fbpx
A Guide to Buying and Selling High-End Golf Clubs to a Pawn Shop

A Guide to Buying and Selling High-End Golf Clubs to a Pawn Shop

by | Dec 20, 2020 | Blog

To get the most out of golf’s challenging and incredible sport, it pays off to use high-end clubs. But, for most people, the upper class of clubs can quickly tally up to thousands of dollars. So, what’s a golf enthusiast to do when he or she wants the experience of using high-end clubs on the links without having to shell out top dollar?

Thankfully, there’s a solution found in almost every community in the country: the local pawn shop! Golf clubs are one of the most popular items found in pawnshops all over, which means that if you are looking for high-end clubs to buy, the chances are good that a pawn shop in your city has what you are looking for, without the high price tag. And, if you have clubs you no longer want or need, your local pawnbroker will likely be very interested in buying them from you at a fair price.

Why invest in high-end golf clubs?

First, let’s figure out exactly why a golfer should consider investing in high-end clubs in the first place. After all, the golf industry has expanded considerably in recent years and now offers clubs and supplies to fit almost every budget.

However, the adage still rings true: you get what you pay for. In most cases, there are advantages to higher-end clubs that will help you improve your golf game and make the game more enjoyable. Of course, even the most expensive clubs in the world will not magically reduce your handicap. And, if your clubs will only sit unused in a closet for most of the year, they will not do you any good.

Additionally, golfers usually take some amount of time to learn their preferences in clubs, such as types of shafts or grips. This knowledge only comes with experience, so if you are just starting in golf, or do not get to spend the amount of time it will take playing to figure out what you need in a set of clubs, high-end clubs may not be for you.

However, for everyone else, buying high-end golf clubs can provide the kind of enjoyment in golf that cannot be found any other way. This is because the most significant difference between high-end golf clubs and lower-end clubs is the quality of materials – this translates to improved and more consistent swings and club integrity that can last a lifetime.

Buying high-end golf clubs at a pawnshop

When you are ready to level up your golf game, it may be time to invest in high-end golf clubs. But, if you don’t have thousands of dollars to pour into the sport or want to try out life with high-end clubs before committing to getting a brand-new set or having a set customized for you, your local pawn shop is your best bet.

As we have mentioned, pawnshops all over the nation tend to have lots of golf clubs on hand to sell. This is good news if you are looking to buy because you will have many options, and they will likely be at competitive prices. If you have never considered a pawn shop as a resource for high-end golf clubs, here is a guide to help you get the most for your money.

Do your homework

There are countless choices available when it comes to golf clubs, but there are a few foundational things you can check for to make sure that you are getting the quality of club that you expect:

  • Material – High-end club heads should be made of or a combination of stainless steel, carbon steel, or titanium. Be wary of clubs made of zinc or an aluminum and steel composite, as these materials are typically not strong enough to withstand rigorous play for very long.
  • Study the brand’s manufacturing process – Most high-end brands have information available online or in pro shops about what makes their manufacturing process effective. For example, clubs that are produced by forging are usually much better quality than cast molded clubs.

Have realistic expectations

Once you have armed yourself with knowledge, your next step is to have realistic expectations of what you may find at your local pawn shop and for what kind of price. While you will find unbeatable prices on all sorts of goods at a pawn shop, your pawnbroker needs to make a profit on every item they sell to survive. High-end golf clubs are no exception. Expect to see prices about 40-60% of retail.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

One of the most significant advantages to buying high-end golf clubs at a pawn shop is that, unlike retail stores or pro shops, your pawnbroker has the flexibility to negotiate with serious buyers.

This is another place where your homework will come in handy. Knowing a fair price when you see one will help you make a deal with your pawnbroker that works for everyone. If you are hesitant to negotiate, we have compiled a handy guide to negotiating with your local pawn shop here.

Selling high-end golf clubs to a pawnshop

If you have high-end golf clubs to sell, your local pawn shop is an excellent resource. Selling to your local pawn shop is easier and faster than almost any other method. For example, many golfers choose to sell their clubs online, thinking that it will be easy and net them a fair price but fail to factor in shipping hassle and expense. At a pawn shop, on the other hand, you will get cash in hand for your high-end golf clubs in mere minutes.

Below are two factors that your pawnbroker will consider when determining your offer:

Brand

Your pawnbroker’s first consideration will the brand of your clubs. If you are selling a set of household name brand clubs, such as Callaway, Titleist, or Ping, you can expect a generous offer to start. Conversely, if you have clubs from brands considered to be the lower end, such as Wilson, your offer will likely not be very impressive.

Condition

While all pre-owned clubs will show some wear and tear, specific wear is more damaging to your offer than others. For example, if the grip on a club is torn or unusable, your pawnbroker will still be interested because it is easy to repair. On the other hand, if the club head is loose or damaged in a way that will make the club unusable, your pawnbroker will not be interested in it.

Other considerations

Generally speaking, pawnbrokers can make higher offers on complete sets, so if you have a full set of clubs with a golf bag and maybe other accouterments like tees or balls, that can increase your offer significantly.

Also, women’s golf clubs tend to get lower offers for the simple fact that there is usually less demand for them. But, as we mentioned before, if there is a demand for women’s clubs in your community, you may still get a good offer.

Lastly, clean your clubs as much as you can before bringing them to your local pawn shop. The more appealing you can make them look, the easier it will be for your pawnbroker to resell them, helping everyone involved.

As you can see, your local pawn shop is an ideal place to buy or sell high-end golf clubs. If you live in or near Southern California’s Inland Empire, Central Mega Pawn is your local resource for buying, selling, or pawning your high-end golf clubs. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Do Pawn Shops Buy and Sell Comic Books?

Do Pawn Shops Buy and Sell Comic Books?

by | Dec 6, 2020 | Blog

When it comes to buying and selling collectibles, few other items are as confusing as comic books. Regardless of if you are looking for a particular comic to add to your collection or gift to a fellow collector, or if you have comic books that you want to sell, you face a ton of options. One under-appreciated option right in your community may be your local pawnshop.

If you have reservations about buying or selling comic books at your local pawn shop, don’t worry! At Central Mega Pawn, we have lots of experience buying and selling comic books and are happy to share our knowledge with you. Keep reading for more info on which pawn shops buy or sell comic books and how to get the most value for your money or your comics.

Do pawn shops even deal with comic books?

If you have ever wondered if your local pawn shop can be a resource for you in your quest to buy or sell comic books, we are happy to say that, yes, most of them do! However, it is helpful to keep in mind that pawn shops are unique in that every shop is a reflection of the community it serves.

For example, in areas where activities like hunting and fishing are popular, you can expect to find lots of related equipment at your local pawn shop, and therefore have your pick of high-quality used items like rods or duck calls. However, in that same area, you might be hard-pressed to find things like laptop computers or video game consoles.

That’s not to say that you would never find seemingly out-of-place items in a pawn shop. Still, because pawn shops must make a profit on every item in their store in order to survive, every pawnbroker must consider the needs and interests of its community before deciding to buy an item.

All of this boils down to the fact while most pawn shops will buy or sell pretty much anything of value, the local demand for a particular item will determine if a pawn shop will be interested in buying comic books or if they will have many comic books to offer for sale.

A good way to determine if your local pawn shop may have comic books to sell or if they would be interested in buying comic books is simply calling, visiting them, or visiting their online store if they are savvy enough to have one.

How and why to buy and sell comic books at a pawn shop

Selling

For most other collectors, posting their comic books online at auction sites or collectors’ forums is the most popular way to sell their collection. But it comes with many hassles and annoyances as well. For one, auction sites can be risky when it comes to getting the most value for your comics. Starting an auction at the wrong time or choosing inappropriate categories can result in getting a heartbreakingly low amount for your comic books.

Not to mention, once your comics have sold, you must then safely pack it up for shipment, insure the package, then send it off. All the while, you still have not been paid. You must wait until the package is received and the buyer is happy; if your buyer suddenly discovers or invents a problem with your comics, or even worse, claims they never arrived, you are out of luck.

And this is all before the auction site, or web forum will release your money. If you are fortunate and the transaction goes off without a hitch, you will then wait several days to receive your money electronically. You never get cash in hand to replace your comic books.

Selling comic books at your local pawn shop is hands down, the fastest way to get paid for your comic books. You will get cash in hand in mere minutes.

So how to sell your comic books at your local pawnshop?

You should approach selling your comic books at a pawn shop like you would with any other knowledgeable buyer. Meaning, be organized and present your comic books in the best way possible.

Also, do your homework before attempting to sell. Even if you have a general idea of what your comics are worth, valuation changes. Take a look at recent sales of the same comic to get an idea of what you might expect.

Speaking of expectations, have reasonable ones when you sell your comic books at your local pawn shop. No matter the comic’s sentimental value to you, you can expect around 40-60% of its current book value.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Your local pawnbroker is mainly interested in working out a fair deal for everyone, unlike your fellow collectors.

Buying

When it comes to buying comic books, comic book fans and collectors are lucky because they already come armed with knowledge that may help them. For example, you likely already know what you are looking for. You know what brands, universes, and characters you enjoy and will not buy something you do not wish to have. Additionally, you probably also know more than the average person about a fair price considering the comic’s condition.

All of this adds up to you being able to spot the right comic when you see it. As with selling comic books at your local pawnshop, your experience buying comic books will be significantly enhanced by educating yourself on current value and being willing to negotiate to find terms that work for both sides. Be patient and respectful, and you may find yourself with some great new additions to your collection at unbelievable prices.

Buying and selling comic books can be a fun and enjoyable experience when you work with professionals like the ones you will find at Central Mega Pawn! If you live in or near Southern California’s Inland Empire, visit us at our shop or our online store to see how we can help you meet your collecting goals!

5 Reasons Why Buying Jewelry from a Pawn Shop is a Good Idea

5 Reasons Why Buying Jewelry from a Pawn Shop is a Good Idea

by | Nov 18, 2020 | Blog

In recent years, buying pre-owned jewelry has become easier than ever before. As a result, when you are looking for a fine piece of jewelry, you have many options. From online stores to even high-end jewelers, you can find quality used jewelry almost anywhere. Before you visit your local retailer, however, there’s another option you should consider: your local pawnshop. Your local pawnshop is an underrated resource for pre-owned jewelry. At Central Mega Pawn, we’ve made it our mission to let our community know that we are here to help them. To that end, we have compiled five reasons why buying jewelry from a pawn shop is a good idea:

1. The fun of the treasure hunt

You never know what you’ll find when you walk into a pawnshop. Inventory is continuously changing, so you will find something new to you at every visit. We love seeing customers unexpectedly finding a perfect item.

2. Unbeatable prices and value

Pawnshops typically offer better prices than other sellers of used jewelry. This is because pawnbrokers are mainly interested in keeping items moving rather than maximizing their profit at every sale, as retailers do. This gives them the flexibility to negotiate to find a deal that satisfies everyone, which adds up to you getting an incredible price on a piece of jewelry that may last for generations.

3. It is environmentally friendly and socially responsible

A sad fact of jewelry production is that the process can often be taxing on the environment and vulnerable people. For example, mining precious stones and metals contribute to pollution and consume valuable resources like water, fuel, and forestry.

However, the good news is that you can still enjoy beautiful jewelry without contributing to the problem! By buying pre-owned jewelry, you decrease the demand for new pieces and help save irreplaceable resources.

4. It helps you develop your personal style

Another significant benefit of buying pre-owned jewelry is the opportunity to express your personal style. Every era of jewelry features unique characteristics and styles; the pieces you choose are a way for you to bring the past to life and make it something all your own. You can also find one-of-a-kind pieces at your local pawnshop that can act as conversation starters or complement your sense of style.

5. You will own a part of history

As beautiful as new jewelry can be, it has a significant drawback that fans of vintage jewelry are familiar with: it has no history. In our shop, we always have many pieces that are older than our staff! Some pieces were even crafted with knowledge and techniques that are not used anymore and will never be reproduced.

Every piece of pre-owned jewelry comes with its own personal history, as unique as the people who had it before you. Part of the fun of finding that one unique piece of used jewelry is the thrill of imagining where it was before it became part of your life.

People sometimes consider buying pre-owned jewelry as just a way to save some money. However, as you can see, savings is only one positive aspect of buying pre-owned jewelry at your local pawnshop.

How to buy jewelry at your local pawnshop:

Now that we have reviewed just a few of the very many great reasons to buy pre-owned jewelry at your local pawn shop, here’s how to get the most for your money:

Do your homework

Research the types of jewelry you would like to find, as well as the pawnshops you are considering buying from. Every pawnshop is unique, offering its own brands of customer service and merchandise. Look for pawn shops that specialize in gold or jewelry. For example, at Central Mega Pawn, we are only one of a few pawnshops nationwide to have a full-time jeweler on staff, so we are a great place to start your search.

Also, visit review sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews, and read some recent reviews. Keep in mind that it is impossible to please all customers every time, so be sure to read a handful of reviews. Look for patterns in reviews of service to get a good idea of what you can expect.

For your safety and comfort, pay attention to where the pawnshop is located and if they display their credentials and licensing in their shop or on their website.

Next, although you never know what kind of pre-owned jewelry you will find in a pawnshop, do your homework on some general jewelry knowledge. For example, learn how to spot genuine gemstones and gold. Being able to spot a great piece will come in handy in your search.

Be open-minded

Being open to creativity and imagination when buying pre-owned jewelry at your local pawnshop can significantly enhance your experience. For example, if you have your heart set on a ring with a particular stone but all you can find is a necklace, you could purchase the necklace and have the stone reset into a ring of your liking. This is something we often do for customers at Central Mega Pawn!

When it comes to buying pre-owned jewelry, be more concerned with the quality of the item and less concerned about how it looks. The foundation of any heirloom-quality jewelry is high-quality materials. Start there and let your imagination take over.

Be curious and ask questions

Sometimes, people are wary of buying jewelry at a pawnshop because they worry about finding genuine metals and stones. But pawnbrokers all over work hard to certify the quality of their jewelry, and many will be able to show you certifications or appraisals.

In cases where your pawnbroker cannot certify the item, use that to your advantage to try and negotiate for a better price. After all, you will likely want to take such an item to an appraiser, which your pawnbroker will understand.

When all is said and done, what matters most is finding a piece of jewelry that you love. Your local pawn shop is a place where that can happen. As long as you are prepared, confident, and have an open mind, buying jewelry at your local pawn shop can be a lot of fun. When you are ready to begin your search, visit us in person or online. We can’t wait to help you find that next addition to your collection!

Finding a Pawnshop in Ontario That Buys Broken Jewelry & Loose Gemstones

Finding a Pawnshop in Ontario That Buys Broken Jewelry & Loose Gemstones

by | Nov 5, 2020 | Blog

If you have broken jewelry or loose gemstones lying around, you might be wondering if they have value, and if so, where you can sell or use them to obtain a quick and easy cash loan. You have many options, such as jewelry stores, auction websites, or person-to-person sales apps, but your best bet is a pawn shop. This is because pawn shops are valued members of their communities. Unlike chain retail stores, whose primary goal is to make the most profit for their corporation, or impersonal website, pawn shops are valued members of their communities. Pawnbrokers have a vested interest in helping their neighbors and have the flexibility to do so.

Finding a pawn shop in Ontario, California

Not every pawn shop is created equal. It is always the best bet to visit your local pawn shop, not the one with the most advertising that is far away or those that appear on popular television shows. No matter what kind of community you live in, there is a pawn shop near you.

For example, if you live in or near Ontario, California, you have many options because the Inland Empire is a relatively populous area. In fact, you might become overwhelmed by all of your options. However, there is an easy way to find the pawnshop for you in Ontario that is interested in and will buy your broken jewelry and loose gemstones.

First, do your research – google terms like “pawn shops near me,” and see which ones top the list. Then, look them up on Yelp or other review sites to see what people tend to say about working with them. If you notice a pattern of positive or negative experiences, that can be a good indicator of what you might expect from the shop. Use your info to make a shortlist of potential shops.

Then, contact the top contenders – any pawn shop worth your business will be glad to hear from you. You can call or email or even visit in person to see about their policies and if they would be interested in your broken jewelry and loose gemstones.

Lastly, go to a shop with expertise – many pawn shops specialize in particular types of items. For example, some tend to buy lots of antiques, while others specialize in tools. At Central Mega Pawn, we are proud to say that jewelry, precious stones, and metals are among our specialties. We have been serving our Inland Empire community for more than a decade, and we are one of a few pawnshops nationwide that employ an in-house jeweler. This means that we are a great place to sell or pawn your broken jewelry and loose gemstones.

Selling or pawning broken jewelry

Broken jewelry retains a lot of its value and can help you obtain a quick cash loan when you need a little financial boost. Unlike many other items found in a pawn shop, such as electronics or musical instruments, jewelry does not typically lose value as it ages.

The precious metals market determines the value of your broken jewelry. Although the market tends to have fluctuations, the value of precious metals and loose gemstones generally increases over time.

Our in-house jeweler will determine what kind of precious metal comprises your jewelry, including its purity. Then, they will weigh, measure, and assess any accompanying jewels. Based on the information they generate, your pawnbroker will make you an offer. You are free to accept the offer, decline the offer, try at another shop, or negotiate for better terms.

Loose gemstones

At Central Mega Pawn, we are always interested in buying your loose gemstones, from precious diamonds to more common but still valuable other types.

Although most loose gemstones will retain their value, not all gems are valued equally. So, as you consider selling or pawning your loose jewels at Central Mega Pawn, keep the following in mind:

  • There are four significant types of precious stones: diamond, ruby, blue sapphire, and emerald. These are the most valuable types of gemstones that we often see. They will always command a high price because they are stable in value and considered significantly precious.
  • Any other stone not mentioned above will be considered semi-precious. While they are still valuable, they will not fetch as high a price like a stone classified as precious.
  • Size matters, The larger your loose gemstones, the higher price you can expect.

How to get the most money for your broken jewelry and loose gemstones in Ontario

Now that we know some basics of how Central Mega Pawn will evaluate your broken jewelry and gemstones, here is how you can maximize your offer:

  • Gather all your pieces – no matter how many parts your jewelry has broken into, the more you can bring in, the better your chances of getting a fair offer for your items.
  • Do your homework – learning even a little bit about how jewelers appraise precious metals and stones will help you understand how much you can expect. Plus, it will help you be more confident when it comes time to negotiate.
  • Clean your items – do your best to clean every item you have. Generally speaking, for any item you wish to pawn or sell to a pawn shop, a good rule of thumb is that the cleaner it is, the easier it is for your pawnbroker to evaluate and resell, if necessary.
  • Have realistic expectations – this is where your homework will come in handy. Once you have an idea of the value of your broken jewelry or loose gemstones, understand that your offer will likely be a fraction of that amount, usually around 40-60%. Pawnbrokers are unable to offer an even exchange of any item.
  • Negotiate – The more homework you do, the more leverage you will have when it comes time to negotiate the best deal for everyone involved. Also, don’t be afraid to walk away if you are unable to reach ideal terms. Your jewelry will not decrease in value, and we are not going anywhere! You can try again later, or even at a different shop.

Put your broken jewelry and loose gemstones to work for you! Now that you are armed with the knowledge that Central Mega Pawn is your best bet for selling or pawning let us turn your unwanted broken jewelry and loose gemstones into cash in hand in minutes.

The Ins and Outs of Pawn Loans in California

The Ins and Outs of Pawn Loans in California

by | Oct 16, 2020 | Blog

Imagine this: after one or two unanticipated expenses pop up, your rent or car payment is due, and you are short $100. What should you do? You might consider a bank loan, but not only is the amount too small, but the hit to your credit report also isn’t worth it. Plus, getting your money could take weeks.

You might think about asking a friend or a family member. Still, the chances are good that they are facing similar financial troubles, not to mention that borrowing money from friends and family can be a tricky situation. Some might even think about potentially dangerous solutions like getting a cash advance on a credit card or obtaining a payday advance loan, both of which charge astonishing interest rates and trap many unsuspecting people into a vicious cycle of debt.

If you have an item of value, you could think about selling it online or on one of the many person-to-person sales apps out there. This can be a good option but comes with many compromises that make it troublesome. For one, you are at the mercy of demanding buyers who may try to lowball you at every turn, not to mention the fact that to list items cost money, which immediately eats into the funds you can expect. Also, waiting for your money to transfer over to you may be too slow. Worst of all, once you sell your item, it is gone forever. Selling something you treasure can be painful.

If this scenario sounds at all familiar, you are not alone, and you are not out of options. The solution you are looking for can be found at your local pawn shop. Pawn shop loans are fair, short term collateral cash loans, and they are designed to work with you, not against you.

At Central Mega Pawn, we believe that getting the emergency cash you need should not be a grueling and possibly heartbreaking experience. We are here to help. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about pawn loans in California.

How Pawn Shops Work

First, we will go over how pawn shops function in the first place. Since ancient times, pawn shops have been a resource for their communities for quick, easy funding. Today, the spirit is essentially the same:

  • You bring in something that you legally own, and that has value. (We will discuss how to determine if your item is valuable shortly)
  • After inspecting the item, if the pawnbroker is interested, he or she will offer a loan, usually in the amount equal to a fraction of the item’s value.
  • Once all the loan terms have been discussed and agreed upon, you receive your cash and leave your item at the shop.
  • You will receive a pawn ticket, which you should keep track of! It is the receipt for your item, and it contains all of your loan terms, like fees, repayment date, etc.
  • If you repay your loan plus interest in the agreed-upon terms, you will get your item back.
  • If you do not repay your loan plus interest, you surrender the item to the pawn shop. They will then put it up for sale to recoup the loss. You are under no further obligation, and your credit score is unaffected.

Getting a pawn loan in California

As stated above, it is a reasonably straightforward process to obtain a pawn loan in California. However, there are other things you should know:

  • Look for a reputable pawn shop. Your local pawn shop should have its certification prominently posted in the shop and website.
  • Be prepared to identify yourself. You will need to show your driver’s license or state ID, provide a thumbprint, and in some cases, have your photo taken. You may also be asked to provide detailed information about the item being pawned. While this sometimes feels excessive for first-timers, this is one of the many ways that pawn shops take care not to deal in stolen items, which is suitable for everyone.
  • In California, the loan period is generally 120 days, plus a ten-day grace period to repay your loan and accrued interest and fees.
  • Pawn interest rates and fees tend to be very fair and are regulated by the state. However, they can vary depending on the size of the loan and can add up, so look over your agreement carefully before signing.

What can you use for collateral?

We will now discuss the kinds of things you can use for collateral to get your pawn loan! The good news is that you can pawn just about anything. The bad news is that not everything will have a monetary value. Below are some things to consider before choosing what to use for collateral.

  • Keep in mind that no matter your item’s sentimental value, and regardless of how much you paid for it when you first purchased it, it may not be worth as much as you think. Your pawnbroker must use its current market value to determine its worth. Then, you can only expect about a percentage of the determined value.
  • Remember that pawnbrokers tend to specialize in items particular to their community. For example, pawn shops in farming communities will have many farm-related items, while urban ones will specialize in other things. Some specialize in things like gold, jewelry, or electronics.
  • Don’t be too intimidated to negotiate with your pawnbroker on things like amounts or even loan terms. We have a handy guide to help you conquer your hesitation, available here.

Why Central Mega Pawn?

At Central Mega Pawn, we want your business, not your merchandise. We love to help our community get the cash they need, and we love assisting first-time customers to become repeat visitors. Our goal is to go above and beyond for you every time. The next time you need quick cash for bills, emergencies, or any reason at all, visit us and find out why we are Southern California’s leading resource for pawn loans!