BlogTuesday, March 28 2023
Whether you are buying or selling at a pawn shop, you want to have some assurances that you have a reputable company. Let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of people who know the ins and outs of the pawnbroker industry. At Cash Express, we value our customers and engage in our work in such ways that you feel confident about seeing us. But we don’t just expect you to take our word for it. Let’s look a little closer at pawnshops. Pawn Shop BasicsIf you are purchasing from a paw shop, it’s a great way for you to save money when buying that perfect gift. The store usually offers a wide variety of items, some of which are highly unique or collector’s items. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask an associate if they can put you on a list to call if X item arrives for sale.
When selling an item, the associates will give you a fair appraisal for your piece. You can usually haggle a bit, but some stores are firm. If the price isn’t right, you can just take it back home. If you do buy it, use a credit card for greater protection.
For those needing quick cash, a pawn shop can be a blessing. You get a loan on your item as collateral and a certain number of days before which to pay it off. There are no credit checks or long waits. Red Light: Green Light - Watching for the SignsSometimes it’s easier to discover trustworthy pawnbrokers than sort out the bad ones. For example, at Cash Express, we will tell you the price of an item upfront rather than asking, “how much will you pay.” We are not looking to upsell. Heming and hawing over a direct question about a price is another red light.
Quality pawn shops are open to negotiation. For one thing, they want your return business. For another, it improves their reputation. Why argue with a broker who is fixated on a price higher than you consider the value of an item? Customer Service
Customer service is an area where red lights and green lights become blatant. If an employee doesn’t greet you, ask what you’re looking for, and help you find items for you to look at, the shop is probably a little “off.” Beyond that, while you are looking, the staff member should show knowledge of the items for sale and provide those details. Alternatively, they will find another associate who can better answer your questions. Organization, Accreditation
Some pawn shops are part of national organizations like the National Pawn Brokers Association. This particular group has ethical standards and best practice guidelines. It never hurts to ask about any accreditation. Pawn brokers must have a Consumer Credit License issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and any other licensure required by the state. Selling? How to PrepareBeing an informed consumer is one of the best ways to recognize red flags in the pawn industry. For example, go online and research the item you wish to sell or pawn. This way, you walk in with a good idea of worth. You will know if someone is lowballing you. Having said that, remember the broker needs to make money too. So the price they offer will be lower than the retail value.
Get all the details of the loan upfront: duration, interest rate, and extensions.
Cash Express is your Number One Pawn Shop in Philadelphia for Quick Cash!Come in and stroll around. We have a glorious selection of antiques, high-end pieces, watches, precious stones, and metals. Our friendly staff is here waiting to assist you. If you want to call ahead with questions, the number is 215-922-1560. You can email us at info@pawnphiladelphia.com.
We also have an online contact form for your convenience. Tuesday, March 14 2023
You look around the house for items you can sell quickly and easily. Perhaps you need to pay a bill or just looking to get rid of excess clutter. That’s where pawn shops like Cash Express come into the picture. You have friendly, knowledgeable people who can offer a fair price for your objects. But what exactly do pawn shops buy regularly? 5 Items and Things Pawn Shops Always BuyAt Cash Express of Philadelphia, we keep our eye out for items of value. Certainly, stock changes all the time. But, when we speak of value, we are not talking about knock-off brands. You can see the quality right away when you walk into our gallery. So, if you want to trade, you can do it confidently.
Here are five of the top items pawn shops buy regularly. Small items like statues, coins, candle holders, and silverware are easy buys because they don’t take up space. However, furniture gets a little tricky. There’s only so much space on the floor, so it’s worth calling our store at (215) 922-1560) to see if we want to see your piece.
With antiques, the value goes up if you have provenance. Basically, provenance details the ownership timeline and locations of the item in question. Signatures of the makers or a maker’s mark that can be verified also increase the value.
Go through your wardrobe. Look for names like
These are among the classics in designers, and pawn stores look for them. There’s also well-tended clothing from eras like the 1920s and the 1940s for which you can sometimes get cash. So, yes, there may be some minor wear, but that doesn’t make it unsellable.
You may have some gemstones that fell out of jewelry. Or, you could have a diamond ring you never wear. Either way, you can pawn them. Unlike electronics, gemstones are durable goods. When taken care of, they can last for a very long time. Examples of precious stones include
Various factors add to the selling price of your stone, including clarity and cut.
We live in a world of electronic games. Versions upon versions come into the market. When an older version breaks, the owner wants to replace it. Consider the Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii for pawning. What other things are good choices for pawning? At Cash Express, we watch for things like electric guitars, flat-screen TVs, amplifiers, and acoustic guitars are fine samples.
If you have proof of purchase, Jewelry is a popular item pawn shop personnel look for daily. This ensures our resale items are not stolen property.
Gold, even pieces of it, fetches more money than silver. If the gold or jewelry has gems in it, they can be removed and evaluated separately. We consider high-quality designer costume jewelry, too.
Under the heading of jewelry, we come to watches. As with other pieces, we need proof of authenticity. Watch names we buy regularly are Rolex, Chanel, Cartier, and Piaget. You may have a treasure and not even know it. Cash Express: A Name You Can TrustOur store hasn’t become #1 in Philadelphia without a strong culture and belief in fairness. When you have something to bring to us, give it a good cleaning (if necessary). Bring any sort of ownership or authenticity proof. So doing this helps us judge your item effectively.
By phone (215) 922-1560. By Email info@pawnphiladelphia.com, or fill out our online contact form.
Our team of experts is happy to provide you with all the information you need in making your choices as to what to sell..
Thursday, February 23 2023
Pawn shops offer vital services to their communities. For bargain shoppers, they are a go-to stop for good deals and rare finds. For those who find themselves in financial distress, pawn shops offer an easy way to get money they need quickly and easily. Because pawn shops strive to offer a good deal to those bringing in items, people often fear that their stolen jewelry or electronics may end up on a pawn shop's shelf. Let's look at what you should do about reporting your stolen items and the steps pawn shops take to protect consumers.
How Do I Report Stolen Items?You don’t report stolen items to a pawn shop. If you've had anything stolen, whether from your home or vehicle, at work, the gym, or from your personal space, it's important to file a police report. Your local law enforcement agency has the resources to investigate the theft, find the perpetrators, and recover your items. You can also report the loss to your insurance company in some situations (which often requires a police report as well).
What Steps Do Pawn Shops Take When Buying Items?Pawn shops take steps to help ensure that they don't inadvertently purchase stolen items and cooperate with local law enforcement. They require photo ID for loans and direct sell transactions. Pawn shops often ask questions about the products and ask for paperwork that proves ownership, such as original receipts, certificates, or warranty information.
Most pawn shops also report their transactions to local law enforcement. This ensures that if something stolen does wind up in a pawn shop law enforcement can reference police reports with listed items. This information often includes serial numbers, model numbers, brands, and descriptions of the items.
Can You Recover Stolen Items?If your stolen items do find their way to a pawn shop, you can recover them. It's important that you file your police report as soon as you find your items missing with as much information as you can provide. The more information that police can potentially match with pawn shop records, the more likely it will be that they can find your items.
Steps for recovering your items once police locate them will depend on our case. Law enforcement will advise you on when and how to recover your items once they're located.
Feel Secure with Cash Express Pawn ShopCash Express is here to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a gift, something unique, or need fast cash, contact us today or stop by with the items you're looking to pawn or sell.
Friday, February 10 2023
Selling or pawning items at the pawn shop is a good way to get fast cash for emergencies. However, when you pawn your items, it's important to know how the process works and what happens if you can't repay the loan. Let's look at the important things to remember about pawning your items for fast cash and ensuring you get your valuables back.
How Does Pawning Work?The local pawn shop is a good place to get a loan because you don't have to have good credit (we don't check credit), and you don't have to fill out mountains of paperwork. You just need your ID and your items. While you can take extra steps to strengthen your negotiation when you bring in your items, the process itself is simple.
Pawn loans are also short-term, usually 30 days. So you don't have a loan hanging over your head for months or years. Get your money, take care of your emergency or immediate need, then repay the loan. Not only does this save you the stress of monthly payments, it means that you have room to take future loans if you have another emergency without worrying about paying off existing loans.
What Happens When the Pawn Loan Comes Due?When your loan comes due, you have a few options. The preferred option is to pay off the loan (principal and interest charges) at that time and reclaim your items. It's best for you - you save future fees and interest charges and get your money back. It's also best for us - you're happy because the transaction is complete, your needs are met, and you have your items back.
Sometimes, however, you can't repay the loan after 30 days. You may be surprised to learn that this doesn't mean you have to forfeit your items. We know sometimes it takes a little longer to recover from a financial emergency. You can pay the interest due and extend your loan another 30 days. This is more costly over time, as you'll need to pay a new loan fee and will accumulate additional interest. However, if you need extra time, it is an option that ensures you can reclaim your items later.
What Does the Pawn Shop Do If I Can't Repay the Loan?If you can't repay the loan, the pawn shop will take possession of the item you used to secure the loan and put it up for sale. While this means that you lose the item, this action doesn't harm your credit. If the item is important to you, you can come in to purchase the item like you would any item from the pawn shop. In some cases, you may be able to reopen the loan later if the item doesn't sell.
How to Ensure You Get Your Item BackIt's important to remember that while the pawn shop operates to make money - they need to pay their employees and expenses after all - they're also in business to satisfy customers. That includes their loan clients. If you're happy, you'll do business with us again and maybe even recommend friends or family.
To ensure that you're happy with your pawn loan experience, remember,
Do You Need Fast Cash in Philadelphia?Cash Express is here to meet your fast cash needs. Contact us today or stop by with the items you're looking to pawn or sell. Saturday, January 28 2023
Is it safe to buy from a pawn shop? It's a question we hear a lot here at Cash Express. As a company, we strive to ensure that our customers and community understand how we do business and the laws that govern our practices. We've talked about the history of pawn shops, how we're regulated, and common myths for that purpose. Let's revisit that and answer the question: are you safe doing business with us?
Why People Worry about Pawn ShopsThe myths we've discussed before are usually the most common reasons people feel they need clarification on pawn shops. They believe we aren't regulated, deal in stolen goods, and rip people off, for example. These are valid concerns and something you should keep in mind any time you do business with any retailer or individual.
You want to ensure that you get,
No business can guarantee each of these things. Your big-box megastore, for example, has no control over the working conditions of coffee growers or how tech companies work with overseas factories. However, small businesses have more power to negate some of these risks, including pawn shops.
Providing QualityAt Cash Express, we're careful about the merchandise we purchase or make loans against. We inspect electronics and other equipment to ensure they're in working order and have little or no damage. We make sure that jewelry and antiques are authentic. Our desire is to have merchandise you want to buy, after all. Fair PricingWhen we purchase items, we have two goals in mind. First, we want to settle on a price that allows us to make money while selling the item below the retail price. Second, we want to offer a price that will make the seller happy so that they meet their needs and do business with us in the future. We treat each person who comes into pawn or sells items like a potential buyer. If they're happy, they'll come back and perhaps recommend us to someone else.
By keeping in mind what we can afford to pay for items, we, in turn, ensure that we can sell them at fair prices. Pawn shops offer buyers two advantages: buying under retail and finding out of circulation or rare items. In both cases, we want to give you the best price so that you become a regular customer.
Laws and RegulationsThe other fear people have is that they may purchase stolen items or that we're operating by our own rules. The latter often goes hand-in-hand with worries about pricing. Pawn shops have a number of regulations we operate under to ensure fair and equitable business practices. While every pawn shop differs in some ways, such as what items they specialize in, all reputable pawn shops follow these regulations.
Pawn shops have a reputation for dealing with stolen goods, mostly due to television and movies. In truth, we make every effort we can to ensure that the person we're purchasing from is the rightful owner of an item. If we suspect something is stolen, we'll refuse to purchase it and contact law enforcement.
It's about more than not selling stolen goods. By not buying stolen goods, we limit where thieves can take items for cash and have a small part in making communities safer.
Are You Looking for a Good Deal in Philadelphia?Cash Express is here to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something unique, or need fast cash, contact us today or stop by with the items you want to pawn or sell. Saturday, January 14 2023
Whether you're looking to pawn a few items for an unexpected expense, sell some older things you don't need, or buy something special, it's important to come to Cash Express Pawn Shop prepared to do business. We not only want your business, but we also want you to be happy with the experience you had. So, here's what you should know about negotiating at a pawn shop (here or anywhere else).
Is It Okay to Haggle at a Pawn Shop? The short answer is yes. The long answer: it's part of the pawn shop culture. Pawn shops want you to come in prepared to haggle because it tells them something very important: the items you're pawning or selling have value. Remember, a pawn shop is a business. That means if you're bringing in items to pawn or sell, they must look at their potential to recoup their investment (in reselling the item if you are selling it directly to them or if you default on your pawn loan).
What to Know Before You Come into the Pawn ShopBefore you come into the pawn shop, it's important that you're prepared. When you decide to come in to sell or pawn your items,
Negotiating with a Pawn ShopOnce you're ready to enter the pawn shop, you must know how to negotiate effectively. You've prepared yourself and your items. Now it's time to get a good deal.
Do You Need Fast Cash in Philadelphia?Cash Express is here to meet your fast cash needs. Contact us today or stop by with the items you want to pawn or sell. Thursday, December 22 2022
It's that time of year. You're getting your Christmas shopping done and ask yourself the same question every year. Is it worth going to a pawn shop for Christmas gifts? The simple answer is yes. Of course, if the simple answer were enough to convince you, you'd already be in our store. So, let's examine what makes a pawn shop a good choice for your last-minute Christmas shopping. Big Deals on Gifts Pawn shops offer deals on all kinds of popular gift products. Whether you're looking for electronics, tools, jewelry, or designer items, we can save you money compared to what you'd spend in retail stores. Saving money means you can put a few more gifts under the tree. You may find a good deal on a significant advantage you didn't think you'd be able to get this year. You Can Find Unique Gifts at Pawn Shops People bring all kinds of items to pawn shops. You can find popular electronics and other gifts, and sometimes you can find things you can't find in retail stores anymore. From antiques to unique jewelry, if you have someone hard to shop for or what a special gift, you can find something at your local pawn shop. You're Supporting Local Business When you shop at your local pawn shop, you're shopping at a locally owned and operated business. If you're fed up with the business practices of big-box stores, the local pawn shop is a good option. Remember, when you support local businesses, you're not just supporting that business. You're supporting the network of businesses that they, in turn, work with as well. Low Prices Aren't the Only Way to Save Money at Pawn Shops Do you have electronics, tools, designer bags, or jewelry that you just don't use anymore? The phone you recently replaced, the laptop you just upgraded from, and the jewelry that is sitting at the bottom of your jewelry box can all work for you this Christmas. You can bring them to your local pawn shop and sell them for cash you can use in-store or anywhere you want. Are you still attached to some items? Your jewelry and other items can still work for you. You can pawn them for a temporary loan, giving them extra money for Christmas. Once you pay the loan back, you get your items back. Are You Convinced that Your Local Pawn Shop Is the Place This Christmas? Let Cash Express help you get through the holiday season. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or need extra cash, we're here serving Philadelphia. If you have questions, stop by or contact us today. Wednesday, December 14 2022
It's the holiday season. You have your list, and you've checked it twice. Consider your local pawn shop as you rush out to get your holiday gifts for friends and family. Here are three reasons you should visit us this season. You Can Find Unique Gifts While your loved ones have specific things they want - maybe your child has their heart set on a particular toy - sometimes you want to find something unique. You may be looking for exceptional jewelry for your partner. Perhaps you'd like to find a nice antique for your parent or grandparent. Because pawn shops carry a wide array of items, you can find things that you won't find anywhere else. From jewelry that the major stores don't carry anymore to antique furnishing and collectibles, your local pawn shop has a large selection of rare, unusual, and even one-of-a-kind items. You can even find musical instruments and electronics at an affordable price! Pawn Shops Offer More Than One Way to Save on Holiday Shopping This time of year, we're all looking for ways to save money on our holiday shopping. Pawn shops offer great prices on the products. However, that's not the only way they can help you save. Do you have electronics, jewelry, or other items that you don't need anymore? You can bring them in to sell for extra holiday gift money. Whether you're buying gifts at your pawn shop or elsewhere, you can bring in the items you don't need to sell for the cash to help you get through your holiday list. Our Loans Can Help You Through the Holiday Season What if you did your holiday shopping early? Gifts aren't the only expenses you have to manage this time of year. Whether it's party planning, getting ready for a trip, or just wrapping up end-of-the-year bills, the holidays can leave you strapped for cash. A pawn loan can be just the thing to help you get through the season's many expenses. Bring in your jewelry, electronics, or other items as collateral for a loan to give you the extra cash you need. The best part, you can borrow without worrying about a credit check or hassle. Best of all, if you pay your loan in time, you get your valuables back later. What happens if the unexpected occurs and you can't repay the loan? If something happens and you can't repay the loan, you can just surrender your items to the pawn shop to pay the loan instead. No hassle. No marks on your credit report. Do You Need Extra Cash for the Holidays? Let Cash Express help you get through the holiday season. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or just need extra cash, we're here serving Philadelphia. If you have questions, stop by or contact us today. Thursday, December 01 2022
Pawn Shop vs. Garage Sale Over time, we collect things. From knick-knacks to abandoned power tools, these extra items take up space and add to the general clutter in our home. They build up dust and collect cobwebs. Sometimes, they even get in the way of new items we need and want for our homes. When you have extra clutter in your home, you have options. You can throw out unwanted items. You can also turn those items into cash with a garage sale or take them to a pawn shop. Which is the best option for you? Let’s break it down. Garage Sales Sometimes called “rummage sales” or “yard sales,” garage sales take place when a resident sells personal and home items they no longer need. They may hold the sale in whole or part in their garage or carport or utilize the driveway or yard, hence the various names. Garage sales are popular for both sellers and buyers for a variety of reasons, including,
Pawn Shops Pawn shops have been a popular way to offload unneeded items for centuries. They have even funded human exploration. Pawn shops offer homeowners the option of pawning items for a loan or selling items outright. As a result, they can get the fast cash they might need for their home while clearing away unnecessary clutter. The advantages that pawn shops offer those decluttering their homes include,
Which Is Better, the Garage Sale or the Pawn Shop? Because both pawn shops and garage sales have clear advantages, it may be hard to choose which you should use for decluttering your home and getting extra cash. The secret is you don’t have to choose. Consider the advantages we looked at above. Garage sale buyers are looking for deep bargains and often don’t carry much cash for yard sales. Meanwhile, pawn shops actively look for high-value items they can feature in their shops, including jewelry, electronics, and power tools. That means the excellent pawn shop vs. garage sale debate is less about which is better and which is better for the item you want to sell. Your everyday items, such as used toys from your children, partial dish and silverware sets, and simple knick-knacks, are likely to do well in a garage sale. These are the kinds of items people go to garage sales for. Meanwhile, a pawn shop will pay a fair price for unused electronics, old jewelry, and collector’s things you don’t want or need anymore. Are You Looking for a Pawn Shop in Philadelphia? Stop by or contact us today. We’re here, serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Thursday, November 17 2022
Whether you're looking for a new computer to work from home, a gaming system, or just a tiny laptop to read email and browse the internet, you have two things in mind. You want a good, dependable computer that meets your specific needs. You only want to spend what you need to. A used computer can be just what you need but buying a used one presents additional challenges. At Cash Express Pawn Shop, we want you to feel confident with your computer purchase, so here's our guide to get you started. Will a Used Computer be as Good as a Cheap New Computer? The simple answer is yes if you shop for the specifications you need. It can be better. How? Computer technology continues to advance quickly, so consumers who like to keep up with the newest processors and graphics cards often discard only a couple of years old systems. Meanwhile, manufacturers who want to capture the budget-conscious market have been putting out new computers that are often well below industry standards for memory and speed over the past several years. This means you can get more for your money by buying a used computer over a budget-friendly new one. What to Look for When Buying a Used Computer Now that you know the value of purchasing a used computer let's look at what you need to do to ensure you get the system you need. Brand Matters When buying a used computer, it's best to stick with the big computer brands Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple. While smaller brands offer good computers, you'll have an easier time with any upgrades or repairs if you stick with the bigger brands. What Are Your Requirements? When shopping for a used computer, it's essential to ensure the system you get meets the requirements you need. The most important things to consider are:
Are You Looking for a Used Computer in Philadelphia? Buying a used computer can be an excellent way to save money while getting the system performance you need. If you're looking for your next desktop or laptop, stop by or contact us today. We're here, serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas. |
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