Pawn shops are most commonly known as places to buy or sell things like gold, sporting goods or jewelry. However, they are also a great resource when it comes to buying and selling electronics.

At Central Mega Pawn, located in Ontario, California, we have the size and resources to be your #1 choice in buying or selling your electronics.

Buying

Local pawnshops, like Central Mega Pawn, are one of the last places around where you can get more for less. You can find high-quality items, such as TVs, smartphones, laptops, and video game consoles, for around 30-50% off retail prices. Plus, pawnshops will only buy in-demand items for resale. That means that you’ll find only popular items, brands, and models for sale at your local pawnshop.

When you buy retail, you are paying a premium to have the latest item. When you buy used from places like Craigslist or eBay, or one of the numerous person-to-person apps, you are taking a significant risk that your items are non-functional, or worse, stolen.

Central Mega Pawn thoroughly tests every electronic item in stock for functionality and legitimacy; when you buy from us, you are purchasing quality. Here is just a sampling of the electronics you’ll find when you visit us:

• Smartphones: Smartphones are increasingly becoming a necessity for everyday life, despite their high price tags at retail. As a result, there is a robust market for pre-owned smartphones. Central Mega Pawn is a leader in this market; we stock all the latest smartphones from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
• Video Games & Consoles: Central Mega Pawn has a vast inventory of the latest consoles and games. We are an excellent resource for building your game library, or to give some new games a try without having to use a subscription service. We also stock accessories like controllers and keyboards. We can set you up with an entire gaming system in one visit!
• TVs: Most pawn shops carry televisions of all sizes and models, as well as vital peripherals like soundbars, subwoofers, and DVRs. We also have Smart TVs on hand. If you are looking to future-proof your television system, Smart TVs are a good investment. They look as sleek and modern as the latest models, but thanks to being connected to the internet, they will be able to handle updates for years and support the same essential apps.
• Computers: Your local pawnshop is actually a great place to buy a quality, pre-owned machine for a great price. If you are looking to avoid paying retail and want to ensure that you’re getting a functional, quality product, the worst thing you could do is to trust online sales sites or apps, because you never truly know what you’re getting. By buying your next computer from your local pawnbroker, you know that they’ve done the work for you to ensure that your item works as it should and is in good condition.

Selling

Alternately, if you are selling your electronics, or if you need some quick cash and have some electronics lying around and gathering dust, you are in luck. In fact, electronics are one of the top four items that are always in demand at pawn shops. Some specific items that are generally in demand include:

• TVs: especially top brands like Samsung, Vizio, Hitachi, and Panasonic
• Smartphones: recent models, or even a few previous generations, are always in demand
• Video Games: expect to have a bundle of at least five or more popular or recent games to get a good offer
• Video Game Consoles and Accessories: the more current the model, the better, such as Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4
• Computers: especially recent models by Apple, Microsoft, and Asus
• Recording equipment: video cameras, microphones, editing decks, etc.
• Media Players: DVD and Blu-Ray players, recent model MP3 players
• Home security systems, such as video doorbells and security cameras

However, to get the best price possible, and to ensure that you have a good experience, you can’t just pop into your local pawnshop and ask what they can do for you. Here are some tips for selling your electronics at your local pawn shop. Keeping these things in mind can help you get a higher price for your item.

Appearances Matter

Your local pawnbroker has seen a lot and knows that if an item presented to them is caked in dust and grime, it will be harder to sell without having to take the time themselves to clean it. Clean your item as much as possible before bringing it in.

It Has to Work

While this is true for every item that comes through a pawn shop’s doors, this is especially important for electronics. An electronic item that doesn’t work the way it should is essentially an expensive paperweight. Ease your pawnbroker’s mind by being prepared to demonstrate that your item works. Take the time to show them all the features, and not just the power button.

It Should Have All the Parts

If your pawnbroker can sell your item or items as a complete set or as a bundle, you will get a better price. Instruction manuals, cables, remotes, controllers, you name it: the more complete your item is, the easier it will be to resell. Anything useful and relevant you can add to the deal will increase its perceived value and will get you a higher price.

It Should be in Demand

Don’t show up with an original Palm Pilot from 1997 and expect big money. While vintage electronics like that may be appealing to collectors, your pawnbroker has to be able to resell everything that they buy. Even if you have a current model, your pawnbroker is an expert on their market and may not make you an offer. If you are ever unsure, visit your local pawnshop ahead of time to see what they have on hand.

Whether buying or selling, it’s your job to keep yourself informed. The more homework you do, the more pleasant your experience will be. Come visit us today to see how we can meet all your electronics buying and selling needs.

If you’re one of the lucky individuals out there who has found “the one”, you may be thinking about taking the next step and proposing marriage. However, before you go and plan the perfect proposal, you will need one vital component: the ring.

For such a small item, there is a tremendous amount of pressure that goes along with this purchase. Luckily, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn all about how to find and buy the perfect engagement ring, and how Central Mega Pawn can help in your search. That’s right: your local pawnshop should be at the top of the list when it comes to finding your perfect ring. Buying from a pawnshop sends a powerful message that not only are you committed to loving your partner forever, but that you are committed to making smart financial choices with them for the long haul.

Establish Your Budget

The first thing you will need to do before visiting any shops or websites is to establish your budget for the ring. In the past, the rule of thumb was to count on spending two months’ salary on the ring, but that is no longer the case, so don’t worry if your ring budget turns out smaller than you would like.

However, you will still need to know how much you plan on spending; this number will help your pawnbroker show you items within your price range and will help you when it comes time to negotiate price.

Although most people will throw out the “two months’ salary” advice, it is likely that you will still need to save for a few months to buy the ring outright. To that end:

Make a savings plan

Once you know how much you intend on spending on your ring, make a plan to reach your savings goal within a few months. Even a little saved here and there will add up. You can also sell things you no longer need, which is another way that Central Mega Pawn can help: you can pawn items to help save for your ring so that you can avoid financing and possibly going into debt to start off your engagement.

When all is said and done, it’s not the amount of money you spend on the ring that will matter, but the thought that went into selecting, buying and presenting the ring, so don’t delay proposing for the sake of not being able to afford a “better” ring. You can always get them a big fancy ring or other piece of jewelry later on, for a significant birthday, anniversary, or other celebration.

Find Out Ring Size

Proposing with a ring that fits will make the proposal even more special; just imagine that they say “yes”, and you can slip on a ring that fits perfectly. It’s as close to a fairytale ending to a special moment as you can get.

While some people opt to bring their partner to a jewelry store to learn their partner’s ring size, you can still get that information without spoiling the surprise. The easiest way to get your partner’s ring size is to discreetly take a ring she isn’t wearing into your local pawn shop and ask them to measure it, then return the ring to its rightful place as soon as possible.

Research Their Style

This is arguably the hardest part for most people. To choose a ring on your own that your partner will love and cherish can seem daunting, but here are some tips to help you with your search:

• Current Jewelry: Look at what they wear on a regular basis – is it bold? Subtle? Gold, rose gold, or silver? You may have paid attention to what they wear before, but when you are planning to propose, you will pick up on small details that will guide you to the perfect piece.
• Use Social Media: Does your partner maintain a Pinterest page or follow jewelers or designers on apps like Twitter or Instagram? Exploring these pages can give you some helpful hints on the style of ring your partner might love.

If you arrive at Central Mega Pawn with not only your partner’s ring size but with some photos of pieces that they might enjoy, our expert jewelers will help you find the perfect item to propose with.

What you need to know about diamonds

When picking a diamond, as long as you know the four Cs, you’ll be in a good position to make a good decision. But remember, the higher a diamond ranks on the four C’s, the more expensive it will be.

• Carat: Sometimes referred to as weight, carat refers to the size of the diamond. Many people choose to allocate the majority of the budget to a ring with a higher carat diamond.
• Clarity: Clarity refers to the lack of visible flaws in a diamond. All diamonds have flaws, but in many cases, they are only visible through a scope. You may be able to get a great deal on a ring with an eye-clean diamond, which is a diamond that lacks flaws visible to the naked eye.
• Color: Diamonds have a letter grade to indicate their color. A clear diamond is the rarest and has the highest grade of D. A yellow diamond has the lowest grade of Z. If you don’t mind a yellowish tint in a diamond, you can save a lot of money. Diamonds with a yellow-ish hue are generally less expensive than clearer diamonds.
• Cut: Cut has the biggest influence over how much sparkle a diamond has and has a big impact on the beauty and perceived size of the diamond. Cut may rival carat as the aspect to splurge on.

Central Mega Pawn is committed to helping its community at every stage of life, and we are honored to be considered as you take a big step with your loved one. Visit us today to learn about our vast selection, helpful payment plans, and the numerous other ways we can help you get the perfect ring.

Here at Central Mega Pawn, the Inland Empire’s leading pawn shop, we’ve had numerous customers ask us this question. After all, a laptop is a vital tool for many people these days, for everyone from high school students to professionals. Because quality laptops are not cheap, they can also be considered an investment; as such, smart consumers should do whatever they can to get the most bang for their buck.

We’ve bought and sold hundreds of laptops over the years and are excited to present a guide to buying a laptop computer at your local pawnshop.

Keep reading to learn about some variables to consider when making your decision.

Your daily computing needs

When buying any computer, an important question to ask yourself is what you will need your computer to do regularly. If it’s for gaming, for example, your needs will be far different than someone who needs a laptop primarily for word processing. Knowing what you will need your computer to do will help your pawnbroker find you the perfect laptop. You should consider things like:

• Battery life: if you plan to use your laptop mainly near an outlet at all times, battery life may not be a concern. However, if you will need to take it with you, look for computer models that offer 8+ hours of battery life.
• Platform: Windows vs. IOS is an ongoing debate, but knowing which platform works for you will help narrow down your search considerably
• Size: in this instance, size does matter – if you plan to carry your laptop around, the difference in size could mean pounds. The smallest laptops, at around 11 inches, weigh around 2 pounds, while the largest, around 18 inches, weigh about 6 or 7 pounds.

Brands and platforms

Sometimes, consumers try to cut corners by buying an off-brand laptop at retail. While we won’t point fingers at the less dependable brands, we can say that buying a brand that you’ve never heard of often results in high failure rates, subpar performance, and a short life span.

On the other hand, buying from your local pawn shop can mean getting a top brand at the same lower price as a lower-tier model. Your money will go much further than buying retail or online, netting you more features and capabilities without the added expense.

Some of the highly-regarded laptop brands that Central Mega Pawn always has on hand include:

• Apple
• Dell
• Asus
• Microsoft
• Samsung

The computers stocked at Central Mega Pawn, and at any other reputable pawn shop, are gently used and have been tested for functionality before they go out on our shelves. We would never sell inferior merchandise; our thoroughness means that not only will you save money, but you will also get a machine that will likely last for a long time.

Why buy your next laptop computer from your local pawn shop?

Your local pawn shop will only offer you the best merchandise they can find. They will not buy inferior brands or broken or out-of-date computers. As a result, the stock of computers at your local pawn shop will likely be current or recent models at significant savings.

When you buy from a reputable shop like Central Mega Pawn, you can rest assured that you are purchasing legitimate goods in proper working condition.

There are many pawn shops in your community. Each one is as different as the people who run them, so be sure to visit as many as you can in your area before you decide where to buy. Some shops specialize in jewelry, firearms or antiques. Others, like Central Mega Pawn, are experienced enough to offer top quality items of any type.

Best practices for buying a laptop at your local pawn shop

Before you step foot into the first shop on your list, do your homework. Know what you will need your computer for, what peripherals you may need, and what similar machines are going for on sites like eBay. Although you may expect a slightly different price than what you see at auction sites, completed auctions will give you an idea of your computer’s current market value.

If possible, bring a USB drive with you to test the computer’s ports, or a CD or DVD to test its optical drive. A reputable shop like Central Mega Pawn will be open to letting you boot up the computer, checking drives and wifi within reason while in the shop.

In addition to testing features like drives, you should also test out:

• The keyboard and trackpad: are they responsive? Do any keys stick, or are there dead spots on the trackpad? Any signs of unresponsiveness in these heavily-used features will mean trouble ahead.
• The display: are there any cracks, scratches, or dead pixels? While display issues will generally not impede a laptop’s performance, any sign of these could imply damage.
• The power adapter: is the cord in good condition? Fraying or discoloration of the power cords and adapter are signs of fault, damage, or overheating.
• The case: is it excessively scratched or dented? Even if the computer boots up fine, if you are looking at a computer with a hard disk drive, a damaged case could mean that the drive took some bumps with its previous owner.

Be prepared to negotiate. While your pawnbroker needs to make a profit, their priority is moving items off their shelves. If there are faults you can live with, ask if they can bring the price down a little. For example, if the power adapter that comes with the computer is discolored a little, you can try to use that as leverage, since you will need to buy a replacement power cord soon.

At the end of the day, where you buy such a vital tool like a laptop is a personal decision. But, we can tell you from experience that buyers can find great deals on laptop computers at pawn shops on a nearly daily basis.

If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality and relatively new laptop at a price far below retail and market value, you owe it to your budget to give your local pawn shop a chance. If you are in the Inland Valley area, come visit Central Mega Pawn and see what we can do for you!

Designer and luxury watches make a bold statement; to many people, they signify wealth and taste. While lots of people are willing to shell out top dollar a designer watch such as Rolex or Tag Heuer, that doesn’t need to be the case. Your local, trusted pawn shop, like Central Mega Pawn, is a great place to look for a brand-name luxury timepiece without the enormous price tag. Pawn shops like us put luxury within reach.

We regularly have a healthy stock of such top brand watches as:

• Tag Heuer
• Rolex
• Apple
• Patek Philippe
• Audemars Piguet
• Cartier
• Hublot
• Omega
• Breitling SA
• Bulova
• Movado

When it comes to buying top brand luxury watches, your purchase should be considered an investment. As such, you should do your due diligence and make sure that you are getting a genuine article.

How to spot fake watches

Regardless of your familiarity with watches and luxury brands, you should always make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. Fake luxury watches are a big, potentially dangerous business. Replicas are getting closer and closer to the real items, so spotting them is becoming more difficult. Some fakes are so well done that they can fool experts. However, here are some ways to protect yourself.

Who is selling it, and where?

A good indication that you are not dealing with genuine material is if it is being sold in an unusual location by someone who cannot answer simple questions about the watch. Or, if one or more extremely rare pieces are being sold in one place.

However, just because a watch is in a glass case and being sold by someone in a tie does not necessarily mean it is authentic. Unless you are buying from a dealer who is officially a representative of the brand, you can’t be one hundred percent sure of what you’ll get.

Another indicator that you are in the wrong place to find a luxury watch is that the seller has no idea what the timepiece is worth and is willing to offer a ridiculous price for it. Prices that are too good to be true usually mean that you will not wind up with a genuine watch. While our experts at Central Mega Pawn know the exact worth of every luxury watch in stock, we will work with you to find you a fair price.

Buy in person

Many people look for favorable prices online and depend entirely on photos of the watch to determine its authenticity. However, photos can easily give a false sense of security. This is why you should come in to visit us to pick out your next luxury watch. You will be able to thoroughly examine the timepiece from every angle and will catch every tiny flaw.

When you visit Central Mega Pawn for your next designer watch, here are some things we will welcome you to examine:

• Material – the metals and materials of counterfeit watches will be slightly off-colored. When you examine our watches, you will see that our gold watches are hallmarked and that the colors of the precious metals are genuine and bold.
• Weight – counterfeit watches are usually lighter than expected, because they are made with cheaper materials in an effort to save on manufacturing costs. Not only that, they feel rougher in the hand because they are fashioned without the care and expertise that go into genuine luxury watches, and are rarely, if ever, made by hand. All of our watches at Central Mega Pawn will feel genuine in your hand and on your wrist.
• Type faces and engravings – We will welcome you to examine the typefaces and engravings on our watches when you come in. Genuine luxury watches do not have mistakes, rough engravings, or inconsistencies; counterfeit watches, on the other hand, will often have spelling errors on the faces, have mispositioned letters or numbers with rough and uneven engraving, or even have loose hands.
• Movement – the most important thing we will encourage you to examine is the movement on your new luxury watch. Even the best counterfeiters will have trouble matching the quality of the movement on genuine watches.
• Sound – We will welcome you to examine the sound of your watch’s movement. Most luxury watches operate almost silently thanks to their immaculate movement system; if you happen across a watch being branded as “luxury”, but you can hear it ticking without holding it close to your ear, keep looking.

In the case of smartwatches, like Apple Watches, its responsiveness should be an indicator of its authenticity. If it takes longer than expected to wake up, or to respond to a prompt, there is a good chance that you should pass on it.

Why you should buy your next luxury watch from Central Mega Pawn

At every step of our buying process, our professionals at Central Mega Pawn have done everything they can to ensure that we only buy and sell genuine items, including insisting on paperwork and original packaging whenever possible. In this way, Central Mega Pawn has removed one big worry from looking for your next luxury watch.

Unlike jewelry stores, online retailers, and the like, we are willing and able to negotiate with you on the price. Come informed and willing to haggle, and you could walk away with the luxury or smart watch of your dreams for a fraction of what you would have spent elsewhere.

Also, you will be able to find unique watches at Central Mega Pawn that you simply will not find anywhere else. This is becuse we are a member of our community and are as unique as our neighbors. Regardless if you are in the market for a one-of-a-kind watch from a world-renowned brand, or for the latest smart watch, we have what you are looking for. Visit us today to see how we can help you find your next (or first) designer watch!

For even the most serious collector of everything from toys to ancient coins, there comes a time when some items in the collection need to go. Or, as sometimes happens, you might find or inherit trading cards or coins and have no idea what to do with them and don’t want them cluttering up your home.

Or, maybe you are starting a collection or looking for an essential piece to round out your own collection of cool stuff like action figures or sports memorabilia. Regardless of the case, reputable pawn shops like Central Mega Pawn in Ontario, California, can help you get the most money for your items, or get you a fair price on that must-have collectible.

Pros of buying collectibles at a pawnshop

Unlike your fellow collectors, who sometimes inflate their prices due to sentimental value or their personal history with the item, your local pawnbroker is more concerned with making a profit than with getting the absolute most money. This means that, in most cases, there will be room for negotiations.

Also, unlike buying collectibles online, where you have to rely on scans or photos to see what you’re getting, at a pawnshop, you will be able to see your item right away, in person. You will know precisely what you are investing in, instead of waiting for it to arrive and hoping for the best.

Pros of selling collectibles at a Pawnshop

Selling your collectibles online or at garage sales can be risky in several ways. For example, when you list them on auction sites or person-person sales apps, you risk not getting paid for your item, or even worse, finding yourself in a dangerous situation. If you sell them yourself at a yard sale, convention, or similar situation, you risk getting robbed.

Selling to a pawnshop is quick, easy, and safe. Also, if you have a sudden change of heart, you will be able to reclaim your item.

Coins

Depending on your location, your local pawnshop may have a variety of coins and currency on hand and may be interested in buying only specific items. At Central Mega Pawn, we deal with a wide range of coins and currency. Chances are good that we have what you’re looking for and are interested in what you have to sell.

Before you visit us, however, be sure to do your research to understand the value of what you have to sell, and of what you may be interested in buying. Any current guidebook will provide you with the information you need.

Trading Cards

Doing your research is especially important when buying or selling trading cards at a pawn shop; for collectible trading cards, condition is king. Look around for completed sales of your exact card or cards on eBay to get an idea of what you can expect to pay or receive. However, don’t forget that your pawnbroker must be able to make a profit on everything they buy, so expect only about 40% of the expected value.

Selling trading cards at a pawn shop is a unique situation. For most items, we would encourage you to clean your item as much as possible before bringing it in, but you should never clean or attempt to repair a trading card. Doing so brings down its value and collectability and may cause irreparable damage.

If you have any certificates of authenticity for your cards, be sure to bring that in, too. Your pawnbroker is an expert in many things, but there will rarely be a trading card expert on hand to tell your pawnbroker what you have. Make it easy for your pawnbroker to see the value in your cards, and you will have a much more pleasant experience.

Memorabilia

Memorabilia is a growing market and covers everything from sports to film and TV. Thanks to our close proximity to Hollywood, we have lots of movie and television memorabilia and collectibles, such as autographed photos, figurines, and posters. And, that’s not all – we also stock lots of sports memorabilia from local teams and athletes and are always looking to add to our inventory.

If you have memorabilia to sell us, be sure to bring in any paperwork or certificates to prove that autographs and relics are authentic. Having your paperwork means that you will save us time and effort looking into the item’s authenticity to build your offer.

Autographed memorabilia is unique, and the more information you can provide, the more value you may get. For example, while autographed footballs are common, and tend to attract a range of value, if you have a game-used football that was autographed after a championship game and is only one of a few in existence, you may be sitting on a goldmine.

So, for any autographed items, take the time to do additional research to see if you can find out how many such autographs exist, where it was signed, and how many are available to the public.

If you are buying memorabilia, rest assured that when you buy from Central Mega Pawn, we have done everything we can to ensure that your item is authentic and legitimate.

Action Figures

In the past, these were commonly referred to as “toys,” but much like the fans who collect them, they’ve matured. Action figures are big business. Some of the most popular brands and characters include:

• DC and Marvel
• Funko Pops
• WWF/WWE
• Star Wars
• Disney

Vintage figures are also popular, but keep in mind that if you have any to sell, they should be in their original packaging. Some of the most valuable vintage action figures include characters from classic cartoons and films, such as Indiana Jones and the original Star Wars.

Selling your unwanted collectibles to a pawn shop like Central Mega Pawn is the fastest and easiest way to turn your items into cash. Or, if you’re in the market for a particular collectible, visit us – you never know what you’ll find.