When you are looking for gifts but have a firm budget, Cash Express is a perfect shopping stop. Whether you want rings, musical instruments, electronics, or even antiques, we have a little bit of everything for everyone. This is just one of many reasons to shop for gifts at a pawn shop. 

5 Reasons to Shop for Gifts at a Pawn Shop

1. Green Living

Everyone is recycling these days. Rather than throw items out or go through the hassle of an auction site, people sell them to a pawnshop for fast cash. The store inspects each item, looking for the best condition. In some cases, such as with designer clothing, a piece may arrive with the tags still attached. When the product goes on sale, it’s pre-owned, priced right, repurposed, and ready for worry-free gift-giving. And because your purchase was never thrown out, you’ve helped reduce the carbon footprint, even in a small way. This is called upcycling.

2. Hours of Operation & Inventory

You’ll find that pawn shops are frequently open longer hours, some even being 24/7. So you won’t have as many constraints on your shopping times. Additionally, stores like Cash Express have an ever-changing inventory. You can look at our gallery or call us ahead of time to see if we have one or more options for you, based on your inquiry. When you come into the store, you may find unexpected treasures that you’d never thought of for gift-giving. 

3. Sell to Buy

Perhaps you find the perfect gift, but it’s a little out of your price range, even though it is pre-owned. Good news! You probably have one or two things sitting at home that you have no real use for anymore. You can come in and sell those or use them in trade to raise extra money for your purchase. What sort of things do we buy?

• Rare books

• Dinette sets

• Silverware

• Coins

• Antique furniture

• Designer handbags and clothes

• High-end watches

• Artwork

And much more. If you’re unsure, please feel free to call us at 215-922-1560 before visiting the store. We can tell you if what you have is what we are looking to buy.

4. The ability to negotiate

For as long as there has been the art of pawning, there’s also been haggling. This part of shopping for gifts at a pawn shop is fun. You can work toward a reduced price and walk away with a great bargain. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. You’re not insulting the seller. They expect this. 

There are a few essential tips for haggling. Be polite. This isn’t the time to get all puffed up. If you are buying more than one item, your chances of getting a bundled deal are greater than if you were buying just one piece. If you notice an imperfection, point it out as a reason for your offer. Finally, cash is king. Cash transactions have historically offered more final price flexibility than checks or credit cards.

5. Stolen Property Database Check, Visual Inspections, and Appraisals

Pre-owned, priced right goods are excellent, but not if you find out they’re stolen. It is the shopkeeper's responsibility to check the databases for reported items. Once they’ve determined there are no legal issues, the next step is a visual inspection to look for flaws and verify if the item works (if applicable).  Finally, an in-store appraiser reviews current market values for pricing. So, if you’re shopping for something valuable, you’ll walk out with an appraisal for your insurance. 

Cash Express Can Help

There are certainly more than 5 reasons to shop for gifts at a pawn shop, but these are some key points. 

We’d love to help you find that perfect treasure. You can email info@pawnphiladelphia.com, use our Online Form, or visit our store at 731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Sometimes life seems to go wrong for days, weeks, or even months at a time. It gets discouraging. Worry and anxiety ramp up. But you can go from desperation to opportunity. A pawnshop can turn things around quickly.

Stop and Look

What items do you have around your home that you haven’t used or even thought about in 6 months or more? Those are your golden nuggets for pawning. Make a list. Take pictures. Then contact a shop like Cash Express for help. We can get you cash far faster than any bank loan. 

How do Pawn Shops Work?

Basically, a shopkeeper looks at what you’ve brought in to sell or pawn. They consider the value. From here, things go one of two ways.

1. You sell the item outright. 

This is ideal if you don’t need or want it anymore. You come to a financial agreement with the owner about payment. 

They will check to see if  the item might be lost or stolen on Police Bulletins before finalizing anything. Don’t feel offended. It has to be done. In PA it is illegal to “receive, retain, or dispose” of stolen goods. This protects people coming to buy items, too. 

Once you’ve agreed upon an amount, you’ll sign off on a receipt and be given your cash. You’re ready to take that money and create opportunity. 

2. Pawn Loans: 

For this transaction, you will turn your item into the shop for a short term loan. That item is your collateral. Cash Express handles transactions like this every day to help people turn things around. 

The owner or staff will look over what you have. They may take one item, several, or everything, depending on what they need in their current inventory. This might seem odd at first since it’s only collateral. But, the store has to make money. If you default on your loan, the store can sell it, so value matters.

Do pawn shops ever say no to a loan? Yes, for specific reasons (keep these in mind when choosing what you want to pawn). 

1. It’s not an item the shop typically carries or has any detailed knowledge about. Some pawnshops specialize in specific types of inventory, like jewelry. That shop may want little else.

2. Problems with the item’s condition. If it’s damaged or broken, that figures into the potential resale price. In some cases, a piece may have no resale value at all.

3. Perishables. Taking on perishables is tricky as they pose health concerns.

4. Safety issues: A baby’s car seat that is not up to standards is an example of an item a pawn shop may not buy.

5. Being overstocked. If you bring in a handbag, and they already have 20, it's a harder sale unless there’s something special about it. 

About That Loan

Let’s say the shop will give you a loan. Don’t expect full retail price. The amount you’ll receive is between 24% and 60% based on end-term value. Nonetheless, that amount can ease desperation and give you an opportunity to dig out. 

The owner will outline the terms of your loan, including a specific repayment schedule (average 30 days). They will give you a receipt (ticket) for the item. DO NOT LOSE THIS. It serves as evidence of the loan and your personal item. 

Now, here’s the sticky part. Many things that have value also have sentimental connections. If you fail to pay on time, that item is now the store’s property. If you are uncertain about your ability to repay, avoid pawning such goods. Also, if you know you’ll be late, talk to the owner or staff. You may be able to get an extension. 

Come to Cash Express

Here, you don’t have to worry about having bad or no credit. Instead, we provide a quick cash answer to your current struggles. Reach out anytime. You can:

Use our online contact form 

Email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, 

Call our office at 215-922-1560 or 

Visit our store in person: 731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Have you ever wondered why Philly residents skip the bank and head to the pawnshop for ready money? Let’s face it. There are times when situations arise and you find yourself with empty pockets. Now’s the time to get cash and ask questions later. 

In the Philly area, Cash Express is the number one pawnbroker you can come to for assistance. We’re always on the lookout for gems, watches, antiques, and precious metals. Furniture? Yep. Jewelry? In good condition, that too. Even items considered “costume jewelry” can have surprising value.

Up for Sale?

Some of the items you wish to pawn aren’t necessarily those you want to sell outright. That’s where a pawn shop becomes a tremendous ally. You can skip the tedious bank lending process and head to the pawn store to discuss your item’s value. Once you arrive, we can give you a fair estimate based on current trends, the brand name, and overall condition. Trade your item(s) in for a loan. Cash first; Questions later!

Okay, we’re really not going to keep you from asking questions. In fact, we encourage them. A pawnshop loan is not a traditional form of financing. Let’s take a closer look at a bank loan vs. quick cash at a pawn shop.

Skip the Bank and Head to the Pawn Shop

When you go to a bank for a loan, you must sign mounds of paperwork and present pertinent documents. And, of course, there’s the dreaded credit check. If you have poor credit, the bank might deny you outright or hike your interest rate. You have to wait for their response. In the meantime, you still have pressing issues.

At the Cash Express store, you can get the loan you require on the spot, the same day! Worried about your credit? Don’t be. There are no credit checks. A bad credit score has nothing to do with your loan; it only concerns your ability to repay the money within an agreed-upon timeframe.

When a Philadelphia Pawnshop Makes Sense

There are specific situations ideally suited to getting a pawnshop loan.

• Lack of a bank. If you don’t have an established bank account, borrowing traditionally will be difficult (and often frustrating). You don’t face that barrier at a pawnshop.

• You only need a small amount. No one wants to go through the hassle of getting a bank loan for a few hundred dollars. It doesn’t make sense. 

• Fast cash: When you need money quickly, pawning an item can be an ideal solution. Just make sure it’s not something with sentimental value in case you don’t repay the loan on time. At that point, unless you ask for an extension, the item becomes the shop's property to sell or use as they please.

• Bad or no credit. Building a credit rating from the ground up takes time you may not have. This is when Philly residents skip the bank and head to the pawn shop for help.

Of course, if you have no use for the item, you can sell it at Cash Express outright.

Pawning is Nothing New

Pawnshops have a history spanning 3,000 years, which is a pretty respectable resume. The staff at our Chestnut Street, Philadelphia store takes great pride in our trade, focused on excellent customer satisfaction. Let us help you, too!

Give our office a call at 215-922-1560.

Alternatively, use our online contact form or email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com

It’s time to clean out the cellar or attic. You start finding all kinds of electronic items you’d totally forgotten about. Don’t start tossing them in a garbage bag! When you find out what your old electronics could be worth today, you might be shocked! And you’re not alone. At Cash Express, people come in daily with old devices that were just collecting dust. 

Declutter, Make Money, Exchange or Shop!

Selling old gadgets is one way of recycling and adding extra cash to your budget. The range of items having resale value is pretty extensive. The ones fetching the highest prices are (a) in good condition, (b) have paperwork or original boxes, and (c) have nostalgic or historical value. 

5 Items: Trash to Treasure

Here is a brief list of items you may have that Cash Express would love to review and appraise.

Apple Lisa

If you have one of these, hold on tight. This is a rare find that is significant to computer development history. With a mouse and printer, you’re looking at a couple of thousand dollars, depending on condition..

Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 is the proverbial gold standard in gaming computers. It provided an experience well above competitors. Couple it with games like Pong and Pac-Man, and you have a match made in heaven. Find one in original packaging and you can pocket over  $1,000.

Commodore 64

A home computer offering great graphics and sound, Commodore settled in as a very popular system by the late 1980s. You couldn’t beat the price of around $250.00. A decent unit now sells for slightly under that price, but you can still fetch $100 or more depending on accessories.

Polaroid Cameras

In the late 1940s, Polaroid made a name for itself with cameras that produced photos instantly. Later, between 1970 and 1980, photographers sometimes used them for a soft-focus effect. An original, vintage camera can sell for over $1,000, and some far more.

Sony Walkman

Music you take with you. The Sony Walkman entered the market in 1979 and quickly integrated into pop culture. Collectors watch for these all the time. Yours may be worth several hundred dollars or more.

These are just five of the goodies you might find. 

What Else to Keep Your Eyes Open For

In considering what your old electronics might be worth today, some other hot items are on many buyers’ lists. They include:

• Apple IPhone (Original)

• Ipods (First edition)

• NES Systems: refurbished or limited editions

• Nintendo Game Boy: Original units (excellent if still working!)

• Nokia 3310 (unopened is best)

• Rotary phones

• Smart watches

• Speak & Spell (Texas Instruments)

• Tamagotchi, first edition (rare, unused, or original)

Determining Value

At Cash Express, we consider several things when we offer you a price. Condition is a biggie. Clean, unbroken, and with an original package sets the stage for higher value. Then there’s rarity and popularity. The harder it is to find a collectible, the more buyers will pay. Think popular limited editions with recognizable names.

If you’d like to learn more about what your old electronics might be worth, get in touch! Call our Philadelphia office at 215-922-1560. Use our online contact form, or email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com. We have a knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer your questions.

Cash Express is your go-to Philadelphia pawn shop for instant money when an urgent matter arises and you need quick cash. But you have no idea what might actually have the value you need or what the pawn shop might be looking for. For that matter, you may be cautious about pawning, not knowing much about the process. 

Sell Outright or Pawn

First things first. When you bring an item to a Philadelpia pawn shop, you have the option to sell it outright or pawn it. Obviously, if you choose to sell it, it should be something to which you have little sentimental attachment. The pocket watch your dad gave you is different from a snow blower.  You will get immediate financial relief, but you will no longer be able to reclaim that item.

Pawning is a loan. You don’t have to have a credit check; you get your money immediately. A contract is involved, detailing interest and a specific time within which it must be repaid usually 90-130 days). If you don’t pay on time, that item becomes the property of the pawnshop. 

In either case, bring any documentation you have proving your ownership. Remember that items in the best condition will yield more than those needing repair or touchups. Do a little research about your chosen item(s) before going to a store to understand their value. While you won’t get retail from pawning, having a price point is good. 

You will be asked for ID. This aids in law enforcement cooperation and any financial transaction requirements.

Items Pawn Shops Often Buy

Every Philadelphia pawn shop has a different preferred inventory depending on current trends and perhaps a theme like knives and swords.. Cash Express specializes in high-end jewelry, watches, antiques, diamonds, and precious metals. But we also look for cameras, tools, musical instruments, tablets, and televisions. 

Antiques 

Cash Express has a whole showroom dedicated to antiques, including statues, service ware, candleholders, salt servers, chairs, and even urns. If you are thinking of selling or pawning a piece of furniture, call us beforehand (215-922-1560). We may not have room for it (right now) on the display floor. Even if our answer is “not now,” we may have an opening later or get a request for what you’re selling. 

Antique by Arc loves unique items! If you have anything that proves providence, please bring it with you. Providence shows us history, ownership, location made, and even sometimes the original value. If there’s a verifiable maker's mark, that's a real find. Those increase the value of an item.

Clean Out the Closet

When your closet is stuffed to overflowing with many items you no longer wear, take a look through the tags. Any classic designer's clothing holds its value, as do some good-condition vintage pieces. Look for names like Armani, Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Pierre Cardin, Sephora, and Ralph Lauren.

Minor wear and tear is expected. However, extensive rips or stains may make the item unsellable.

Semi-Precious Sparkling Stones

When people think of jewelry, many immediately think of pearls, diamond rings, sapphire earrings, and perhaps a dainty ruby bracelet. However, there are many other crystals that are both durable and valuable, whether loose or in a setting. Polished amethyst, tourmaline, and tanzanite are always delightful. Oh, and a sea-blue larimar catches the eye. 

So, if you find jewelry with stones other than the “traditional,” don’t rule it out. Also, don’t overlook costume pieces, many of which yield surprisingly pleasant appraisals.  

What Else Can You Sell or Pawn at a Philadelphia Pawn Shop for Instant Cash?

Use your imagination. Do you have a plethora of video games? Maybe a laptop, guitar, amplifier, or designer watches? Cash Express has an appraiser on site, so we can give you a fair return.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions. You can email info@pawnphiladelphia.com, 

or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals.

Cash Express is a Philadelphia pawn shop near you on whom you can depend. We are the number one pawnbroker in the area for Quick Cash. Specifically, we are always happy to consider loans for high-end pieces like precious metals, gems, watches, and antiques. 

Pawning Isn’t Always Selling

When you need money quickly and consider pawning something on hand, you do not have to sell it. The truth is that many people have valuables with high sentimental value, and they don’t want to trade them in permanently. That’s where pawning your item comes into consideration. 

What is a Pawn Shop Loan

Going to a Philadelphia pawnshop near you for a loan is much easier than securing one from a financial institution. There are no credit checks, meaning your credit score won’t suffer. Additionally, you don’t have to worry if you have bad credit. 

Here’s how it works.

1. You bring the item to the store

2. The pawnbroker will check the item and assess the value

3. At this point, you can get the loan value or sales value. 

4. If you choose a loan, review the terms of the agreement. You must approve the interest rate and payment period. 

5. Local laws govern the amount of interest a pawn shop can charge. In Pennsylvania, it is 2.5% monthly plus a $1 service charge.

6. Once everything is signed off, you get your fast cash and a pawn ticket.

DO NOT LOOSE THAT TICKET

You will need it to get your item back when you complete the loan

7. If you cannot repay the loan, it becomes the shop's property, and they can sell it.

8. Some stores will offer loan extensions, but be prepared for a potential fee and, of course, more incurred interest. 

Selling

If you don’t mind selling your item, you can certainly do so. Again, a Philadelphia pawn shop near you, like Cash Express, will give you immediate cash based on the value minus enough for the store to make money. We can then add it to our gallery of goods. 

What Can You Sell?

The answer to that question is nearly anything. The bigger question is how much money you need for your current situation. When you know that, you can assemble a bundle of things that can potentially add to that goal. Remember you won’t be getting retail, so plan accordingly. 

Most Philadelphia pawn shops near you, like our store, are looking for specific items. We constantly watch for game consoles, electronics, bikes, precious metals (including coins), jewelry, cell phones, tools, watches, collectibles, and designer clothing, just to name a few. We watch consumer trends to see what’s popular, but we also appreciate one-of-a-kind, unique items. 

We also have Ark Antiques, specifically for those historical items and vintage treasures. Bring in those candelabras, vases, statues, and silverware! You may have a gold mine without even realizing it. 

Take a Field Trip to Cash Express!

You may feel a little odd about going to a pawnshop for quick cash, but you’re taking part in a history going back 3,000 years. It’s not newfangled, and we promise you welcoming smiles and answers to your questions. You can get in touch with us before your visit in three ways:

• Use our online contact form 

• Email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or 

• Call our office at 215-922-1560.

When you’re looking for deals and unique items, going pawn shop shopping is a great option. But how does the whole process work? Basically, a business buys a variety of goods that other people no longer need or want. At Cash Express, we carefully inspect items, looking for flaws and fakes. So, on our showroom floor, what you see is truly what you get. 

Know Before You Go

As a first-time buyer, if you already know what you want, it’s time to do some research. Check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, second-hand places, or other online sites that offer a variety of goods. This will give you a pretty good feel for average pricing. If you are having trouble locating something, it may be in high demand, meaning you’ll pay more for it.

Tips for Pawn Shop Shopping

Once you arrive at the store, there are specific things you want to do to ensure you get the best quality, best product, and best price. 

Step One: Careful Inspection

Look over your chosen item for any potential issues. Electronics shouldn’t have cracks or missing parts, and jewelry should have markings for gold or silver. Test anything that has to be plugged in or runs on batteries before you buy. Ask if there’s a return policy for the proverbial lemons. 

Step Two: Haggle

This can be fun. Say you are buying an antique. Make an offer that’s about 40 percent lower than the listed price. Base your offer on what you learned in your research. They may or may not accept. 

If the store owner is fixed on the price, see if you can get any extras instead. Also, let them know if you are paying in cash. In the pawn shop shopping throughout the industry, cash is king.

When you come to Cash Express, the prices are often lower when our inventory is high. Timing is everything. You can usually find more items around the holidays and at the end of the month.

Saying No

There is no rule saying you have to buy now (or even later). If you feel there’s an issue with your negotiations and the price is too high, walk away. Likewise, if you are concerned about an item and there’s no return policy, that might be a reason to say no.

Other Options

Go check out other stores. Look to see if you have anything hanging around that you might trade. Or, ask about layaway. 

In pawn shop shopping, the longer an item remains in a store, the more wiggle room there is on the price. So, if you say “no” now but come back in a month and it’s still there, you have more room for negotiations.

Retail Therapy at Cash Express

At Cash Express, we take great pride in our jewelry, watches, antiques, precious metals, and gems. The variety we offer is unparalleled. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to check our stock beforehand, use our online contact form, email info@pawnphiladephia.com, or call our office at 215-922-1560.

When you’re ready for the in-person visit, we’re located at 731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA.

If you plan to shop for yourself or someone else, don’t overlook the option of seeking pawn shop finds. You can often uncover fantastic deals and unique items, like those we offer at Cash Express. The variety of options is outstanding!

Shop Till ya’ Drop

Now, when you talk about the seven most popular items you can buy at pawn shops, you will get different opinions. What you consider a pawn shop find, like sporting goods, will differ from someone wanting to add to their shoe collection. Nonetheless, a distinct correlation exists between what a pawn shop buys and what popular items sell. We know our customers, and as we see trends in buying, we start hunting for those goodies.

1. Antiques and Collectibles

There’s something special about owning a piece of history or adding to your personal figurine collection. What kind of pawn shop buys might you discover among antiques and collectibles? The variety is staggering. Artwork, lamps, serving platters, silver spoons, punch bowls, statuary, canes, wooden tables, and even bird cages appear among your selections. If you have a pretty good idea in mind of what you want, take some time to do research. Call the shop ahead of time to see if they have stock. 

2. Designer Goods

When designer accessories come into the store, we look them over carefully to ensure authenticity. Sometimes, items come with recipes and original packaging, making them even more valuable. Amidst the treasure trove, you can come across sunglasses, shoes, handbags, hair decorations, belts, ties, and scarves.

3. Electronics

Everything electronic seems to get a lot of attention in the consumer market. Do you need a new gaming console? How about a camera or laptop. There are also smart phones, TVs, stereo systems, and GPS systems. 

4. Jewelry

The most popular pieces in jewelry are those made from precious metals, those with gemstones, and vintage items. Try checking out well-known brand watches like Rolex, Cartier, Tudor, and Michael Kors. A nice thing about jewelry pawnshop finds, like those at Cash Express, is that your purchase can increase in value over time. 

5. Musical Instruments

Adults can replace or upgrade their musical instruments at pawn shops. They can also get instruments for children in band or orchestra. Think keyboards, mixers, violins, drums, and flutes. 

6. Sports Equipment

For the budget-minded sports enthusiast, buying second-hand makes sense. You can get baseball bats, safety equipment, golf clubs, bicycles, fitness equipment, and high-quality camping, fishing, and hiking supplies.

7. Tools

Putting together a decent tool kit gets expensive. So, why not check out a pawnshop like Cash Express for those incredible pawn shop finds? Hammers, lawnmowers, saws, drills, pressure washers, nuts & bolts, and so much more await you.

Cash Express: Your One-Stop Shop

We have a reputation for excellence and expertise. Our store on Chestnut St., Philadelphia, carries a huge variety of interesting, distinctive, and attractively priced items from all over the world. Get in touch!

You can use our online contact form, email us  info@pawnphiladephia.com, or pick up the phone (215-922-1560) and let us know what you’re looking for. If we don’t have it, we can try to find it!

Going green means focusing on eco-friendly shopping. So how does a Philadelphia, PA, Pawn Shop like Cash Express fit into this picture? Here’s the good news. Buying from a pawn shop is a smart choice because the goods are being reused and repurposed!

Everything Old is New Again

People have relied on barter and trade for goods they want or need for thousands of years. The history of pawning ties into this tradition, dating back some 3,000 years! In lieu of money, people brought what they weren’t using to upgrade their goods or perhaps get something different altogether.

Individuals might also get loans on their items to cover a pressing financial matter. In either case, using pawn shops both then and now extends the life of pre-owned goods, decreases the environmental footprint from making new goods, and supports small local businesses. There’s always the opportunity to find exceptional antique pieces with workmanship you won’t find in mass-produced items. What a great way to keep history alive!

Trash to Treasure

You probably have things lying around your home that you haven’t used in months or years. It’s just “stuff” taking up space. Rather than throw them out and have them end up in a landfill, make the smart choice and take them to a pawn shop. Your living space won’t be so cluttered, and you can come home with something far more timely and usable or handy cash!

Sustainability

Pawn shops contribute to sustainability for many items, clothing in particular. Retail can come with a hefty price tag. Resale items can be easier on the budget. Because stores like Cash Express carry a wide variety of goods, you can find unexpected things that you might have never considered until you see them. 

The Local Impact

Buying from a Philadelphia, PA, pawn shop is not only a smart choice environmentally, but it’s good for your local economy. Beyond helping the pawnbroker, people can use high-end possessions to raise collateral for a start-up company. The loan could also go toward other necessities to make that company successful, such as patents, trademarks, and expansions. And the best part? Traditional loans can take a long time to close. At a pawn shop, you can be done that day!

What Cash Express Offers

From the minute you walk into our store, our trained staff will greet you and answer any questions you may have. We have professional appraisers who can value your goods right away. You can take out a loan against that valuation or sell things outright. 

Just be aware that the retail cost of your goods won’t reflect the offer you get at the store. We have to make some money from the exchange. You are under no obligation to accept a presented offer. 

If you want to stick to the green theme, instead of driving down to our store, why not call us ahead of time to see what we are buying (215-922-1560)? You can also email info@pawnphiladelphia.com or use our online form. Become part of eco-friendly shopping and environmental sustainability by shopping with us. 

When you have a few things to sell, how do you choose? There are differences between a Philadelphia pawn shop vs. online marketplaces. The key to where to sell your valuables lies in your goal. If you want fast cash, like we offer at Cash Express, going to a local pawn shop is the way to go. If you don’t mind working a lot harder to find a buyer, but potentially make a little more money, then you have the online marketplaces. 

Tip: It’s worth noting that while relatively new, some pawn shops have gone to a hybrid model, with both online and in-person buying and selling. 

A Closer Look at Online Marketplaces 

Being able to remain in the comfort of your home while selling valuables has an appeal. You set your price and handle all the negotiations. Even in the post-Covid environment, there are several online platforms for buying and selling goods. Two examples are Craig’s List, which has been around for over 30 years, and the Facebook Marketplace launched in 2016. Mailing also presents risks, so consider getting tracking and insurance. 

The Online Marketplace Unknown Factor

There is some “stranger danger” on the internet, however. You never know for certain with whom you are dealing. If you offer the option for “pick up,” anyone could come to your door and you may not be happy with the results. Let’s take the example of someone buying your item “cash and carry”. When they arrive, they may have far less money in hand than discussed (hoping, of course, you’ll be tempted to take it happily). This is a waste of your time when serious buyers remain waiting for contact. It’s easy to lose buyers this way. They go elsewhere looking for what they want. 

Our Philadelphia Pawn Shop, PA: A Closer Look

Pawn shops are nothing new. They’ve been around for thousands of years, during which the process of pawning hasn’t really changed much. We serve the local community while you have the chance to meet your buyer in a regulated environment.

Stores like Cash Express have onsite professionals who can assess the value of your goods, like jewelry, right away.

No Hassle Selling

The city of Philadelphia, PA, has specific regulations for pawn shops, including requiring licensure and insurance. There’s no hassle in selling your goods, and we provide you with a fair offer. And you don’t always have to sell your possessions outright. You can choose the alternative of a short-term loan that gets you over a financial hump. You can walk in and be out on the same day with your cash.

Understand in advance you won’t get full market value for your item(s). If what you have isn’t in high demand, they may decide against buying or loaning. So, if you’re not sure, you can call the shop ahead of time (215-922-1560). 

The more desirable the goods, the greatr your percentage becomes. And, you have the right to haggle, or just say no. Unlike online marketplaces, you don’t have to ship your item to the pawn shop!

At Cash Express, we’re always on the lookout for unique items, like antiques. Precious metals and boutique items like diamonds, designer bags,  and high-end watches are also in demand. If you’d like more information, you can use our online contact form or email info@pawnphiladephia.com. Better still, come and see us. Our showroom is located at 731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.