Do you own a luxury watch that you’re not wearing anymore? Timepieces make wonderful gifts, but all too often they’re left sitting in the bottom of our jewelry box or the back of our dresser drawer. You could leave it in the drawer, hoping to wear your watch again one day – or you can make some money. If you’re ready to put your watch to use for you, here are 3 options you have for selling your watch.

Online Selling

With the internet at our fingertips (chances are good you’re reading this on your phone), it is easy to sell anything we have online. Sites like eBay have become staples for buying and selling items. Putting your watch up for sale is as simple as taking some pictures and putting up a description. Online selling has its drawbacks, however. You have a lot of competition for someone to find your watch as sites like eBay have millions of sellers using their service. You also must compete with prices that can range from extremely undercutting the value of your watch to over-pricing the watch. Then there’s the time factor. Because you must wait for potential buyers to find your listing, it can take several days or even weeks for your watch to sell.

Buy/Sell/Trade

Buy/Sell/Trade stores are another option for selling your watch. What is a buy/sell/trade store? It’s all in the name – they run on a business model of buying items at agreed-upon prices, accepting items in trade for store credit, and selling items people like you have brought it. If you need fast cash, they are a good option, as you are selling locally the same day you go in. However, once you sell the watch, it’s sold. In most cases, you can’t reclaim it from the store without paying the retail price.

Pawn Shops

If your watch has been sitting in your jewelry box or the back of your drawer for a long time, it’s probably because it holds more than monetary value to you. Sometimes, we’re hesitant to part with watches and jewelry because they were gifts or because we know we’ll want to wear them one day.

Like buy/sell/trade stores, pawn shops give you the ability to sell your watch locally and fast. Pawnshops have one advantage over the buy/sell/trade store, however. If you have been hesitant to sell the watch – or just want the option to hold onto it – you can use it as collateral for a loan instead of selling it. If you’re able to pay back the loan, you can reclaim your watch later. This gives you the cash you may need or want now, and your valuable watch back after you’ve paid off the loan.

Are you looking to sell your watch fast for cash? Contact us today to discuss your needs.

If you’re strapped for cash, you want a reliable pawnshop. Knowing where to go to get the best price for your jewelry, clothing, or electronics, though, can seem daunting. We have a lot of pawn shops in the area and choosing the right one is important if you want to make sure you’re working with someone you can trust. Here are 5 ways you can make sure that you’re choosing a reliable pawnshop.

Ask Around

People use pawnshops often, so chances are, you know someone who has either pawned items before or bought something from your local pawnshops. Ask them for recommendations. Find out what the staff at the shop is like – are they polite and knowledgeable about the items that come through their shop? Do they offer fair value for items?

Look at the Reputation

When you’re looking for a pawn shop, check out the reviews on local sites. What do people say about working with them? Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau or local agencies? Are their complaints, and how were those complaints resolved? A company having a bad review, or a complaint is not always a red flag. Not everyone will be happy and sometimes, the unexpected can happen even in customer service. What you want to pay attention to for warning signs are,

• The kinds of complaints and if you see the same problem repeatedly
• If complaints are left unresolved
• If the pawnshop makes excuses about why a complaint isn’t “really” their fault

Research Market Prices

Knowledge is important when it comes to pawning your valuable items. Look up what your jewelry or electronics are worth so that you have an idea of what kind of price you should expect to get. Expect some variation in what a pawn shop is willing to offer you. Market prices are averages, not fixed rules. However, if a pawnshop is significantly undercutting the value of what you want to pawn, they’re not reputable and you don’t want to work with them.

Check Licensing

All businesses must follow certain requirements with the IRS as well as state and local government agencies. Don’t be afraid to ask about the pawn shop’s license and be proactive, looking them up with your area small business agency. If they’re not in compliance, that is a good sign they aren’t reputable.

Trust Your Gut

The most important factor in whether you can trust a pawn shop is how you feel when you go inside. No matter what kind of reputation they have, what recommendations you get from friends, if you walk in and don’t like what you see, don’t work with them. If the shop is filthy, if merchandise looks to be poor quality, or if the staff are inattentive or rude, those are good signs that you’re in a bad shop. You can always shop around a little more.

Do you need extra funds for an emergency? Do you just want some extra cash? Contact us today to discuss your needs. We’re here, serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Life can hit us with unexpected emergencies, sometimes faster than we can easily react to them. An unplanned bill because the pet is sick, something is leaking from the car, or something broke in the house can easily put you behind. Sometimes monthly expenses add up and just put you behind on bills. There are lots of reasons that you may find yourself wanting to take out a quick loan to keep up. Here are some reasons why you should consider using a pawnshop for that loan.

No Credit Checks

Credit checks are a hassle even when we’re not stressed about bills and emergencies. Depending on your credit history, credit checks can also delay how quickly you can get the loan, just compounding the emergency. With a pawn shop, you don’t have to worry about a credit check, since you’re borrowing against collateral (the item you put up for pawn). You don’t have to worry about the extra time, possible credit declines, or potential hits to your credit for applying for the loan.

The Pawn Shop Gives You Choice

With a pawn shop, you have a choice on how you want to get the extra money that you need. You can pawn the item and take out a loan based on its value with a promise to repay the loan later. If you are concerned about paying back a loan or don’t want to worry about paying it back, you can choose to just sell the item outright. That kind of flexibility is important when you’re short on cash or have an emergency.

You Don’t Have to Sell Treasured Items

Just because you can choose to sell the jewelry, electronics, or other items that you bring to the pawnshop doesn’t mean that you must sell them. One of the biggest advantages that a pawn shop offers is that you don’t have to give up your items. As long as you are able to repay the loan, the pawnshop will hold what you pawn for you to reclaim.

It Doesn’t Have to Be an Emergency

A pawn shop loan isn’t just for emergencies. Any time you want some extra cash – extra money for a date, cash to treat yourself to something new, or any other splurge – a pawn shop is there. If you have electronics or jewelry that you’re not using, you can take it in and get the cash you want. You don’t have to worry about having to justify the loan the way you might for other short-term loans.

Do you need a loan for an emergency? Do you just want some extra cash? Contact us today to discuss your needs. We’re here, serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

You find yourself needing fast cash and you’re looking at two options – pawn shops and buy/sell/trade stores. They look similar – often the stores use similar signage and advertising verbiage. There are some important differences though, both for people who are looking for fast cash and people looking to buy.

What Is a Pawn Shop?

At its core, a pawn shop is a place where you can get a short-term loan by putting personal items up for collateral. Where a bank will require you to put up, say, your home for collateral for a loan, a pawn shop will loan you money based on the value of things like jewelry and electronic equipment. Once you pay off the loan, you can reclaim the item and take it home with you. Since pawn shops also buy items outright and sometimes people don’t pay back their loans, they also offer items for you to buy, usually well below retail price.

What Is a Buy/Sell/Trade Store?

It’s all in the name; a buy/sell/trade store is one that allows you to bring in items to sell, offers items for you to buy, and allows you to trade things you have for things you want in the store – usually by establishing store credit for what you bring in. Once you sell your items to these shops, they’re gone. If you change your mind, you won’t just be paying back the money you bought it for. Usually, you’ll pay whatever price they want to sell the item at.

Which Is Better?

Pawn or sell, it depends on what your needs are. Both are good fast-cash options. With a buy/sell/trade store, you get cash in hand and don’t have to pay anything back. The deal is final. With a pawn shop, you must repay the money based on the terms the store establishes with you. If you feel confident in repaying the loan, going with a pawn shop means that you will get the item back in the end. This is good if you’re looking at the possibility of selling valuable jewelry or something with sentimental or family value.

If you’re in the market to buy something under retail price, both types of shops offer value. Since they deal with the public, you can usually find things you won’t find in retail stores anymore. You will also find items at prices well below retail price for the same or similar items. Since a pawn shop will often buy items outright, if you have something you want to sell, you can still save money. For those in the market to buy, the main difference comes with waiting time. If a pawn shop is displaying items still under loan, you won’t be able to buy it until the pawn shop knows whether or not the person who pawned the item will be able to pay back the loan. With a buy/sell/trade store, the items on display are available to buy right away.

Do you need fast cash? Contact us today to discuss your needs.

The holidays are upon us. As the malls and superstores fill up with shoppers, you’re probably looking for alternatives to finish your list. After all, who wants to stand in huge crowds right now? Instead, visit us at Cash Express Pawn Shop. Here are 5 reasons to avoid the lines and make pawn shops your alternative for holiday shopping.

You Are Supporting Local Small Businesses

Whether you’re in the city, the suburbs, or the country, keeping small businesses strong is so important. Most pawn shops are locally owned small businesses. When you choose a pawn shop over other alternatives (like online shopping) you are supporting community businesses.

You Can Find Unique Treasures

Pawnshops are a great place to find things that you won’t find in stores anymore. Among the things pawn shops always buy are antiques and designer clothing. That means finding a rare and unique collectible that will make a unique gift. Pawn shops are also a great place to find clothing for cosplayers or nice, fancy clothing at an inexpensive price. You can also find fine jewelry you won’t find in department stores.

You Can Bring In Things to Sell

Do you have any jewelry you don’t wear anymore? Maybe you’ve replaced your smartphone, and the old one is still in good condition. Most of us have a few things that we can take with us to a pawn shop when we go shopping. Why not bring them with you? Selling your own items when you buy is a great way to save money (or even make money) while you finish your holiday shopping.

Negotiate Prices

When you shop at the mall, the price you see is what you have to pay. That’s not always the case with pawn shops. Most pawn shops are willing to negotiate prices for what they sell. The trick is to be prepared. Usually, big-ticket items are fixed, but many other great gifts are open for discussion. If you want to save a little extra on a gift, remember

• Call ahead to find out what kinds of items are not negotiable on pricing
• Be friendly to staff in the store. When you negotiate, you want to start from a friendly disposition
• Start lower than what you want to pay, but don’t go too low.

Same-day Loans

If you’re feeling strapped for cash and don’t want to sell items, consider using them to obtain a loan instead. You can get extra cash for your holiday shopping and pay back the loan over time to receive your pawned items back. So that old phone or jewelry that you’re not ready to part with yet can still do something for you.

The number one reason to holiday shop with us … our friendly staff and prompt service as well as our wonderful selection of antiques and jewelry. We know you’ll find the perfect gift, so stop by now.

Gold coins are a worthwhile investment to make. The most common questions we here, however, are how to go about buying them, and where the best places to purchase them are. From coin dealers to gold sellers, to pawnshops, to individuals, you have a lot of places to choose from, each with their advantages and disadvantages. While you always want a good deal on an investment, low price isn’t everything when it comes to buying gold coins.

Considerations

Before you look to buying gold coins, you should keep a few things in mind.

Storage – Where do you want to keep your gold coins? The answer will depend, in part, on what your purpose is. If you’re buying them as an investment, you may want to keep them in a secure location in your home or with a custodian. If you’re purchasing them as a collector, on the other hand, you’ll want a safe and secure way to display them. Before you begin purchasing, decide what you want from your purchase and research your options.

Insurance – Whether you’re collecting or investing, you want to have insurance for your coins. Check your homeowners insurance or renters insurance to see what keeping them at home may add to your premiums. If you choose storage, make sure that your investment is covered by their insurance or if you’ll need a separate policy.

Source and Purity – When you purchase gold coins, you want to make sure that they come from a reputable manufacturer who guarantees quality. You also want to ensure that the gold has a purity level worth the investment that you’re making – usually at least 91% pure at minimum.

Where to Purchase Gold Coins

Now that you know what you want from your gold coins and you know how you’ll store and insure them, you need to look at where to buy.

Government Mints – Governments often issue gold bullion coins each year, with a minted value, that you can purchase. The minted value will be based on the government currency and are what that governing body guarantees their worth to be, but not their actual value (or price to purchase).

Private Mints – Private mints are essentially companies that mint their own gold bullion coins for sale. These do not have a monetary value backed by any government. Their value will depend on the purity of the gold and later upon the rarity and collectability of the coin.

Individual collectors – Individual collectors may sell coins that they have in their possession, from their own investments or what they have inherited, for example. They may sell bullion coins from government or private mints, or numismatic coins (rare coins purchased for their rarity rather than gold content). Numismatic coins are more for the collector than the investor.

Coin Dealers – Dealers vary from local coin sellers to online stores, to trade show dealers, to dealers who advertise on television. Coin dealers may specialize in a variety of mints, or only in specific ones. They can also vary widely in price and quality, so it is important to research a dealer before you buy.

Pawnshops – Gold coins are a popular item for pawnshops to purchase from private individuals because of their high value. As a result, you can often find gold bullion coins that are no longer minted and harder to find. Depending on the pawnshop, what you find is often comparable to dealers, though the price may sometimes be higher, since you’re often buying coins that are older and harder to find.

If you’re looking for gold coins, contact Philadelphia Pawn Shop Cash Express today to see what we have available.

If you’ve ever thought of using a pawn shop, you may wonder what exactly store buy. At Cash Express of Philadelphia, we are always looking for items of value. While our stock changes from day to day, there are some items for which we’re nearly always looking. What we don’t want is knock-offs, like designer purses. So when you walk into our gallery, you have the confidence you’re getting the real deal.

1. Jewelry

Jewelry is a popular item, provided you have proof of purchase. Why? We want to make sure the items for resale haven’t been stolen.

Gold jewelry brings a higher return than silver, and even broken pieces still have value. See, metal can be melted and gems pulled out to make whole new pieces. Designer costume jewelry and anything with diamonds is a pretty successful sell.

For buyers, Jewelry sells quickly at reasonable prices in our store, so if you’re eyeing a piece, get it as soon as possible. And don’t worry, there is something you’ll love in every budget range.

Watches are similar to jewelry in that they require proof of authenticity. Big names in watches include Cartier, Chanel, Piaget, and Rolex. The right timepiece can go for thousands of dollars.

2. Designer Items:

Even if it’s a dress from 1940, anything with a designer label has value. They always make a fashion statement. Can you say, Louis Vuitton? Or how about Chanel? When you care for your designer items, the price goes up. So even if the article shows a minor ware from time, it can still be sellable.

3. Antiques:

Depending on how much room a store has, you can even sell silverware, statuary, candlesticks, rugs, and even furniture! Currency, in particular, appeals to the antiquarian. If you are selling, bring in your item so we can give you a price. When you or someone you know loves old coins or paper money, you can find something here to round out their prized collection.

4. Gemstones and Diamonds

Gemstones and diamonds, whether loose or in a setting, fetch a pretty penny. So what kind of precious stones? Emeralds, Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby, and Opal are all examples of what you can pawn.

5. Entertainment Items:

From video game consoles (Wii, Xbox, Playstation) in good working order have an appeal because shoppers often want an older version when theirs breaks. Oh, don’t forget flat-screen TVs. In this category, we also accept electric or acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and student instruments.

Pawning Tips:

When considering selling to Cash Express, do your research first. If there are any relevant facts, bring them along. Take a moment to clean up your item so we can see it clearly. When there’s a certificate of authenticity or proof of ownership (or both), they help tremendously in determining what we can give you.

If you have questions, please give us a call at (215) 922-1560. You can also email info@pawnphiladelphia.com, or fill out our online contact form. Our team of experts is happy to help you in any way possible.

Nearly every day is a holiday. Some whole months are dedicated to specific themes, too. For example, November is Real Jewelry Month, a time to celebrate jewelry’s enduring beauty and allure. From rings and watches to bobbles and bracelets, you can find things on your holiday shopping list at Cash Express Pawn Shop, Philadelphia (and you don’t have to wait for a special date!).

Why buy from us? Lots of reasons:

• Savings: If you compare apples to apples, say a necklace in a retail store versus ours, you'll find the prices are significantly less.
• Quality: Fine jewelry doesn't suffer from the wear and tear many other products do because people treat the pieces gently.
• No Surprises: If there are faults, you know about them right away (not when you take it out of the wrapper).
• Trustworthy Pricing: Because we have an appraiser, you can trust the value in your gift choices.

Who are the special people on your list this year? Mom? Granddad? A significant other? Now's the time to make your money go further and create a WOW moment. There is nothing like seeing the face of someone taken pleasantly aback by the beauty of your gift. More remarkable still is that there's something spectacular in our store in every budget range.

Cash Express is not a “big box” storefront. You can window shop and your leisure and get personalized attention from experienced professionals. Give them an idea of what you want, and they'll help you find it or something reasonably close.

By the way, let your imagination run wild a bit. Our store has far more offerings than just jewelry. You can get incredible antiques (Antiques by Ark's), tools, computers, designer bags, and musical instruments, just to name a few. Finding real “gems” isn't limited to jewelry. Take a look!

If you’re not sure what you want, Cash Express has three eBay stores where you can get ideas. For high-end jewelry, check out Quality Jewels. In Arksjewelry there’s everything from antique books and statues to tea caddies and flatware. Finally, for many of those everyday items like speakers, shavers, sunglasses, and sneakers, scroll through Cashexpresspawnbrokers.

Tip: if you have odds and ends sitting around like those you see, you might consider bringing them along. Declutter your home, and get extra cash for your shopping spree!

Some people have a rough idea of what they may want but don’t know where to begin. Feel free to call us at (215) 922-1560, and give us some input. We have things coming into the store daily, one of which might fit the bill perfectly. You can also leave us questions and requests for more information HERE.

The weeks fly by quickly at this time of year. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Happy Real Jewelry Month.

Philadelphia pawn shops provide cash-out services for people who need cash NOW.

Compared to other financing services, are pawn shops a better choice? When should one consider getting a loan from a pawn shop? Keep reading below!

How does the pawnshop work, and when should you consider pawning?

When you walk into a legal pawn shop with your belongings, the other party will first assess the value of your pawn; for gold, this is a straightforward process because the pawn shop can quickly determine the value by referring to the daily gold price.

As for gold jewelry, you should know that they are usually not 99.9% pure gold, but an alloy so that it can maintain its shape, which means you will get somewhat less than the daily price of gold in return.

For other items, the pawn shop will evaluate the current market value and consider the condition of the item. For example, pawning old laptops is not worth much because it may not be worth much in the second-hand market. (Yet it is still a viable option).

Where to get cash in Philly

With pawn shops, you are bound to get your cash faster than when using other financing services because at pawn shops you won’t need paystubs and a co-signer. If you do not want to go through the stress of getting a guarantor, the best choice for you is to use a pawn shop near you.

Pawn shops have easy repayment policies, flexible collateral acceptances, and easy return services, so when you are looking for a loan provider that will not be on your neck every now and then, then pawn shops might be your best answer.

Process of pawning your items:

1. Go to the pawnshop with your item(s).

2. The pawnshop will assess the value.

3. If you agree, the pawnshop will accept the pawn, issue a pawn ticket, and cash loan to you.

4. Ensure the safe custody of the pawn ticket, which can come in handy if  you intend to redeem the pawn.

It’s as simple as that!

Can the pawn be retrieved?

Yes, the pawn shop will store your pawn in a safe place and give you a pawn ticket to prove that you are the holder so that you can return to the repurchase within a fixed time.

If you collect the money within the stipulated time, you can simply go back to the pawn shop and redeem the item with interest paid.

However, if you are unable to redeem but still have some funds in hand, you can choose to extend the pawn period.

If the item is not redeemed, the pawn shop will sell it to other customers.

If you want financing options, you should consider the Cash Express Pawn Shop for quick cash in Philadelphia. In contrast to a bank loan, you receive cash immediately! To do this, deposit an item of appropriate value with us at Cash Express pawn shop. We specialize in antiques, diamonds, precious metals, and other items of value. Stop by and chat with us! We offer top bucks for your valuables.

Clearing out can be fun and also fill the wallet? Correct!

Selling used things is the motto! It's that easy to get rid of old dust collectors and earn good money for it!

There is something liberating about clearing out - and it can still bring in quite a bit of money. With the right tips, you can get rid of your used property at a profit.

Is It Worth the Effort?

Giving every item a new owner instead of packing everything in one large container for the sake of simplicity has several big advantages:

- Extra money in your wallet

- Someone else is happy about things that they might not be able to afford otherwise

- Buying and selling used is a super effective measure to protect the environment

The Best Used Items to Resell to Earn Quick Cash

You need to know which items are most likely to resell for the most profit.

Electronics: New or Vintage

Some vintage electronic devices such as personal music players, cassette players, and VCRs can be sold for a profit.

Cameras

Cameras and lenses, and even some accessories like tripods, can retain their value well. Lenses in particular, as they can be used for many years if they are in good condition. Vintage photographic equipment can undoubtedly be of value, and even non-antique second-hand equipment can be sold for fair prices. There is a significant market for used photographic equipment. It can be an expensive hobby, so you will find that many photographers have a habit of spending a lot of money on their equipment.

Bicycles

Bikes can be great for pawning or reselling. There are a lot of them in garage sales. Well-known brands and older bikes are the best options. In some cases, you will have to clean them and maybe do a few small repairs to sell them for a decent price.

Sports Equipment

You can sell your used sporting goods. Some are valuable if they are in good condition, and you can sell them at a competitive price.

Video Games and Consoles

You might be surprised by the market for old video games and consoles. Old games and consoles can be collectibles, and some of them will get you a nice little cash bonus.

Power Tools

There is a great demand, and great availability, for used power tools. People often sell them to decluttering companies when they move out or when they buy a newer model. Other people are looking to buy used power tools when they need them for a specific job or when they just want to save money over buying new tools.

Other used items like jewelry, wristwatches, piano, and other music instrumentals, used laptops and phones, tool brands, and many others can also be sold to make some extra money.

Where to Sell Your Used Items?

Conveniently located near you in Philadelphia Center City Cash Express Pawn Shop can be your trusted partner to buy your second-hand products at the right price.

All you have to do is to bring your used items to our store. We estimate their cost depending on the model, the condition of your item and its accessories, and the demand for the product. After a common agreement, you are paid immediately.

Conclusion

Selling for cash is possible if you are motivated and also take the time to think carefully about what you can sell. We hope our tips will allow you to earn some extra money in these challenging times.