When you’re looking for deals and unique items, going pawn shop shopping is a great option. But how does the whole process work? Basically, a business buys a variety of goods that other people no longer need or want. At Cash Express, we carefully inspect items, looking for flaws and fakes. So, on our showroom floor, what you see is truly what you get. 

Know Before You Go

As a first-time buyer, if you already know what you want, it’s time to do some research. Check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, second-hand places, or other online sites that offer a variety of goods. This will give you a pretty good feel for average pricing. If you are having trouble locating something, it may be in high demand, meaning you’ll pay more for it.

Tips for Pawn Shop Shopping

Once you arrive at the store, there are specific things you want to do to ensure you get the best quality, best product, and best price. 

Step One: Careful Inspection

Look over your chosen item for any potential issues. Electronics shouldn’t have cracks or missing parts, and jewelry should have markings for gold or silver. Test anything that has to be plugged in or runs on batteries before you buy. Ask if there’s a return policy for the proverbial lemons. 

Step Two: Haggle

This can be fun. Say you are buying an antique. Make an offer that’s about 40 percent lower than the listed price. Base your offer on what you learned in your research. They may or may not accept. 

If the store owner is fixed on the price, see if you can get any extras instead. Also, let them know if you are paying in cash. In the pawn shop shopping throughout the industry, cash is king.

When you come to Cash Express, the prices are often lower when our inventory is high. Timing is everything. You can usually find more items around the holidays and at the end of the month.

Saying No

There is no rule saying you have to buy now (or even later). If you feel there’s an issue with your negotiations and the price is too high, walk away. Likewise, if you are concerned about an item and there’s no return policy, that might be a reason to say no.

Other Options

Go check out other stores. Look to see if you have anything hanging around that you might trade. Or, ask about layaway. 

In pawn shop shopping, the longer an item remains in a store, the more wiggle room there is on the price. So, if you say “no” now but come back in a month and it’s still there, you have more room for negotiations.

Retail Therapy at Cash Express

At Cash Express, we take great pride in our jewelry, watches, antiques, precious metals, and gems. The variety we offer is unparalleled. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to check our stock beforehand, use our online contact form, email info@pawnphiladephia.com, or call our office at 215-922-1560.

When you’re ready for the in-person visit, we’re located at 731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA.