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Do Pawn Shops in Upland Buy Gold Chains at a Good Price?

Do Pawn Shops in Upland Buy Gold Chains at a Good Price?

by | May 24, 2022 | Blog

So many savvy individuals love to rock gold chains as a distinct status symbol. These chains are also commonly used to carry beautiful pendants and amulets. However, if it’s time to give up your shiny cable for whatever reason, there are pawn shops in Upland that will gladly take it off your hands for a pretty price. The question is, are you getting the best price for it?

The Properties of Gold

There are countless reasons as to why people love to acquire gold as a means of investment. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of bars, coins, nuggets, flakes, or jewelry, gold is gold and there is money to be had in the trade. However you choose to carry or store your investment, you really can’t go wrong.

Stable Fiscal Value

Unlike traditional currency such as paper bills, coin change, and credit lines which lose their value during inflation, gold is not affected by such economic factors. Since gold is a commodity rather than legal tender, its monetary value is simply the price of gold itself which is more or less secure in standing because it always holds value as a useful metal. If anything, the price of gold tends to go up rather than down.

*Data sourced from Macrotrends

Physical Traits

As a precious metal, gold contains many properties for a wide variety of uses. It’s flexible enough to be shaped into any form, it’s non-corrosive to withstand harsh conditions, and it’s a conductor of electricity so it’s used for many electronic devices. You’d be surprised to learn just how many items in your home have a tiny bit of gold hidden inside for functional reasons. But perhaps the most common use for gold is in jewelry.

Classic But Versatile Look

The traditional yellow sheen of gold is great for assisting a gem’s beauty by providing it a backdrop in which to stand out. Regardless of the type of stone and its color, gold comes in yellow, white, and rose to compliment every gem in existence. This is why stunning gold jewelry is loved by so many.

Understanding Your Gold Chain

In order to get the best possible price for your gold chain, you must realize the worth of it before you bring it in for an appraisal. You need to know how to identify the quality of the metal and use that to determine a rough estimate which you can use for negotiating at a pawn shop.

A Short Guide to Karats

Encyclopedia Britannica defines a gold karat as, “one twenty-fourth part, or 4.1667 percent, of the whole, and the purity of a gold alloy is expressed as the number of these parts of gold it contains.” In addition, the page states that, “an object that contains 16 parts gold and 8 parts alloying metal is 16-karat gold, and pure gold is 24-karat gold.” This explanation puts the concept of karats into simple terms, but you can still refer to the chart below for a quick rundown.

Number of KaratsGold in PartsGold in Percentage
9K9/2437.5%
10K10/2441.7%
12K12/2450%
14K14/2458.3%
18K18/2475%
22K22/2491.7%
24K24/2499.9%↑

Gauging a Rough Estimate

If you know the number of karats for your gold chain, then all you have to do is weigh it in grams and you’ll have everything you need to calculate a price estimate. If you don’t know the number of karats, you can take it to any professional jeweler or pawnbroker who has training in identifying the quality of gold. And with plenty of gold calculators available online, you don’t even have to do the math yourself!

Another way to judge the worth of your gold chain is to compare it to a pawn shop listing to get a feel for how the store may grade your treasure. Remember, it is completely appropriate and even encouraged to engage in a negotiation with a pawnbroker.

Getting the Best Price

Even though there are calculators and rough price ranges online, the value of your particular chain can still be different from what you might expect. That’s because the condition of your jewelry still has an effect on the final price, so it’s important to make sure that it’s in the best condition before you go asking for a quote.

Prepping Your Gold Chain

The most effective way to prepare your gold chain for selling is to clean it like new. Here are a few ways to effectively clean your chain for a blinding shine:

  • Use mild soap and warm water to gently loosen and scrub off dirt and other debris
  • Get an ultrasonic cleaner to agitate the water with high frequency sound waves which will cause dirt to shake off of the chain
  • Simply pour boiling water on top of the chain as a slightly more aggressive measure in case the previous methods do not work

Finding the Right Place to Sell

You could prepare your gold chain to the best of your abilities but a dishonorable pawn shop will still give you the short end of the deal. To avoid being scammed, you need to find a seller you can trust. You can tell if a pawn shop is trustworthy by reading reviews online and seeing how long they’ve been in business.

The Best Pawn Shop in Upland

If you’re looking for a reputable pawn shop in Upland, you can stop your search and go straight to Central Mega Pawn. With over a thousand customers vouching for their honest business, you can put all of your worries aside when you come for a visit. Give the friendly staff a call today at (909) 627-9622 before stopping by 11031 S Central Avenue in Ontario, California. Once you step foot inside and take in the atmosphere, you’ll know that you’ve found the right place!

Should I Sell My Engagement Ring to a Pawn Shop or Jewelry Store?

Should I Sell My Engagement Ring to a Pawn Shop or Jewelry Store?

by | May 10, 2022 | Blog

If you have an engagement ring from an ex-partner that you no longer want, you can likely turn it into cash very quickly. But where is the best place to sell an engagement ring? Your two main options are a pawn shop or a jewelry store. Here are the pros and cons of selling your engagement ring to a pawn shop, or to a jewelry store.

Pros of Selling Your Engagement Ring to a Pawn Shop

There are several benefits of selling an engagement to a pawn shop. The most obvious benefit is that you’ll probably be able to sell it quickly. With more than 30 million Americans buying, selling, or pawning items at a pawn shop, suffice it to say a lot of jewelry is bought and sold in pawn shops across America. That means that your local pawn shop is likely always looking to replenish their inventory of jewelry.

Another benefit of selling your engagement ring to a pawn shop is that you’ll be supporting a small, often locally owned and operated business, in your own community. Likewise, environmentalists prefer working with pawn shops, as they do not do any mining, or otherwise damage to the environment. Everything in a pawn shop is a resale, and there’s no packaging, or extra carbon emissions from shipping items. Those who are concerned with sustainability and environmental impacts of their purchases often prefer conducting business with pawn shops.

An incredible benefit of selling an engagement ring to a pawn shop is that unlike a jewelry store that is only interested in certain styles, or designs, pawn shops cater to a diverse customer base Pawn shops aren’t particularly concerned with what year your engagement ring was designed. They may be less fussy about the shape or mount of a gemstone.

You can also get a great price for your engagement ring at a pawn shop. Pawn shops generally purchase items for approximately 50% of the value. Moreover, you can often sell it and find another amazing piece of jewelry in the shop to trade for, that doesn’t come with the same proverbial baggage attached, as your engagement ring.

What to Know About Selling Your Engagement Ring to a Jewelry Store

In some cases, you may get a slightly higher price for your engagement ring if you sell it to a jewelry store. But remember that not all jewelry stores will buy your jewelry. You certainly can’t walk into the jewelry store at the mall and try to sell an engagement ring. You’ll have to identify which jewelry stores are currently buying. Then you’ll have to bring in your ring. Then if, and only if your ring matches what they are looking for, they will make you an offer. Pawn shops are much faster and simpler, and buy a much wider variety of engagement rings

How to Get the Most Money for Your Engagement Ring at a Pawn Shop

To get the most money for your engagement ring at a pawn shop, follow these simple steps.

1. Clean the ring

You can use a gentle dish soap and a cloth, or you can likely take it to a jewelry store and have it cleaned. A clean ring will sparkle and shine, which can increase your price.

2. Learn About Your Ring

Be sure you know the karat if your ring is gold. If it has diamonds, research the price of the carat you have online. Spend some time looking up other engagement rings until you find one comparable to yours. Find ballpark pricing and remember that a pawn shop will only pay a percentage of the full retail price.

3. Have Your I.D. With You

California state law requires pawnbrokers to collect identification from those they buy items from. So, don’t head into the pawn shop to sell your engagement ring without your I.D.

4. Bring the Box

If you still have the box your ring came in, bring the ring in the box. This helps to present it more attractively to the broker.

5. Bring any Appraisals

If you’ve had your engagement ring appraised, bring that paperwork with you when you come to the pawnshop. If you happen to have the receipt for it, bring that as well.

6. Check the Current Price of Gold, Silver, or Platinum

You’ll be a more educated seller if you know an approximate value of precious metals. You can check the current price of gold, silver, or platinum online anytime.

7. Don’t Shy Away from Negotiations

If there is anywhere that going back and forth is accepted, it is at the pawn shop. In fact, pawn shops welcome negotiations. When you get an initial offer, don’t be afraid to ask the employee how they arrived at the figure they offered. Allow them to make their case, then make your case for why they should pay you more. Most times you’ll meet somewhere in the middle.

8. Do Not Act Desperate

Even if you can’t wait to get an engagement ring out of your life, don’t let the pawn shop know that. Instead, keep a cool head, and use the knowledge you’ve learned about your ring to make good decisions, and be a strong negotiator.

9. Be Willing to Walk Away

If you can’t reach an agreement on price, be willing to walk away. It is not uncommon for customers to refuse an offer, and prepare to leave, only to get the price they wanted just minutes before walking out the door. If you cannot reach an agreement, be willing to walk away.

Sell Your Engagement Ring in Ontario, Upland, and Pomona

If you’re interested in selling your engagement ring for instant cash, visit Central Mega Pawn in Ontario first. As the Inland Empire’s fastest growing pawn shop, we have more than 1300 positive reviews on Google, and maintain a 4.9-star rating. In addition to engagement rings, we buy and sell necklaces, bracelets, luxury watches, earrings, anklets, and much more. and incredible

Our experienced pawn brokers have decades of experience in valuing items, purchasing items, and providing pawn loans. We proudly serve the communities of Ontario, Pomona, Upland, and surrounding areas in the Inland Empire, 7 days a week. Central Mega Pawn is located at 11031 Central Avenue in Ontario.

Do Pawn Shops Buy Scrap Silver?

Do Pawn Shops Buy Scrap Silver?

by | Apr 23, 2022 | Blog

Pawn shops don’t abide by a one-size-fits-all approach to items that they will buy from customers. So if you’re wondering: “do pawn shops buy scrap silver?” the answer is, maybe. At Central Mega Pawn in Ontario, we buy scrap silver, but can’t speak for other pawn shops. Here’s everything to know about selling scrap silver to our shop.

What is Scrap Silver?

Scrap silver, also known as scrap bullion, is an informal term referring to any silver items that are only worth the value of the silver it contains. For example, a dulled, broken silver necklace is considered scrap silver. So is a single, silver fork that doesn’t match any other silverware you have. Scrap silver may include brooches, watches, jewelry, pins, medals, plaques, and much more.

Therefore, you may already have scrap silver in your home that you could turn into cash by selling it a pawn shop. Likewise, if you’re interested in trying to turn a profit, you can sometimes find scrap silver at garage sales, estate sales, or flea markets.

What is Scrap Silver Worth?

Scrap silver’s value will depend upon the current prices of silver. It also depends upon the purity and weight of the silver. In general, you need silver that is almost pure. Therefore you’ll need to find silver that is stamped with either “.950,” “.925,” or “sterling.” Unfortunately, silver-plated items won’t likely get you an offer at a pawn shop.

The purity of silver plays a major factor in the value of scrap silver you may have at your home. The purest form of silver is 99.9% pure and is represented as .999. However, 99.9% pure silver is too unstable for jewelry and flatware. That’s why in the USA, sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver is the standard. Most silver coins are less pure, typically 80-90% pure.

If you don’t see an imprint, or stamp on certain items, you can always purchase a silver testing kit. These are often sold at craft stores, or you can find one on Amazon, often for less than $20.

Though far from perfect, there are some online calculators that you can use to estimate what your scrap silver may be worth. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to also know the weight of the item, and the current price for scrap silver. It’s probably easier to just bring it to a pawn shop once you’ve tested and confirmed that it is silver.

Selling Scrap Silver to a Pawn Shop

Pawn shops that buy scrap silver will be able to make you an offer based on the current value of the precious metal. The value of silver and gold tend to go up during times of economic uncertainty, or global unrest. This is because these precious metals are not impacted by the changing value of a dollar, so they become more valuable during economic downturns. Indeed, investors often turn to precious metals such as silver and gold, to diversify holdings during slowing economies.

Before you take your scrap silver to a pawn shop, you may want to wipe it down so that the purity imprint is visible but avoid polishing it. It’s just not necessary. You may also want to divide your scrap, into coins, flatware, collectibles or other. Pay particular attention to silver coins, as you can often find highly valuable coins and not know it, and you’ll want to make sure you get your money’s worth for it.

You’ll be in the best position to get the most money for your silver scrap, if you’ve read up on current prices, and know the total weight of the silver scrap you want to sell.

Why Sell Silver Scrap to a Pawn Shop?

Pawn shops offer convenience. Instead of tracking down a buyer online or on eBay, you can simply walk into a pawn shop (some of which are open seven days a week) with your silver. There’s no need to ship or insure anything. At a pawn shop you can also walk away easily and won’t be badgered with emails and phone calls trying to get you to reconsider.

Reputable pawnbrokers will examine and weigh the silver in front of you before making you an offer. You may also be able to negotiate for a better price at a pawn shop. If you’re trying to sell scrap silver online, this may be more difficult, as the buyer can’t see the scrap. Generally, speaking pawnshops offer prices similar to what you could expect to be offered if you took silver coins to a coin shop. But pawn shops are easier to find than coin shops these days.

Finally, consider that pawnshops may offer you more than you knew the silver was worth. Unless you’re an expert, trying to calculate the value of your scrap silver is risky at best. So even if you think you know what it is worth, be sure to let the pawn shop make you an offer first. It may turn out that you were going to ask for $100, but they offer you $175.

Sell Silver in the San Gabriel Valley

If you have silver you’d like to sell, including silver coins, silver jewelry, silver bars, silver utensils or scrap silver, Central Mega Pawn would like to make you an offer. As a longstanding, locally owned and operated pawn shop in Ontario, we’ve served the communities of Upland, Ontario, and Pomona for more than a decade. In addition to buying your silver, we also make pawn loans on silver, if you need a temporary loan to get you through a lean financial period.

We also buy and lend on gold bars, gold jewelry, gold coins, gold nuggets, and gold flake.

We’d love the opportunity to show you why Central Mega Pawn is the Inland Empire’s fastest growing pawn shop. We invite you to bring unwanted silver scrap, antiques, jewelry, sporting equipment, tools, instruments into our shop for our best offer. Central Mega Pawn is open seven days a week from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook.

Do Pawn Shops in the Inland Empire Buy and Sell Hermès Designer Watches?

Do Pawn Shops in the Inland Empire Buy and Sell Hermès Designer Watches?

by | Apr 5, 2022 | Blog

Hermès is a name that goes a long way back. Your ancestors may remember them for their exquisitely crafted leather goods and their art stays true to this day. You don’t need to be a serious collector to see the value in such beauty. The moment you lay your eyes upon a Hermès watch, you’ll understand all that you need to know as you struggle to break free from it’s mesmerizing features. Residents of the Inland Empire can buy and sell their Hermès designer watches at a trusty pawn shop as long as you know where to look.

The Hermès Legacy Grows Strong

The Hermès name is one that will forever go down in history. Where many brands have only been around for mere decades, this renowned company has been expertly crafting high-end pieces for over a century. For this reason alone, their watches are among the most sought-after around the globe.

An Honorable Reputation

Dating all the way back to 1837, Thierry Hermès began his business creating harnesses and saddles that the locals absolutely yearned for. It was everything they wanted in a smooth and luxurious ride which earned a well-deserved award thirty years later. A couple generations down the line, Émile Hermès introduced the company to watchmaking in 1928 and the brand’s name had skyrocketed in popularity ever since.

Being around for over 150 years, the Hermès company history is an impressive one to say the least. The brand continues to innovate, their most recent accomplishment being the release of their lip products in 2020. It’s safe to say that Hermès will continue to thrive as long as they keep their future on the horizon.

Indescribable Beauty

Hermès watches are recognized for their gorgeous simplicity. You can especially see their knack for design in the popular Cape Cod design, unifying modesty, functionality, and satisfying aesthetic all in one seamless motion.

Because design means so much to the brand, the artistic department is branched into specialized categories. Aside from the overall general director, there are ten teams each dedicated to a significant aspect of the company’s repertoire:

  • Hermès Horizons
  • Hermès Horloger
  • Men’s silk
  • Shoe and jewelry collections
  • Home universe
  • Hermès Parfums
  • Men’s universe
  • Women’s silk
  • Women’s ready-to-wear
  • Petith

Each of these groups are led by their own artistic and creative director to gracefully design products that never cease to amaze the people who love their work.

Innovative Spirit

As you can see with how the Hermès brand began their journey with saddles rather than watches, their designers continue to tread unfamiliar waters to find more ways to appeal to their fans so they may incorporate more of the company into their everyday lives. Being six generations deep into impeccable entrepreneurship, the French-based business also crafts various leather goods, make up, hats, and full apparel.

In a successful effort to keep up with the times, Hermès collaborated with Apple to create a designer band for the Apple Watch which went completely viral. Having one of these stylish, modern bands is sure to get you compliments wherever you go.

Buying and Selling Hermès Watches

As you can probably figure out from learning about what makes the brand so incredible, Hermès watches cost enough to make a dent in anyone’s bank account unless you know where to look. On the contrary, owning a Hermès watch can fetch you some decent cash if taken to the right place.

Buying a Hermès Watch

Hermès prides itself in its global online store, but like negotiating the ticket price on a car, buying a watch should be more flexible than submitting to the set retail price. When you go to a pawn shop, inventory prices are negotiable because although the pieces are like new, they each have their own unique backstory that can factor into the value. So if you’re looking to own a quality Hermès watch, this is the best method for saving a few extra bucks.

Arceau Petite Lune Price Comparison

Retail Price Est.Pawn Shop Price Est.
$8,350$4,500

There’s no denying that purchasing from a pawn shop is a way better deal, and you won’t even have to give up quality because a good dealer will make sure that each piece is in the best shape before it goes under the glass. For almost half the price, it really is a no-brainer!

Selling a Hermès Watch

A Hermès watch can pack your wallet, but where would you even sell it? Posting a listing online is never a good idea because buyers will always look for the cheapest option and undervalue your watch. Not only that, but there are even more problems that come from selling online. If you take it to a reputable pawn shop, any expert evaluating your piece will appreciate the value and buy it from you for what it’s actually worth.

When looking for a reputable pawn shop to trust with your sales transaction, here are a few things to consider:

  • How long the business has been established
  • The amount and quality of their reviews
  • Their willingness to negotiate prices
  • Certifications and other acknowledgements
  • Friendliness among the staff

Finding a local pawn shop with all of these traits is not as hard as it seems. Before you go off spending precious time on unnecessary research, read ahead to discover the best place to go in the Inland Empire.

Inland Empire Pawn Shops

Where in the Inland Empire can you go that is trustworthy, safe, and friendly? Central Mega Pawn has designer watch experts that you can count on and they’ll always give you the best possible price for you whether you’re looking to buy or sell your Hermès watch. Their sheer number of positive reviews speak for themselves and they’ve been happily serving the area for over ten years so they have a great relationship with the local community. When you go to Central Mega Pawn, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands.

Call Central Mega Pawn today at (909) 627-9622 or come visit 11031 South Central Avenue in Ontario, California for the best pawn shop experience in the Inland Empire!

Do Pawn Shops Buy and Sell Authentic Chanel Handbags?

Do Pawn Shops Buy and Sell Authentic Chanel Handbags?

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Blog

Chanel bags are more than just beautiful handbags. They are statement pieces, and for many collectors, a bona fide investment. Most Chanel bags increase in value over time. In fact, they are often recognized as the leading designer handbag, worth their investment. Ranging in price from $2,000 to more than $200,000, authentic Chanel handbags are hot ticket items at some pawnshops. While pawnshops in the middle of the country may not buy and sell these high-price items, in markets such as Southern California, where pawnbrokers have access to inventory from the local community, pawnshops do buy and sell authentic Chanel handbags.

Why Shop for Designer Bags at Pawn Shops

A pawn shop may not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of treating yourself or a loved one to a luxury item. Here are the reasons why they should be the first place you shop when looking for a designer item.

1. Authentic Handbags are Cheaper at Pawn Shops

No matter what type of designer item you’re looking for, you’ll always pay a fraction of the full retail value. It is quite common to save 30%-50% on designer products.

2. Pawnshops May Carry Limited Edition, Rare Items

Because pawn shops get their inventory from their community, you never know what someone may bring in to sell. From vintage Chanel handbags to rare Swiss watches, to ancient coins for a collection, pawnshops don’t go to trade shows or buyer’s markets. They buy from their customers which means the inventory can come from virtually anywhere in the world. This also means that the inventory of designer items is turning over constantly. What you see in the shop on a Monday is unlikely to be what you see in the shop the following week.

3. Pawnshops are Easier on the Environment

It may be surprising to learn that pawnshops are more eco-friendly than traditional retailers. The inventory is hand-delivered to pawnshops, rather than boxed, wrapped, and shipped from across the country or world. Pawn shops are in the business of resale, so there is no further environmental impact from production or manufacturing, which can lead to pollution.

4. Reputable pawn shops will only sell authentic items

Pawn shops that want to stay in business will avoid selling fake items. The reason? Just like any other business, pawnbrokers want repeat customers and good word-of-mouth reviews. Tricking customers will only create a bad reputation, so honest pawnshops will avoid all knockoffs.

How to Know a Chanel Handbag is Authentic

When you’re looking for a Chanel handbag, it’s smart to include pawnshops as a potential source. Pawnshops offer significant savings on luxury items including watches, jewelry, and high-end handbags. However, you need to be smart about where you shop. You should also know what to look for when shopping for an expensive handbag. After all, there are countless knockoffs out there, and you don’t want to be fooled.

Established and successful pawn shops will employ people who know exactly what to look for to confirm that an item is authentic. When it comes to Chanel, there are many things shops will look for, to verify that the bag is authentic.

Quilting

A telltale sign that a supposed Chanel bag is a knockoff is misaligned quilting. Chanel bags are known for their incredible quilted patterns which come in chevron, square, and diamond. On authentic Chanel bags, the quilting will always align perfectly. If the alignment is mismatched on the flap, or near a pocket, it is likely a fake.

Serial Numbers

Chanel uses either 6, 7, or 8 numbers in their serial numbers. Knock-off bags typically have an “authentication card” but, the serial number is often 9 or more numbers.

Lightweight Chain Straps

Another red flag that a Chanel bag is not authentic can be found in the straps. The signature chain that has been used in Chanel bags for decades is heavy. Those that have lightweight chains are not authentic.

Stitch Counts

On authentic Chanel quilted bags, each panel will have more than 8 stitches. Chanel insists on bags that do not bulge, so they use a high stitch count per panel. When looking for signs of authenticity, pawnbrokers know that less than eight stitches are a giveaway that the bag is a fake.

Logo

Chanel’s overlapping C-logo is one of the most recognized logos in the world. Known as the CC lock, this logo should always be straight and spaced evenly. The upper portion of the right C will overlap the upper left C. The left C will overlap the right C on the bottom. If the Cs overlap differently the bag is not authentic.

Bulges or Bumps

Chanel bags are known for being smooth and free of bumps or bulges. Any bulging on a bag will be a sign that the bag is fake. On the inside of the bag, the liner should be taught. Loose or sagging lining is common in knockoffs.

Upright Position

The premium design and production of Chanel bags mean that they will stand upright on their own. If you find a bag that is reported to be a Chanel, but it won’t stand properly, or it leans, it is a fake.

Authentic Chanel Handbags in the Inland Empire

Central Mega Pawn is a top-rated pawn shop in the Inland Empire. With a 4.9-star rating on Google, we aim to provide a premium customer experience at our pawn shop. In addition to buying and selling authentic Chanel handbags at our shop in Ontario, we also buy and sell handbags from other luxury designers such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi Chloe, Dior, Prada, and others.

As a locally owned and operated business, we serve Ontario, Pomona, Upland, and surrounding communities from our store located at 11031 Central Avenue, in Ontario. For your convenience, Central Mega Pawn is open seven days a week until 6 pm. We also list many of our items in our online store that you may shop 24/7.

How To Negotiate with Your Local Pawn Shop in 2022

How To Negotiate with Your Local Pawn Shop in 2022

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Blog

As inflation continues to put a dent in the budgets of Americans, many are looking for ways to save money on purchases or make a bit of extra cash. One of the best places to accomplish both is at your local pawn shop. Pawnshops often carry designer jewelry, name-brand electronics, premium quality power tools, and luxury items such as watches, handbags that you can purchase for a fraction of the price you’d pay at a traditional retailer. The reason pawnshops can stock these in-demand items is that they are constantly buying hot ticket items. So if you’re looking to make some extra money in 200, follow these tips for negotiating at a pawn shop.

Selling Items to a Pawn Shop: How to Negotiate for the Best Price

You can turn most things of value into cash at a local pawn shop. But, to make sure you get the best offer for your items, follow these negotiation tips.

1. Clean The Item You Plan to Sell

Items that don’t show signs of wear and tear will get a better offer than items that are obviously used. So, if you’ve got unused sports equipment, handbags, power tools, or antiques, wipe them down before you take them into the pawnshop. If you have gold, platinum, or diamond jewelry you no longer wear, run some cold water over it, so that it is free of debris and smudging.

However, you need to be incredibly careful with items such as antiques, luxury watches, and coins. It’s best just to run a soft cloth over them, so as not to damage them with abrasive cleaners or brushes.

2. Look at the Pawn Shop’s Online Store

Pawnshops don’t carry too many of the same items in stock. So, if you’re considering selling a Louis Vuitton handbag, for example, check the pawn shop’s online store first. If they have a lot of the same type of handbag that you want to sell, you may want to look for another pawnshop. Or you may choose to sell a different item to that shop. For example, you may see that although they have three Vuitton bags, they don’t have many laptop computers, and you recently got a new tablet, so you’re considering selling your laptop. A quick peek at the inventory in their online store can let you know if your item may be one of a kind.

3. Know What Your Item is Worth

Before you attempt to sell anything at a pawn shop, you should have a ballpark estimate of what it is worth brand-new. Keep in mind that pawn shops will offer you a percentage of the value. By remembering this, it would save you from being disappointed if an offer made is much less than you hoped for. For example, if you have an item that retails for $1000, you should not expect the pawn shop to offer you $950. It also prevents you from looking like you don’t know what you’re doing when you’re selling an item.

4. Remember it’s Just Business

When negotiating at a pawn shop in 2022, try to remain detached, and non-emotional. Remember that just because a piece of jewelry has significant sentimental value to you, it may not have the same value to a pawn shop. Likewise, try not to take it personally if the pawn shop doesn’t make you an offer at all. This doesn’t mean you don’t have a nice item. It may just mean that they know what their customers want, and the item may not meet that demand, currently. Keep in mind that selling to a pawn shop is a business transaction, and nothing about it is meant to make you feel angry or upset.

5. Wait for the Shop to Make an Offer

When you take an item into a pawn shop to sell, it’s smart to let the pawnbroker make the first offer. Pawnbrokers buy and sell items every day, and they are comfortable with assigning a value to your item. If you take something in to sell, and immediately say, “I need $100 for this,” you could be shortchanging yourself because it’s possible the shop was going to offer you $150. So let them start the negotiations by making an offer, and then suggest 10-15% more than they offered.

Buying Items at a Pawn Shop: How to Negotiate for the Best Price

If you’re on the hunt for a gift for a loved one, a collectible to add to your collection, or a treat to spoil yourself, always check your local pawn shop first. You can often find the exact same items you’d find in department stores, hardware stores, and jewelry stores, but you’ll pay a fraction of the price. Follow these tips for negotiating a purchase at a pawnshop.

1. Look for Similar Items in Stock

If you’re at the pawn shop to buy a power drill or saw, and you see that they have half a dozen in stock, you can often get a great price. So, let the employee quote you a price, and then counteroffer at roughly 80% of their lowest prices. Then listen and consider meeting them in the middle. If they won’t budge at all, you should always be willing to walk away.

2. Have Cash with You

When negotiating for an item at a pawn shop, make sure you let the pawnbroker know that you have cash, and you’ll be paying cash. You may be able to get the shop to lower the price a bit more if you let them know you have cash with you.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

If you reach an impasse with a pawnshop, don’t be afraid to walk away. Experienced pawnbrokers are good at reading people, and if they see that you’d rather walk away than pay the price they are offering, you may just convince them to drop the price a bit more.

Buy and Sell Items at the Inland Empire’s Top Rated Pawn Shop

Central Mega Pawn is the Inland Empire’s top-reviewed and fastest-growing pawnshop. From everyday household tools to luxury jewelry, watches, and electronics by the best brands, we buy and sell a wide variety of items every day. For your convenience, Central Mega Pawn is open seven days a week until 6 pm. We are located at 11031 Central Avenue, in Ontario.