The economy is recovering, but things are still a little shaky out there. Many people are looking for ways to leverage what they have to get some extra money.

One common action people take is to use valuable items — such as artwork — to get some extra cash temporarily. Many times, this happens at pawn shops.

But is pawning your art a legit way to get money from your artwork? Or should you go the traditional route, such as using an auction house or selling to someone privately? Read on to see why a pawn shop is a viable option.

Get Cash Fast... Without Losing Your Artwork

Pawn shops offer you the unique opportunity to leverage your art for cash today — yet you don’t have to let go of your art. This is possible through pawn loans.

Pawn loans require no credit checks, and you can get them in as little as a day. You secure the loan with your artwork. As long as you pay back the loan balance plus fees and interest in 30 days, you get your art back.

In many cases, borrowers aren’t getting a pawn loan out of necessity or desperation. Perhaps a unique investment opportunity presents itself to you, but you don’t get paid until next week. Pawning your art provides you that capital to buy into said investment opportunity. Then, you can pay back the loan when you receive your paycheck.

What If You Sell Your Art?

Perhaps you aren’t as attached to your art, and you’d rather earn money that you don’t have to pay back. That’s understandable.

Pawn shops make it easy to sell your art, too.

See, the traditional routes take time. If you sell to someone else, you might have to go through a broker. You’ll endure a lengthy appraisal process and owe commissions to your broker (and perhaps other parties involved in the process).

What if you use an auction house?

In this case, you won’t have the final say on your artwork’s price. Whoever has the best bid, wins. Sure, there’s a chance you might wind up with more than you hoped for, but it’s more likely you’ll get less.

At a pawn shop, you have more choice. One pawn shop low-balled you? Leave them behind and visit a different pawn shop. As long as you demand a reasonable amount for your artwork, you’re more likely to get the price you want through pawn shops.

Bring Your Artwork to Cash Express in Philadelphia

Need some extra cash for the short-term? If you have some artwork, Cash Express would be happy to lend you money against it. Just bring your art into our Philadelphia pawn shop so we can take a look at it. We’ll get money into your hands within a few hours!

Decluttering your house? Your first thought may be to have a garage sale. You know, clean out your home and make a few bucks.

But yard sales aren’t your only option — and they may not be the best, either.

Pawn shops could actually be the better choice. Here are some reasons to consider a pawn shop in Philadelphia like Cash Express.

You Can Keep Your Items in Some Cases

Selling isn’t your only option at pawn shops. If you need some quick cash but want to keep your item, you can pawn it for a loan.

The pawnbroker holds onto the item for 30 days. As long as you pay back the loan plus interest and fees, you get your item back. No credit checks required. Plus, if you can’t pay back the loan, you only lose the item — not your credit score.

A Better Price

You may not know the true value of most items you’re selling at a garage sale. You could be leaving money at the table by selling these items at a massive discount.

Most pawn brokers bring in an industry expert to appraise your item. Who knows: you may end up earning $100 on an item you would’ve sold for $10 at a yard sale.

No Setup Required

Yard sales require a lot of tedious setup. First of all, you have to arrange all your items in an organized, intuitive manner. You’ll need some tables to place items on.

Then, there’s the marketing. You’ll have to create (or buy) signs and place them strategically around your area so that traffic can see them.

And when your customers get there, you have to make sure no one walks off with your items without paying.

No such setup is required at a pawn shop. No need to wake up at the crack of dawn and worry if you’ll get any customer

Looking to sell some stuff at a garage sale or a pawn shop? Cash Express is your one-stop Philadelphia pawn shop for all your quick money needs. 

Come talk to our friendly staff today if you have any questions!

Pawn shops are known for having lots of jewelry, precious metals, and similar valuables in their inventories. In fact, those are our favorite types of items at Cash Express in Philadelphia.

But many pawn shops (including us) are also fans of musical instruments. Many people sell their instruments to pawn shops because they can get a great price fast — and pawn shops take them because they know other people will want to buy them.

If you’re among these musicians that’s looking to grab their first (or next) instruments from a pawnbroker, read on.

Why Buy an Instrument From a Pawn Shop?

In general, pawn shop instruments are in excellent condition. But since they’re gently used, and since you can negotiate with pawn brokers, you can find a fantastic instrument at a low price.

Because of this, pawn shop instruments are perfect for beginners. You’ll have more money leftover to invest in music lessons with a good teacher, as well as other accessories.

What Instruments Can You Find at Pawn Shops?

Not all instruments will be easy to find. Pawn shops only buy what people bring in, after all. If an instrument isn’t popular, you might be able to find it at a pawn shop — but it’ll be a challenge.

With that said, there are plenty of instruments commonplace in pawnbroker inventories, such as:

• Amplifiers

• Bass guitars

• Clarinets

• Flutes

• Guitars (acoustic and electric)

• Harmonicas

• Keyboards

• Synthesizers

• Trombones

• Trumpets

• Violins

Out of these instruments, guitars and violins are the most popular. You’ll find them quite easily, but you’ll want to act fast — a guitar you’re keeping your eye on could sell fairly quickly.

Buying Your Instruments

When buying your instrument, consider the whole cost when weighing the purchase against your budget. Not just the purchase price, but any necessary repairs and mandatory (or near-mandatory) accessories (such as a capo for a guitar).

Inspect your choice of instrument carefully, looking for signs of damage. Make sure the instrument isn’t refinished. Check each component of the instrument (such as strings and pegs for a violin) carefully to get a feel for the instrument’s condition.

Some repairs will be cheaper than others. You may pay more for a great-condition violin in need of restringing, but new strings aren’t costly. On the other hand, violin body damage can be expensive.

Also, play an instrument a few times at the pawn shop. Listen carefully, as the tone it produces can help you determine the condition of the instrument. For example, violins should have deep, rich tones. A high-pitched, treble-y violin may not be in as good a condition as you think.

Keep these things in mind and you’ll be well on your way to bringing home a great instrument at a fair price.

Looking to pick up a new musical instrument? Cash Express is your one-stop Philadelphia pawn shop for your instrument needs. We have plenty of excellent instruments to look at.
If you’re looking to sell or pawn your instrument, we’d be happy to help as well. Come talk to our friendly staff today!

Diamonds are beautiful and valuable — making them the perfect target for people who want to make fakes for profit.

Fortunately, there are some tests you can run to see if a diamond is real or fake. They can be done at home and cost you a few bucks at most.

None of these tests are conclusive, but failing several of these tests is a strong indicator that you should get a diamond test kit or bring the piece to a gemologist to learn the truth.

The Loupe Test

A loupe is a magnifying glass used by jewelers to see the fine details of jewelry. Since diamonds form in nature, there are bound to be imperfections. A perfect diamond is likely fake.

This isn’t always the case, though — you may stumble across a real, perfect diamond. Lab-created diamonds are also generally flawless, yet they’re real.

However, the loupe test can still indicate that further inspection is required.

The Black Light Test

Another initial screening test you can run is the black light test. Turn off all the lights and shine a black light on your diamond. You should see a bluish fluorescence. Green, yellow, and other colors could indicate a fake.

The Heat Test

Diamonds are incredibly strong. High heat will not damage them.

To perform the heat test, fill a glass with cold water. Using plyers or fireproof gloves, heat your diamond with a lighter for about a minute, then promptly drop your stone into cold water. A fake diamond will shatter, as its components will not be able to stand the rapid expansion and contraction of heat.

The Water Test

If the heating element of the heat test makes you uncomfortable, you can still use the other half of the test to determine if your diamond is real. When dropped in water, a diamond’s high density will cause it to sink to the bottom.

If your diamond floats, however, then it isn’t a diamond at all.

The Fog Test

The fog test uses condensation to determine diamond authenticity. Condensation doesn’t stick to the surface of a real diamond.

All you have to do is hold the diamond in front of your mouth and breathe on it as if you were trying to fog up a mirror. If the condensation immediately disperses, the diamond is real. If not, it’s fake.

The Sandpaper Test

Again, diamonds are made of tough material. It’s quite hard to scratch them.

Scratch the stone in question with sandpaper. Scratches indicate your diamond is actually something else, whereas no damage indicates authenticity.

Did your diamond pass this battery of tests? You can fetch a pretty penny by pawning it. If you’re looking for a pawn shop in Philadelphia, stop by Cash Express. We love diamonds and jewelry here — we’ll get you a fair price for your piece and have the money in your hands the same day.

Is There Any Value in Sports Collectibles?

Have you ever dug through your attic and found some old baseball cards? Or perhaps you have an autographed football with a famous name on it. Whatever sports collectibles you have, it probably occurred to you that you can sell it for a nice pay day. But can you? Do your sports collectibles have any value? And if so, how much money could you get for yours?

Let’s look at some factors that can determine how valuable your collectible is.

Authentication

Authentication is the only way to get a concrete value of your sports collectible. Without authentication, your collectible is only worth as much as someone will pay for it.

If someone authenticates your collectible, it’s value can increase dramatically — sometimes by hundreds of dollars.

To get your collectible authenticated, you’ll have to contact a third-party authenticator. You may have to pay a fee as well — but if you plan on selling your collectible, a small fee will be worth the hundreds extra that you bring in.

Player Skill

Players that are/were objectively better the their sport will naturally bring a higher price — partially because of their skill, but also because they don’t give out their signature that often.

Take Tom Brady, for example. Sure, he’s good at what he does. However, he also doesn’t sign things that often, making his signature even more valuable.

Player Popularity

Player skill matters in determining value, but so does player popularity.

For example, Michael Jordan’s signature will be worth more than most other basketball players in history partly because of his huge popularity. He was also great at the game, of course, which makes his signature worth even more.

It isn’t likely for a Michael Jordan signature to fluctuate in value, but value fluctuations in value are definitely possible for memorabilia from other players.

Take Jeremy Lin, for example. He was killing it on the New York Knicks. During that time, his signature was worth a pretty penny.

But now that he’s not in the spotlight, fewer people value his signature, making it worth less than what it used to be.

The Item Itself

Last but certainly not least, the signed item itself can play a significant part in its value. A good example would be footballs. A football used in a Super Bowl game would be worth a lot more than a football used in a regular season game.

This also plays off of the player in question. For example, a signed Kobe Bryant jersey would be worth a lot more than a signed Kobe Bryant picture.

In fact, jerseys (along with helmets) are some of the most valuable items — they did belong to the player, after all.

If you have any sports collectibles that you have laying around that you want to sell for quick cash or want to pawn, come to Cash Express and get the cash you deserve! We specialize in a variety of goods such as antiques, gold, watches, jewelry, coins and more. Check us out online!

Do Silver-Plated Antiques Have Any Value?

Have you ever wonderd why your fork, spoon, and knife are called “silverware”? Believe it or not, cutlery items and dishware used to be made of silver quite often, which is where the name came from. The silver was used by ancient societies as it killed microorganisms that could cause sickness.

Today, we call everything silverware. However, it’s commonly made with stainless steel to make it more affordable. But you may have old, true “silverware” and other silver-plated antiques. The question is, do they have any value? And if so, how much can you get for them?

Let’s explore this more below.

Sterling Vs. Silver-Plated

You may be excited to learn that your stainless steel cutlery is coated in silver. You could make a killing at a pawn shop!

Well, not exactly.

As it turns out, silver-plated items don’t have much value. That’s not to say they are worthless, but there simply is not enough silver in the items for them to have value when melted down.

The true value comes in items that are sterling silver. Sterling silver items are made with at least 92.5% silver. The other 7.5% comes from various other metals — copper being an example.

You can sell sterling silverware at several types of locations.

• Private sales — Private parties take the most time and effort, but you can net the most money. You’ll have to advertise your piece online or through newspaper ads. You could also try an auction, but you have to set a reserve price, and the auction company may take commission.

• Silver dealers — Silver dealers are a faster method than private sales, but the earnings aren’t as high. Silver dealers either pay by the number of pieces you have or they pay by the ounce.

• Pawn shops — Pawn shops like Cash Express love to see sterling silverware. You’ll be able to sell your silverware quite fast at a pawn shop while still getting a good chunk of change, although you won’t make as much as if you sold your silver another way.

Of course, it’s less likely that you’ll have sterling silverware in your possession. It’s worth a look, though.

Is It Still Possible to Sell My Silver-Plated Antiques?

Yes, it’s still possible, although you won’t be able to make as much money.

Most pawn shops typically won’t take silver-plated flatware, but don’t count them out — some flatware patterns have followings, so people may be looking for the specific pattern you have.

Silver dealers may be a better option for selling your silver-plated antiques.

Sell or Pawn Your Silver Items

If you have a true silver item, you can sell or pawn it at Cash Express if you want some extra money. We love precious metals!

Bring your items in — we’ll get you a fair price on your item and have you out with the money in your hand the same day.

We don’t often think about the value of random thing we have in stuffed away in boxes. However, tons of old items — including things you might own — could be worth a hundreds or even thousands if you bring them to the right place.

Here are some of the most valuable antiques you might find.

1. Paintings

You might not have the Mona Lisa, but you never know if you have a valuable painting in your possession. Some people have said that they lived by painters who gifted them a piece of artwork that later became valuable when the painter struck fame. Worth looking into if you have any paintings.

2. Guitars

Guitars are not only musical instruments, but some consider them pieces of art. They don’t have to be antique, either. Guitars in good condition — even those from the 60’s and 70’s — can be worth a lot.

3. Tools

Head over to your shed or workbench and take a look at your tools. See anything that’s quite old? Older tools can be worth a lot, but you’ll want to check out a price guide to get a more accurate estimate of their value.

If you find anything valuable, you could sell it and have enough money to buy a brand new tool set.

4. Persian Rugs

Persian rugs take a long time to appreciate in value, but the wait is worth it if it’s been in your possession for decades. Rugs over 100 years old are considered antiques. Price is determined by factors such as size, material, and design.

5. Books

Did your grandparents or great grandparents buy a well-known book when it came out decades ago? First edition books from the 1930s - 1950s (and before) can be worth thousands of dollars.

6. Baseball Cards

In general, baseball cards increase in value as they get older. That being said, there are several other aspects that play into the card’s value. If you have baseball cards, consider getting them appraised.

7. Lamps

If you’ve inherited an old lamp that just doesn’t seem to fit your current decor, don’t fret — depending on brand, an old lamp could earn you thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Brands like Handel and Pairpoint will net you a pretty penny.

8. Christmas Ornaments

New Christmas ornaments are a dime a dozen, but older Christmas ornaments passed down through generations could be worth a lot. A single ornament could be worth several hundred dollars; not bad for a little orb you hang on a tree once a year.

9. Silverware

Believe it or not, old sterling silverware can net you a good amount of cash. Individual pieces can fetch you a few hundred — but if you have a whole set, that’s potentially a couple thousand dollars.

10. Vintage Ads

Vintage-style ads add a touch of fashion to your home when placed well. However, real vintage ads may be worth selling instead. Even ads for the most mundane items could fetch your hundreds.

How to Discover the Price of an Antique

Do you own a historical or valuable antique, such as an old coin, artwork, or a firearm? You’re probably wondering what it’s worth out of curiosity; or maybe you want to sell it and you’re hoping to maximize your earnings.

There are several sources you can use to discover approximately how valuable your antique is. Try some of these place.

1. Search for Similar Antiques for Sale Online

A great place to start your search is online. Begin by searching for items for sale that are similar to your antique. For example, if you have an old coin, see if you can find other coins for sale.

While you’re using your search engine, try look for databases related to your item; to do so, just run a search for your item plus “database”. You’ll find a lot of pricing information regarding your item.

eBay is another online place you should check out, as tons of people sell antique items on there every day. Run a search for your item and see what prices you find.

2. Find an Appraiser for Your Antique

Nearly every type of item has an appraiser for it. Find an appraiser that is certified by the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers. You can seek out an appraiser directly, or you may be able to find one at an antique store.

You will have to pay for an appraiser, but getting an accurate estimate may be worth the cost.

Don’t have time to visit an appraiser or an antique store? You can get an estimate online from a valuation site. It won’t be as accurate since the appraiser can’t look at the item, but you should get a decent estimate if you’re thorough and honest in your description.

3. Auction Houses

Auction houses will evaluate your item for a fee that depends on location. However, some auction houses will host an occasional “Valuation Day” where they will estimate the value of your antique for free.

4. Collectibles Dealers

Is your antique a collectible item, such as a coin or a set of baseball cards? It likely has more established guidelines of determining its value; in this case, you’ll want to take your antique to a collectibles dealer.

As with appraisers, make sure the collectibles dealer you visit is certified by an appraisal organization. Also, read online reviews of any dealers you visit to ensure they’re reputable.

5. The Library

Your local library should have resources to assist you in discovering the price of your antique. One of these resources is a type of book called a price guide. Price guides contain an assortment of typical antique items and what prices they have sold for.

Look at collector’s books as well. In collectors books, you’ll find a detailed look at your item, including aspects such as size, condition, and sometimes pricing information.

If you’re having trouble finding the resources you need, ask a librarian to help you out.