Brand matters. Well-known brands with a good reputation retain their value better than other watches. Think Omega, Rolex, and Tag Heuer, for example. If the piece is in good condition, the pawn value improves.

2. Quality: Speaking of condition, if your watch works well and shows little signs of wear and tear, it’s great. If you have the box and original papers to prove provenance, the price it can fetch is even higher.

3. Limited editions. At Cash Express, our appraisers consider the rarity of a piece. Watches with unique features are more desirable. Many antiques have that little extra something that makes them special.

4. All that glitters: If your watch has gemstones (diamonds, rubies, sapphire, etc) or it was made with metals like platinum or gold, those features improve the value. Metals, for example, can be reviewed for current market value.

5. Proper service and maintenance: If you have your records of maintenance on your watch, bring them with you. 

Then, of course, there’s market demand. Like fashion, one year, a specific watch will be a “hot” commodity, and another year not so much so. If you have a popular watch, it will help you at the pawn store.

What Does Your Broker Want?

It’s worth making a call to individual pawnshops to see what they’re currently buying. It will save you a lot of time. It’s also worth taking time to educate yourself about your watch so you get a feel for how it’s selling elsewhere.

As an aside, you do not have to sell your watch out-right. Rather, you can use it for collateral to help with short-term financial struggles and pay it back over the allotted time. There are no special credit checks, making things go much more quickly.

Examples of Popular Watches for Pawning

• Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: This watch falls into the luxury sports category. It’s become iconic.

• Breitling Navitimer: The legendary design of the Breitling has an aviation inspiration (chronographs). It’s considered a watch that lasts. 

• Omega Speedmaster Professional: Omega became a star when it was the first watch worn on the moon. Its historical importance makes an impact on buyers.

• Patek Philippe Nautilus: If you’re looking for amazing craftsmanship, Patek Philippe never fails. The Nautilus is elegant and sophisticated and has a porthole shape for those who love the high seas!

• Rolex Submariner: In the world of watches, Rolex is a name everyone recognizes. It was built to last, with a timeless design.

• TAG Heuer Carrera: This is another sporty watch, with ties to motorsports. The basic design is a classic.

About Cash Express

There is a reason that Cash Express is the number one pawnbroker in Philadelphia. One of our specialties is high-end watches. We have an online contact form you can fill out to find out if your property is something we’re looking for right now (saves you a trip). You can also email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or call our office at 215-922-1560.

We look forward to serving you.

There is no definitive answer, as if you can sell clothing to pawn shops. Some places won’t even look at clothing because it takes up a lot of inventory room. Plus, the condition of clothing must be prime, and, if possible, a name brand.

At Cash Express, our experience indicates that, unlike jewelry and tools, clothes can take a long time to sell. Clothing styles change in the blink of an eye. Assessing clothing also proves challenging based on wear and tear.

Don’t be wholly discouraged. You can sell clothing to some pawn shops successfully. In some instances, it can be a great way to clean out your closet and get some extra cash.

What Pawn Shops Don’t Want in Clothing. 

In order to sell clothing to pawn shops successfully, it helps to know some of the key reasons the establishment might say “no.”

1. Very specific sizes or styles. These have limited resale value. 

2. Condition. While you might think a piece looks great, pawnbrokers have keen eyes. They look for seam issues, stains, and other signs of heavy use to determine whether they’ll buy an item.

3. Seasonal Items: Pawnbrokers will rarely buy winter items in spring. The demand is low. So sort your items by season before you try to sell.

4. Knockoffs: When you’re selling high-end, designer pieces, there’s always caution. The shop needs to authenticate the piece and make sure it’s not counterfeit. If you have any documents supporting the validity of the clothing, bring them. Providence at Cash Express matters and can increase the value of your item.

5. Space constraints: Pawn shops won’t usually just grab up a bundle of pieces. They opt for items that, in their experience, will sell well (and quickly).

6. Clothing types: Pawn shops are on the lookout for designer pieces. But like any other piece, they review the clothing’s condition and then consider it based on their target market. 

How to Sell Clothing to Pawn Shops Successfully

So what DO pawn shops accept in the way of clothing based on their target market? 

1. Gently used pieces

2. Designer Clothing

3. High-end wardrobe accessories

Look at your clothing with a discerning eye. Think like another person might if they were looking at the item. If you can put yourself in those shoes, you make better choices about what to pawn. 

Pawning vs. Selling

The only real reason to pawn your clothing is if you don’t mind not having the item for a while and you’re looking for fast cash that you can repay in a specific amount of time. With your wardrobe, outright selling might be the best idea. The only downfall here is that you may receive a lower amount than pawning. 

Tip: Avoid pawning or selling items with sentimental value. You may regret this decision in the future.

Contacting Cash Express

If you are uncertain whether or not we are taking specific items, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can give you our requirements and let you know if we might be interested in seeing the piece(s). Our telephone number is 215-922-1560. 

You can also email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com or use our online contact form to find out if your property is something we’re looking for right now or to ask questions. Our trained staff is ready and happy to be of service.