Pawn Shops: 10 Best Things To Sell To Get The Most Cash

Do I have your attention? Trade your items for instant cash or exchange them for loans at a pawnshop. It could be the best option if you are short on cash or instantly fulfill your need. Many individuals nationwide get benefit from their services. They offer an easy and fast means of obtaining small sums of cash for their daily needs.

Highest Paying Pawn Shop

Approximately 68% of Americans use paycheck to paycheck to fulfill their living expense. These shops provide extra cash when you can’t pay bills or meet other expenses. A pawnbroker offers an instant loan if you bring an item to a shop. The item’s value will determine the loan amount.

There are hundreds of pawnshops in the world. Each day they are filled with tons of customers who are all experiencing the same three things:

  • In exchange for a loan, collateral is provided by the borrower as a guarantee.
  • It is common for people to sell used merchandise regularly.
  • The public regularly purchases various goods, including new and used items.
  • A collateral or asset is a value that an individual has left behind. The bank usually charges interest when you borrow money for a set period.

A person may return their valuable item from a pawnbroker by paying back the loaned amount. The pawnbroker has a right to pursue legal action against the borrower if they do not repay the loan and interest amount. Thus, the pawnbroker can recover the money by selling the valuable item to another customer.

According to the National Pawnbrokers Association, about 10,000 pawn shops are operated nationwide. Easily find the shop whether you live in a small or large city.

How Do Pawn Shops Work?

There is a perception among many people that these types of establishments are shady. You may realize great bargains in pawn shops that you would only be aware of if you had visited one before. It is a business that offers loans or cash in exchange for precious items.

A loan can be obtained by bringing jewelry, electronics, tools, and other precious items. Get a quick loan based on the item’s value. They can forfeit the sold item if the customer fails to repay the loan and interest within the specified timeframe. Pawnshops around the country allow customers to purchase items outright at their shops.

what do pawn shops buy for the most money

What items do Pawn Shops Not Take?

Following are the products that they don’t accept.

  • Stolen items
  • Broken Items
  • Weapons
  • Illegal drugs
  • Forged items
  • Fake or counterfeit luxury goods
  • Used clothes and shoes
  • Exercise equipment
  • Old TVs
  • Outdated electronics
  • Cheap jewelry

Pros and Cons of Pawn Shops

PROS

  • Get instant cash in difficult times
  • Sell the product on the spot.
  • Bargain them for the best price.
  • Get a loan without any checks.
  • Loan conditions are flexible.
  • No need to list your products online.

CONS

  • Never receive the exact value of your items
  • Only accepting some of the items.
  • Charge fees to evaluate the value of the product.
  • Charge interest on loans.
  • Lose possession of your collateral items if you don’t pay the money on time.

Difference Between Pawnbroker, Pawn Transaction, & Pawnshop

Pawn Broker:

It is a person who offers loans against security collateral. A dealer or trader may also purchase the merchandise for resale to earn a profit.

Pawn Shop:

Place or premises where pawnbrokers conduct their business and are regularly present.

Pawn Transaction:

Writing a bailment on personal property to secure a debt in a pawn transaction. Unless renewed, this bailment may be redeemed within 180 days of its initial issuance. If the debtor defaults on payments, the property is subject to an implied power of sale.

what do pawn shops buy for the most money

Benefits of Selling to a Pawn Shop

Compared to other establishments, pawn shops have several specific advantages.

  • Firstly, a loan may still be available even if you have an adverse credit history. Lenders do not consider your credit history when making a decision.
  • Secondly, maintain a good credit score if you repay the loan within a specified period. Pawned items are forfeited as soon as they are taken from the owner.
  • Thirdly, the loan processing period is very short, and you get instant cash within the same day. A pawn shop may be viable when money is needed urgently, and no other options are available.

Inconveniences Associated with Pawn Shops

There is no doubt that pawning your items for cash can be a disadvantageous method. For instance, your loan will be charged an excessive interest rate that causes a significant financial loss.

Nolo has reported that since the states regulate shops, they charge 12% to over 240%. This 240% APR would be equivalent to paying 20% monthly interest until the loan amount is repaid.

There is only around a 25 percent to 60 percent chance that an item will be resold in the future if it is pawned. Jewelry is not refunded to you if you pawn it. The money you can borrow from a pawn shop can range from $250 to $600.

Additionally, you will lose a piece worth $1,000 if you fail to follow the directions. Generally, the National Pawnshop Association notes that pawn shop loans typically cost $150 and last for 30 days on average. A staggering 85% of people take out loans to pay them back and claim the items they have been lent.

Best Thing to Sell at a Pawn Shop

One of the best ways to become liberated from unwanted items is to sell them at pawn shops and earn extra money. You should explore the market and identify the demanded items before selling them. Some items have a good resale value and offer more cash. The pawnbroker will have to sell your item to make a profit if you do not pick up your item after completing the specified loan period.

What Do Pawn Shops Buy For The Most Money?

Here are some of the best things that you can pawn.

Jewelry:

Jewelry sold in pawnshops has great demand. Many establishments have a dedicated person who knows the melt value of gold, precious stones, silver, and their weights. They likely understand cut, carat weight, and melt value concepts.

Pre-owned and estate jewelry can be found in many jewelry shops. Bringing the items into a store with pre-owned or estate merchandise is a good idea. You can obtain a better price in this manner.

what do pawn shops buy

Loose Diamonds:

Round brilliant diamonds are the most in-demand stones among diamonds. They cut diamonds into various shapes, including princess cuts, emerald cuts, oval cuts, Asscher cuts, marquise cuts, etc. However, other gemstones are also popular, such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. A certified gemologist should appraise them first to ensure the best price for diamonds and gemstones.

Collectibles:

There is a significant difference in determining value between collectibles and other currencies. Many collectibles are available in the market, some worth over $500. Doing extensive research on the current item’s market value is beneficial.

You can check the value on Worth Point or the eBay sale price. Coins and currency are always demanded collectibles. Ensuring that your coins are graded correctly and in good condition. Ready to be sold by a professional coin dealer to receive the highest amount of money.

Some of the most popular rare or valuable coins are as follows;

  • US-Mint uncirculated coin 
  • US-Mint gold coins
  • US-Mint silver coins.
  • Gold coins
  • Silver coins
  • Stamps

Armed Weapons:

Pawn shops are always looking for firearms. Before bringing your firearm into the shop, ensure it is unloaded and in its case. A valid identification card and some paperwork are required. You will also need to present a valid photo ID at the time of your arrival.

The best-armed weapons to sell are:

  • Handguns
  • Rifles
  • Collectible Firearms
  • Antique guns

Gaming Consoles:

The demand for video game consoles has always been high. One of the most popular gaming consoles is the PS4 and PS5. Other consoles you can pawn include Xbox, Nintendo Switch, handheld games systems, and older consoles such as the Atari, SNES, and GameCube.

Digital Technology Cameras:

Digital cameras are in high demand in pawn stores. Their long shelf life makes them a wise investment. A DSLR camera with a lens is one of the most popular types. The trend is similar to those seen with mirrorless cameras, compact cameras, bridge cameras with fixed lenses, and action cameras like GoPro. These cameras are also doing well in the market.

Designer Collection:

There is an increasing trend among people to pawn items, such as designer handbags and wallets. The value of these entities is extremely high when retaining them over time. Today’s most popular handbag brands include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Hermes.

The better the condition of your designer bag, the higher the price you can expect to receive. Therefore, you should take care to maintain it as much as possible. To successfully sell your couch, ensure it is free of stains, tears, and missing hardware.

Sports & Recreation Gears: 

A granter will always provide you with good sports equipment since they always look for new items. Some best-suited sale items are skis, tennis rackets, hockey sticks, baseball bats, and golf clubs.

Check the working condition of your equipment. Ensure it is equipped with any optional accessories you may want to purchase before selling it.

Musical Instruments:

Compared to other products, musical instruments always pay well. The most desirable items to sell on a classified advertising website are guitars, basses, keyboards, pianos, drums, and amplifiers. Get the most money for your instrument if it is in good condition and tuned, so be sure to take good care of it before selling it.

Product NameIncluded Items
TVsFlatscreen
Smart TV
GemstonesSapphires
Rubies
Emeralds
Power ToolsDrills
Battery-Operated Screwdrivers
Sanders
Saws
Makita
DeWalt
Bosch
Milwaukee
Craftsman
Lawn equipment  Lawnmowers
Leaf Blowers
Weed eaters
VehiclesATVs
Dirt bikes
Cars
Mountain Bikes
Racing bikes
BMX bikes
Road bikes  
Toys  Action figures
Dolls Hot
Wheels
Comic books
Hunting gearBows
Arrows
knives
Deer Stands
Tents
Rifles
Shotguns
Crossbows
Sports memorabiliaSigned Jerseys
Hats
Cards
Baseballs
Footballs
Sporting events tickets
Photographs
Personal computersAccessories
Gaming computers
MediaAudio
Video
DJ equipment
Hand tools  Snap-on
Craftsman
Mac Tools
Matco
Cornwell
LaptopsLaptop Accessories

How can I Earn the Most Money by Pawning items?

It is usually possible to obtain $500 by pawning an item worth between $835 and $2,000. The owners usually offer between 25% and 60% of the item’s potential sales price. Depending on your argument, you can negotiate their price if it is too low.

The offered amount against pawn items varies based on the market’s popularity and the item’s condition. You can find a better deal if you have the time to research several pawn shops.

Tips for getting the most cash for your items at a Pawn Shop

There are some tips you can follow to get the more price of your items.

  • Firstly, do proper research to evaluate the market price of your item. This way, you have a fair idea about the original price of your product and compare the price with other pawnshops.
  • Secondly, check the condition of your items before visiting the store. Pawn brokers will give you a price based on the product’s condition. However, if products are too old or their condition is not good, selling them at the consignment store is better.
  • Thirdly, bargain with them to increase the product price. They are very trained and try to give a lower price than the original market value.
  • Fourthly, you should bring the product’s original documents and certificates. It proves the authentication of your item and helps get more money from the pawn shop owners.
  • Fifthly, communicate with them very politely and professionally because it is helpful to get a better deal.

How to Find the Best Nearby Pawn Shop?

  • Do your research
  • Check the condition
  • Consider the location
  • Check reviews
  • Check credentials
  • Trust your gut

Conclusion

These shops have great worth and instantly fulfill all people’s needs in a difficult time. There can be a comparison between garage sales and flea markets regarding the types of goods offered at pawn shops. Remembering that high loan agreement interest rates and finance charges would be best. Consequently, it is necessary to consider other sources of cash if you are willing to wait for a short period.

FAQs

Q. Are pawn shops open on Sundays?

Yes, many shops open on Sundays. You can get help from the above-provided locator toll to know the timings.

Q. How do pawn shops determine value?

There are a lot of factors involved in determining the current value of the item. Some shop owners get the idea from the product demand in the market. At the same time, some get an idea from its market and appraised value. Some use the online website Usedprice.com to determine the exact price. 

Q. What can I pawn for $50?

  • Baseball cards or trading cards
  • Cameras
  • Cell phones
  • DVDs and video players
  • Fine Jewelry
  • Fitbit devices and other wearables
  • Game systems 
  • Guitars or other musical instruments
  • Laptop computers
  • Luxury handbags, shoes
  • Sporting equipment
  • Watches, including smartwatches

Q. Is it better to sell or pawn at a pawn shop?

It all depends on the customer’s choice. For example, if you have some precious metal and don’t need more, the best choice is to sell it and make money.

On the other hand, if you have an item and don’t want to sell it, the best option is to get a loan. Get the product back after repaying the loan. You can get a 30% to 50% loan on the market price of that product.

Q. How long do you have to pay a pawn loan?

You have to pay a loan within 30 days. Otherwise, they will resell your items.

Q. Is there a credit check for pawnshop loans?

No, there is no need for a credit check to get a loan from pawnshops.

Q. What are the other places to sell things and make money?

  1. Craigslist
  2. Decluttr app
  3. eBay
  4. Etsy 
  5. Facebook Marketplace
  6. LetGo 
  7. Local Facebook bargain groups
  8. Mercari 
  9. Wish

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Jessica joined savvybudgetnow in 2022 as a Content Analyst. An MBA-Finance graduate from Alaska Pacific University with three years of experience. She is a seasoned content writer specializing in finance niches and has worked as a content writer with Yahoo Finance, adding to her extensive expertise. Follow her on Twitter (@JessicaArn97) and LinkedIn (@jessica-arnold-53132120b)

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