Have you ever wondered why Philly residents skip the bank and head to the pawnshop for ready money? Let’s face it. There are times when situations arise and you find yourself with empty pockets. Now’s the time to get cash and ask questions later. 

In the Philly area, Cash Express is the number one pawnbroker you can come to for assistance. We’re always on the lookout for gems, watches, antiques, and precious metals. Furniture? Yep. Jewelry? In good condition, that too. Even items considered “costume jewelry” can have surprising value.

Up for Sale?

Some of the items you wish to pawn aren’t necessarily those you want to sell outright. That’s where a pawn shop becomes a tremendous ally. You can skip the tedious bank lending process and head to the pawn store to discuss your item’s value. Once you arrive, we can give you a fair estimate based on current trends, the brand name, and overall condition. Trade your item(s) in for a loan. Cash first; Questions later!

Okay, we’re really not going to keep you from asking questions. In fact, we encourage them. A pawnshop loan is not a traditional form of financing. Let’s take a closer look at a bank loan vs. quick cash at a pawn shop.

Skip the Bank and Head to the Pawn Shop

When you go to a bank for a loan, you must sign mounds of paperwork and present pertinent documents. And, of course, there’s the dreaded credit check. If you have poor credit, the bank might deny you outright or hike your interest rate. You have to wait for their response. In the meantime, you still have pressing issues.

At the Cash Express store, you can get the loan you require on the spot, the same day! Worried about your credit? Don’t be. There are no credit checks. A bad credit score has nothing to do with your loan; it only concerns your ability to repay the money within an agreed-upon timeframe.

When a Philadelphia Pawnshop Makes Sense

There are specific situations ideally suited to getting a pawnshop loan.

• Lack of a bank. If you don’t have an established bank account, borrowing traditionally will be difficult (and often frustrating). You don’t face that barrier at a pawnshop.

• You only need a small amount. No one wants to go through the hassle of getting a bank loan for a few hundred dollars. It doesn’t make sense. 

• Fast cash: When you need money quickly, pawning an item can be an ideal solution. Just make sure it’s not something with sentimental value in case you don’t repay the loan on time. At that point, unless you ask for an extension, the item becomes the shop's property to sell or use as they please.

• Bad or no credit. Building a credit rating from the ground up takes time you may not have. This is when Philly residents skip the bank and head to the pawn shop for help.

Of course, if you have no use for the item, you can sell it at Cash Express outright.

Pawning is Nothing New

Pawnshops have a history spanning 3,000 years, which is a pretty respectable resume. The staff at our Chestnut Street, Philadelphia store takes great pride in our trade, focused on excellent customer satisfaction. Let us help you, too!

Give our office a call at 215-922-1560.

Alternatively, use our online contact form or email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com

It’s time to clean out the cellar or attic. You start finding all kinds of electronic items you’d totally forgotten about. Don’t start tossing them in a garbage bag! When you find out what your old electronics could be worth today, you might be shocked! And you’re not alone. At Cash Express, people come in daily with old devices that were just collecting dust. 

Declutter, Make Money, Exchange or Shop!

Selling old gadgets is one way of recycling and adding extra cash to your budget. The range of items having resale value is pretty extensive. The ones fetching the highest prices are (a) in good condition, (b) have paperwork or original boxes, and (c) have nostalgic or historical value. 

5 Items: Trash to Treasure

Here is a brief list of items you may have that Cash Express would love to review and appraise.

Apple Lisa

If you have one of these, hold on tight. This is a rare find that is significant to computer development history. With a mouse and printer, you’re looking at a couple of thousand dollars, depending on condition..

Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 is the proverbial gold standard in gaming computers. It provided an experience well above competitors. Couple it with games like Pong and Pac-Man, and you have a match made in heaven. Find one in original packaging and you can pocket over  $1,000.

Commodore 64

A home computer offering great graphics and sound, Commodore settled in as a very popular system by the late 1980s. You couldn’t beat the price of around $250.00. A decent unit now sells for slightly under that price, but you can still fetch $100 or more depending on accessories.

Polaroid Cameras

In the late 1940s, Polaroid made a name for itself with cameras that produced photos instantly. Later, between 1970 and 1980, photographers sometimes used them for a soft-focus effect. An original, vintage camera can sell for over $1,000, and some far more.

Sony Walkman

Music you take with you. The Sony Walkman entered the market in 1979 and quickly integrated into pop culture. Collectors watch for these all the time. Yours may be worth several hundred dollars or more.

These are just five of the goodies you might find. 

What Else to Keep Your Eyes Open For

In considering what your old electronics might be worth today, some other hot items are on many buyers’ lists. They include:

• Apple IPhone (Original)

• Ipods (First edition)

• NES Systems: refurbished or limited editions

• Nintendo Game Boy: Original units (excellent if still working!)

• Nokia 3310 (unopened is best)

• Rotary phones

• Smart watches

• Speak & Spell (Texas Instruments)

• Tamagotchi, first edition (rare, unused, or original)

Determining Value

At Cash Express, we consider several things when we offer you a price. Condition is a biggie. Clean, unbroken, and with an original package sets the stage for higher value. Then there’s rarity and popularity. The harder it is to find a collectible, the more buyers will pay. Think popular limited editions with recognizable names.

If you’d like to learn more about what your old electronics might be worth, get in touch! Call our Philadelphia office at 215-922-1560. Use our online contact form, or email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com. We have a knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer your questions.