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Buying, Selling, and Pawning an Apple Watch at Your Local Pawnshop

Buying, Selling, and Pawning an Apple Watch at Your Local Pawnshop

by | Mar 21, 2021 | Blog

In a very short amount of time, Apple watches have gone from fashion statements to a must-have for many people. They can perform numerous vital functions, and many depend on them to stay in touch, monitor their health, and, of course, tell accurate time. However, the hefty price tag on brand-new Apple watches is still a concern for many people interested in obtaining one. If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering where to get a great deal on a like-new Apple watch or where to get the most amount of money if you have one that you want to sell. At Central Mega Pawn, we aim to help our community, so we have compiled a guide to buying, selling, or pawning an Apple watch at your local pawnshop:

Buying an Apple watch

Your local pawn shop is an excellent place to save money on all kinds of goods, from electronics to jewelry. Apple watches are no exception! When you buy an Apple watch from your local pawnbroker, you avoid retail mark up and will not have to deal with shipping or unscrupulous sellers. That said, it is still up to you, the buyer, to do your due diligence when shopping for an Apple watch. Here are some ways to ensure that you are buying an authentic Apple watch in top condition:

  • Confirm it is the model series you want – Apple watches have made great leaps and bounds in sophistication since they came out in 2014. However, their general look and style have remained relatively consistent. Therefore, it can be easy to accidentally buy the wrong model if it is not clearly labeled.
  • Make sure the watch can pair with your iPhone – your local pawnbroker will have done everything necessary to ensure that the Apple watch has been disconnected from its previous owner’s accounts. Still, you should confirm that your phone is compatible with the watch.
  • Pay more attention to the face than the straps – the straps on an Apple Watch can be changed easily and economically changed to fit your tastes. The face, on the other hand, cannot.
  • Do your homework – before you visit your local pawnshop to look for your Apple watch, research the current market value for the model that you want. You can get a general idea of the cost by researching recent sales on auction or person-to-person sales apps. This information will give you an idea of your budget and help you recognize a fair price when you see it.

Selling your Apple watch

If it is time to say goodbye to your Apple Watch, you have many options of places and methods to sell it. However, before you post it online or on a person-to-person sales app, you should consider selling it to your local pawnshop. Selling your Apple watch at a pawn shop will take all the headache out of trying to sell it through other ways, and you will get cash in hand in minutes. There’s no waiting for payments to clear or dealing with demanding buyers. Here’s how to get the most for your Apple watch at your local pawnshop:

  • Unpair your watch and reset it to factory settings – don’t make the common mistake of erasing your watch and thinking it is ready to go. Here’s how to unpair and reset:
        • 1. With your watch nearby, open the “Apple Watch” app on your phone
        2. Tap “My Watch” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the name of your watch near the top of the screen
        3. Tap the little “i” icon to the right of your watch name, then tap “Unpair Apple watch”. The app will walk you through the rest of the process.
  • Gather up any original packaging and peripherals – you will command a better price if you can offer your pawnbroker the original box, charging dock, and paperwork. And, if you happen to have extra straps or any other accessories, include those as well.
  • Do your homework – look up completed sales or auctions for your model of Apple watch. This will give you an idea of how much you can expect. However, keep in mind that your local pawn shop is a business and must profit on everything they sell. Expect around 40-60% of the current value.
  • Don’t wait! – to get the most for your Apple Watch, keep in mind that new models come out very often. Every time a new model comes out, the value of previous models goes down a little more.

Pawning your Apple watch

Your Apple watch can be a lifeline if you need a small, safe, and convenient cash loan. Pawn loans are smart alternatives to other forms of cash loans, such as payday advances or advances on a credit card. The guidelines for pawning an Apple watch are similar to selling, with the following additions:

  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate – unlike all other forms of reselling your Apple watch, your local pawnbroker has room to negotiate on price, or even loan terms, in some cases. However, we understand that negotiating is something that many people shy away from, which is why we created a handy guide to negotiating at your local pawnshop, available here.
  • Don’t be afraid to walk out – if you cannot reach terms that work for both sides of the transaction, or if you feel that you are being pressured to sell or accept a price, don’t be afraid to walk out and try another shop! Any pawnshop worth your business will not pressure you, and you can easily find another shop who will treat you with respect.
  • Pay your loan on time – if you want your Apple watch back after you have repaid your loan, be sure to make payments on time and that you carefully read the terms of your loan.

As you can see, your local pawnshop offers outstanding flexibility when it comes to buying, selling, or pawning an Apple watch. If you live in the Inland Empire or any of the surrounding communities, visit us today to see how we can help you get the most for your Apple watch!

Gold Jewelry vs. Platinum Jewelry: Which is Right for You?

Gold Jewelry vs. Platinum Jewelry: Which is Right for You?

by | Mar 5, 2021 | Blog

Deciding between gold and platinum jewelry can be a tough decision. Both are beautiful, durable, and, in many cases, the differences between them can be hard to spot. However, looking a little deeper will reveal that they are actually very different. Because of this, when you are deciding between gold jewelry and platinum jewelry, you have many things to consider.

At Central Mega Pawn, we always want to help our customers make the best decisions possible! To that end, we not only have an in-house jeweler on staff, but we also educate ourselves on the differences between the precious metals. And we are now proud to present this handy guide that we have compiled to help you determine which is the right choice for you: gold jewelry or platinum jewelry? Keep reading to learn some of the most significant differences that will help you make your decision.

Care and maintenance

People often assume that gold and platinum jewelry require the same long-term care because of how similar pieces look at the purchase time. However, this is not true!

Gold is a beautiful, precious metal and is often treasured by people who own gold jewelry. But, especially in regard to white gold, the aging process must be taken into consideration. White gold is actually a mixture of gold and other precious metals, such as silver or nickel. Then, it is rhodium plated to make it look whiter and give it that fantastic mirror finish.

Over time, and with consistent wear, the plating will wear off, and the piece’s natural yellowish color will emerge. To restore it to its original shine, you would need to take it to a jeweler to redo the rhodium plating. Depending on how often you wear the item, caring for it may be considered something of a commitment.

Platinum, meanwhile, ages somewhat differently due to its purity. Unlike gold, it will not turn yellow. However, over time platinum jewelry will lose its shine and begin building a natural patina. Many collectors appreciate the patina, accentuating other aspects of the piece and showing wear that is unique to the wearer. To restore its finish, you would need to take it to a jeweler for a professional polish.

Lifespan

Another significant difference between gold and platinum that you should consider is durability and lifespan. Platinum is very hardy. It has been described as the most durable metal used in jewelry production. A significant factor in this durability is how differently platinum and gold handle wear like scratches.

When gold, especially white gold, becomes scratched, gold is actually lost from the item. Platinum, on the other hand, behaves differently. When platinum is scratched, no metal is lost. Instead, the metal is pushed around from one place on the item to another, which creates the patina so prized by many collectors. And, when a jeweler polishes it, the metal is pushed back into place and is like new once again.

So, if durability is a factor when you are looking to buy a fine piece of jewelry, platinum should be at the top of your list. Platinum jewelry can be handed down through generations and reconditioned over and over.

Available purity

Because gold is a soft metal, it is mixed with other metals, which form an alloy that makes it stronger. That is why you will find gold jewelry with a purity rating of below 18k. Any higher, and the jewelry would be incredibly soft and delicate—collectors who price high carat gold jewelry love how light it feels.

Platinum is the opposite. It is a solid and heavy metal when it is found in most jewelry and is the densest precious metal on the market. This gives it the heft and weight that jewelry fans either love or dislike. If a heavy ring sounds unappealing, platinum may not be the way to go.

Allergy concerns

When trying to decide which is better for you, platinum or gold, you will also want to think about possible allergic reactions. Many designers and retailers claim that their jewelry is hypoallergenic. However, because consumer gold is mixed with other metals, there is a chance of skin irritation and allergic reactions. In many cases, the only way to find out if there is an irritant is to wear it for a while and observe.

Platinum, meanwhile, is the actual only true hypoallergenic precious metal that you can buy because of its purity. Wearers who have sensitive skin may prefer platinum jewelry to be safe.

Budget

One of the most significant considerations when you are trying to decide between platinum and gold is the hit to your budget. In almost every case, platinum will be the more expensive option due to its rarity and purity. In fact, gold is mined far more than platinum. In 2018 alone, 3,332 tons of gold were mined, compared to 190 tons of platinum. This discrepancy in mining leads to high prices for platinum jewelry.

All of these factors, and more, can play a significant role in making the right decision for your needs. If you need further guidance, you have many options. If you have not already, your local pawn shop should be at the top of your list!

At Central Mega Pawn, we are uniquely qualified to help you decide which is better for you: gold or platinum? Not only do we have years of experience assisting people to find the right piece of jewelry for their needs, but we are also only one of a few pawnshops nationwide to have an in-house jeweler on staff.

When you need help deciding what kind of precious metal is the right choice for you, we can help you find it and also get it at a great price. If you live in or around the Inland Empire, visit us in person or online today, and let us show you why we are the area’s go-to resource for all your jewelry needs! We are your local jewelry experts.

Do Pawn Shops in Upland Buy Coins and Currency?

Do Pawn Shops in Upland Buy Coins and Currency?

by | Feb 20, 2021 | Blog

Upland is one of the Inland Empire’s best-kept secrets for buyers and sellers of all kinds of collectibles. As one of the area’s oldest established communities, it has long been home to a diverse group of collectors of all sorts, from antiques to baseball cards and everything in between. For today’s collectors, this means that when you need to sell your collectibles, Upland is full of resources.

Upland is also a neighbor to one of the Inland Empire’s most trusted pawn shops, Central Mega Pawn. For over twenty-five years, Central Mega Pawn has worked hard to earn the trust of collectors when they want to sell, buy, or pawn coins and currency. Keep reading to learn more about how pawn shops in and around Upland, including Central Mega Pawn, buy coins and currency.

Some basic considerations

First, let’s cover some basics of selling coins and currency. Maybe you have recently inherited or found a coin and currency collection and are unsure what to do. This is a very common situation that we often encounter at Central Mega Pawn.

Most people assume that coin and currency collections must have some value since these items are inherently currency and usually made of precious metals. And while this is true, not every coin will be an in-demand item at all pawn shops. The reasons why a pawn shop will not accept coins and currency varies.

Lastly, keep in mind that not all pawn shops are created equal. They are as unique as the people running them, so be sure to do your research. Not every pawn shop will buy coins and currency for various reasons; some are unable to verify if a coin or note is authentic and will not take the risk of trying to resell illegitimate merchandise. Others might already have a healthy stock of coins and currency and cannot take on more coins until they sell existing stock.

Selling coins and currency at your local Upland pawnshop

When you are ready to sell your coins and currency to your local Upland pawn shop, you are in luck: you do not have to do too much to get them ready to sell! Unlike many other items, where the condition is a significant aspect of its appeal, most coins and currency are expected to show some wear and tear. The only main exception would be uncirculated coins or paper notes. Uncirculated coins or currency are expected to be free of scratches or other signs of wear and will get the highest offers.

However, it would be best if you still made the collection as presentable as possible. Scratched or dirty holders or display pages do not create a favorable impression. It may be worthwhile to purchase new protective holders if the ones you currently have are damaged. Or, you may consider transferring the collection to a clean box or case.

Also, even if you do not know much about your coins’ history, such as their origin, be prepared to answer questions about how you obtained the coins or currency, or about the coins themselves. It is okay to say that you do not know; your pawnbroker needs as much information as possible in order to make you an offer. You can prepare yourself by doing a little homework. Search recently completed auctions on auction sites or numismatic collector’s websites and pay extra attention to any trends you notice about the price of precious metals or a recent increase in popularity.

When it comes time to discuss your offer, have realistic expectations. This is the point where your research will come in handy. The more knowledgeable you are, the better able you will be to recognize a fair offer when your pawnbroker makes one. All too often, sellers expect full market value for their coins and currency and even some beyond that.

The truth of the matter is that except for very valuable and rare coins, most pawn shops that buy coins and currency in Upland and elsewhere will not be able to offer you the full value of the coins. In fact, most will likely offer around the price of melt. Rest assured that when you work with Central Mega Pawn, we will do everything we can to get you the best price possible, but keep in mind that we are also a business and must keep our doors open to continue serving our community.

Why sell your coins and currency at Central Mega Pawn?

You have lots of options when it comes time to sell your coin and currency collection. Unlike other selling methods, such as through auction houses or auction sites that add on lots of fees and additional charges, you will get your full value in cash when you sell to your local pawn shop.

When you are looking for pawn shops in the Upland area to sell your coins and currency, it may quickly become overwhelming due to the sheer number of shops in the area. There are pawnshops in every neighborhood throughout the Upland community, so we understand that it may be a difficult choice. Nevertheless, here are only a few of the many reasons why you should choose Central Mega Pawn when you need to sell your coins or currency:

  • Our in-house expert – Central Mega Pawn is only one of a few pawnshops nationwide to have a full-time jeweler on hand. If you are wondering what a jeweler has to do with coins and currency, it’s actually pretty simple: in many cases, coins that are sold to pawn shops are melted down for the value of their metals. Our in-house jeweler can recognize the precious metals’ quality in your coins and make you the best offer possible.
  • Our history of trust – Central Mega Pawn has been serving the Inland Empire for over ten years. In that time, we have become a trusted resource for people all over Upland. Visit us today to quickly see why we are the pawnshop of choice for all your selling, buying, and pawning needs.
Buying and Selling Paintings & Other Works of Art at Your Local Pawn Shop

Buying and Selling Paintings & Other Works of Art at Your Local Pawn Shop

by | Feb 7, 2021 | Blog

It is a sad but true fact of our economy that many people part with non-essential items to get the cash they need when times are tough. For some, this means selling or pawning things like DVDs or other electronics, while for others, it means parting with works of art or entire art collections. Due to recent challenging economic times, many have turned to pawning their high-end works of art, including sculptures, lithographs, and drawings instead of sending them through auction-houses or galleries time-consuming and expensive for sellers.

Pawning works of art was mutually beneficial because collectors could quickly get the cash they needed, and pawn shops were able to expand their business into works of art. As a result, many pawnbrokers are now experienced art buyers and sellers. Some even now specialize in artwork. At Central Mega Pawn, we continue to receive beautiful works of art, including sculptures and drawings, thereby making collecting and enjoying art accessible to more people.

Thankfully, things are looking a little brighter financially. However, there are still plenty of collectible, investment-grade works of art to be found on the shelves of many pawnshops nationwide. At Central Mega Pawn, we invite you to search for your next (or first) piece of art in our shop.

If you are new to pawning or are surprised to learn that your local pawn shop buys, sells, and pawns works of art, keep reading to find a handy guide on buying, selling, or pawning works of art.

Buying works of art at your local pawnshop

Buying artwork at your local pawn shop is a lot like buying anything else – when you see something you like, you make an offer, then you have a reasonable amount of time to return it if you are unhappy with your purchase. But, when it comes to art, there are a handful of additional considerations you should take to ensure you are happy with your new works of art, including:

  • Know what you like – sometimes, a work of art speaks to you, and you feel like it belongs in your home. More often, however, it is a smart idea to figure out what kind of art you like. The best way to do that is to look at lots of art! Visit galleries, even virtually. Look up artists online and get a sense of what appeals to you. This will help you make wise decisions when it comes to buying and collecting art.
  • Set a budget – art is lovely, but it is not a necessity. To avoid spending more than you are comfortable with, make a budget and stick to it for each piece that you buy. That said, sometimes, a splurge is worth it for the right piece. Just try to avoid buyer’s remorse when it comes to art.
  • Carefully examine before you buy – this is one of the very many advantages to buying art from your local pawn shop. You are free to reasonably examine items before you purchase and to ask pertinent questions.

Selling works of art at your local pawnshop

If your goal is to get the most money for your works of art, be they sculptures, lithographs, drawings, or paintings, the right move for you is your local pawn shop. Selling your artwork to a pawn shop has many advantages over other methods of selling art, like auction houses, art galleries, or to private collectors. Here are just a few reasons why selling art at your local pawn shop is a good idea:

  • Expedited processes – when you work with a pawn shop to sell your works of art, you avoid the time-consuming process of having it appraised by full-time art dealers, then waiting for an auction house or gallery to schedule a sale for you. At your local pawn shop, you get your offer and cash in a matter of minutes.
  • Safety and convenience – most pawn shops, like Central Mega Pawn, take your safety and comfort seriously.
  • Flexibility to negotiate – when you sell works of art to your local pawn shop, you are welcomed to negotiate whenever possible. All that requires you is to know the value of your artwork and have realistic expectations.
  • Get more money for your artwork – selling your artwork through the traditional channels of auction houses or brokers can be expensive. You must pay fees at every step of the way, including a commission to the broker. When you sell your artwork to your local pawnshop, you avoid all those fees!

Keep in mind that your local pawnbroker may only be interested in one or a few pieces in your collection – this is because pawn shops must be discerning about every item they purchase or keep on their shelves. Demand may vary. You can always contact us to see if we would be interested in learning more or buying your art.

Pawning works of art at your local pawnshop

If you are not quite ready to part with your works of art but need a quick cash loan, a pawn shop is definitely the option for you. This is because pawn loans are collateral-based loans that do not affect your credit. When you use your artwork as collateral, you will get your items back once you repay your loan. In this way, your artwork can act as a proper investment.

Here are some general tips to help when you pawn your artwork, be it lithographs, sculptures, drawings, or any other form:

  • Research the value of your artwork – you can look at recent sales of similar pieces or inquire on message boards.
  • Have realistic expectations – pawn loans are generally around 40% – 50% of the appraised value.
  • Bring your pawnbroker any certifications – any information you can provide about your work’s provenance or authenticity will get you a higher offer.

You never know what kind of art you will find at your local pawn shop. One thing is for sure, though – when you find that perfect piece of art, you should buy it, if possible. Fantastic artwork that speaks to you is rare, and if Central Mega Pawn happens to be your local pawn shop, our great prices and reputation for outstanding customer service mean that items do not last long on our shelves. The next time you want to buy, sell, or pawn works of art, contact Central Mega Pawn – you will quickly learn why we are fast becoming the Inland Empire’s #1 resource for all your artwork needs!

Pawn Shops Vs. eBay: The Top 3 Reasons a Pawn Shop is Better

Pawn Shops Vs. eBay: The Top 3 Reasons a Pawn Shop is Better

by | Jan 20, 2021 | Blog

Since it first hit the internet in 1995 as “auction web,” eBay has grown to become one of the web’s most prominent websites. Each day, more than two billion transactions take place on the site. That is why, all these years later, it is understandable that when most people want to sell something from their home’s safety and comfort, or when they want to find a good deal, they think of eBay.

After all, in addition to the name recognition, eBay promises safe transactions and fair deals. But there are better alternatives out there that will help buyers and shoppers alike get great deals and get more for their money: their local pawn shop. Pawnshops exist in nearly every community worldwide and have been helping their neighbors buy and sell goods and obtain short-term credit for centuries.

Keep reading to find out more about why your local pawn shop is probably the better option for you, regardless of if you are buying or selling.

First: What you should know about pawn shops

If you have never worked with your local pawn shop, you might have outdated perceptions of pawnbrokers and what they do. Despite common depictions in film and television of pawnshops and pawnbrokers, most characterizations are inaccurate. Part of this inaccuracy may be because there are over 11,000 pawn shops across the country, serving over 30 million people annually. There is just no way to build a fair description of such a thriving industry. The truth is that your local pawn shop is likely a bright, clean space and staffed by friendly and helpful people.

Pawnshops work by selling used goods at reasonable prices and buying and pawning items of value from community members. When you bring an item to your local pawnbroker, you have two options: selling or pawning.

When you pawn, you are basically taking out a collateral loan against the value of your item. Your pawnbroker appraises your item and gives you a percentage of its worth in a loan. When you repay your loan, your item will be returned to you, and you can repeat the process if necessary. On the off chance that you do not repay your loan, your pawnshop keeps your item and resells it to recoup the loss. Your credit is not affected, and there are no further obligations.

Pawn loans are often a lifeline for the millions of traditionally unbanked Americans and allow them access to the cash they need without resorting to payday advance stores or bank loans, both of which are financially treacherous.

Meanwhile, when all you want to do is sell an item quickly, pawn shops offer huge convenience and safety. Unlike selling online, where you can encounter increasingly creative scammers, your pawn shop is a secure place to do fair business. No matter if you want to sell to clear out clutter or save for an upgrade, you can sell pretty much anything to your local pawnbroker.

Top three reason why buying is better at a pawnshop

  1. You can see your items before you buy – when you buy from a pawn shop like Azusa Pawn, you are welcome to examine any merchandise before you buy. When you buy on eBay, you are dependent on the quality of photos and the seller’s description.
  2. No shipping or handling fees – the days of free shipping on eBay are long gone. Many sellers these days must charge for shipping and handling, and in some cases, insurance. So, even if you manage to score a good deal on an item, you may wind up paying extra to cover shipping.
  3. No waiting – when you buy from a pawn shop, you get instant gratification. On eBay, sellers have up to a week in some cases to ship their item once you’ve paid, and then you must wait for it to arrive. When you buy from Azusa Pawn, you walk out with your item in minutes.

    4. Top three reasons why selling is better at a pawnshop

    1. You will not be slammed with fees at your local pawn shop! It is no secret anymore that eBay tends to be a more favorable place for buyers and not sellers. Sellers face lots of fees on everything from the final price of their sold item to including too many photos. In fact, in some circles, especially for those dealing with collectibles like baseball cards, the site is referred to as “fee-bay.”
    2. No wait – when you list an item on eBay, you are in for a long wait every step of the way. You must wait for your auction to end, then wait for the seller to complete payment, then wait for the item to be marked as received, and then wait even longer to get your money digitally transferred. Not to mention, you have yet another wait in store if you want to have cash in hand for your item, since you will need to transfer your money to your bank account, then go to your bank or an ATM to withdraw your cash. When you sell to a pawn shop, the entire transaction can take mere minutes. You will leave with money in hand without all the trouble of shipping and waiting.
    3. Much easier – when you sell on eBay, you have many hoops to jump through. After carefully researching your item’s value or similar items on the site, you will need to take, edit, and upload photos and then write a detailed description. And that’s just to get your item listed! Once it is active, you must manage your listing, answer questions, then finally pack and ship your item. Once it is out of your hands, it is up to the buyer to be honest and report your item as received and in good condition. For some, this can be a fun and rewarding experience, but when you want to sell your item quickly and get cash in hand in minutes, a pawn shop is a superior choice.

      4. At Azusa Pawn, we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-oriented operations. Pawnshops have been around for much longer than eBay, and we are proud to continue the tradition of helping our communities. Visit us online or in-person today to experience the difference!