BlogFriday, July 28 2023
Every business has some underlying “do and don’t” structure. As the number one pawn broker in Philadelphia for Quick Cash. Cash Express sees people make mistakes all the time. Let’s face it, you won’t see a class on pawning in college. So, your best bet is to get some “inside” information. Some pawnshop etiquette is common sense, however. Primarily remember to be polite. Just because you’re in a pawnshop doesn’t mean it’s ‘seedy.’ Having an arrogant attitude or being combative won’t work here. In fact, it might get you kicked out. This advice applies to people who have come to buy or sell. It is one thing to be firm and another altogether to come across as belligerent or disrespectful. Those negative attitudes impact your offer. Or, the shop owner may decide it’s not worth the frustration to go through the process, especially if it seems you won’t be happy no matter the outcome. Helps and Hints for Pawning Items
When you bring an item to a pawnbroker, prepare yourself ahead of time. It is highly unlikely you will get full market value. Besides the fact that the shop needs to make a profit, there are other reasons the price may be less than expected. For example, you might have a high-end watch, but it needs repair. That repair impacts your offer, as it is figured into the equation. Then too, there may be noticeable wear, making the item a little harder to sell than a pretty shiny thing. There may be some wiggle room, and it can’t hurt to try, remembering that most brokers hope to buy at half the retail value. But this exchange, too, should be civil. Remember, you can always decline and try your luck elsewhere.
Hop on the internet and take a look at items similar to yours. It will give you a feel for the average price of the item you hope to sell. Don’t be disappointed if you find your treasure isn’t quite the pot of gold you hoped. There are many “knock-off” products in the market, and yours may be one. Nonetheless, you will have some financial range in mind. Now, most pawn shops like Cash Express have appraisers on hand who have vast amounts of data from which they create an offer. If you feel it’s not fair, explain why.
You are under no obligation to explain where you found the item or what you paid for it. The item may have far more (or less) value than the original purchase price. This is more a tactic than a note about ethics, but it’s a good approach. Besides, at the end of the day, it’s the broker’s job to determine values and offers. Once you have the first offer, haggle from there.
It is perfectly acceptable to realize the negotiation is not going to end where you hope. At this point, you can say, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to keep it for now.” Or, you can determine the lowest price you’ll accept. If that price is nowhere in the ballpark of the offer, save everyone some time and politely decline. What are your options if you walk? Well, you can try an auction house. Or sell it on eBay. Perhaps in the end, you’ll hold on to it for another day. The Cash Express ExperienceCash Express specializes in high-end pieces, precious metals and stones, jewelry, and watches. Our staff are approachable and helpful. Contact us today by calling 215-922-1560 or by using our online form.
Friday, July 14 2023
Cash Express is your number-one Pawn Shop in Philadelphia when you’re looking for a special or unique gift. Our store has everything from watches and rings to musical instruments and hand tools. Sometimes people find the idea of going to a pawn shop offputting. There’s no reason to feel uncomfortable. We have professional staff who greet you with a smile. Advantages of Shopping at a Pawn StoreIf you’re coming to a pawn shop to sell an item or put it on loan, the process is easy. There are no lengthy bank processes or paperwork. You also don’t have to wait for your money. BuyingPawn shops are often open more hours than regular stores, meaning you can go after work. Every day their inventory changes to some degree. So, if you find there’s nothing you want on Thursday, try stopping by on Monday. SellingSelling your item gives you more in your wallet, and you may want to shop right there for other goods! If you’ve noticed a few things that catch your eye, bring them up during your sale. You may be able to trade, sometimes by adding a little money, or you may get cash back. PawningPawning an item for a loan means giving it up for a while to help with quick cash. As long as you repay the loan on time, you get it back. However, the pawnbroker can move it into inventory if you don't. For this reason, we highly advise against pawning family heirlooms or goods that have sentimental value. Option vs. a Conventional LoanWhen a person’s credit score is bad, it becomes difficult to obtain a loan unless you’re willing to pay an excessive amount of interest. Here, at Cash Express, there are no credit checks. We base our loan on the item’s value instead. Pawnshops also typically offer far lower interest rates than banks or other loaning establishments. Repayment Terms Offer FlexibilityYou chose the pace at which you can comfortably repay the loan. If you find you can’t pay on time, the shop may let you extend the loan period as long as you provide small, good-faith payments. Everything is confidential. Discovering WorthIf you’ve never had an appraisal on your item, you can get one now. However, that price is higher than what you receive, so the shop can profit. Your Invitation to Cash ExpressWe would love to help you with your choices of items or finding the best approach to your loan. If you’re selling, we are always in the market for jewelry, gems, watches, antiques, precious metals, musical instruments, cameras, and electronics. You can always call us ahead of time to see if we’re in the market for what you have. Our highly trained professionals provide accurate appraisals. We also have a fantastic staff whose mission is to make you feel comfortable. Contact us: Telephone - 215-922-1560 Email: info@pawnphiladelphia.com Our Online Form: https://phillypawnshopexpress.com/contact
Wednesday, June 28 2023
The idea of trading goods for cash is nothing new. Merchants around the world, for thousands of years, accepted both labor and items in lieu of money or paid outright for a treasure. Pawning is a type of recycling goods contributing to a circular economy. It’s also a fast way for people to obtain cash. Don’t Throw it Out!Pawnshops are on the lookout for merchandise in good condition. This extends the usable life of each item. When people buy gently used goods they not only save money but keep those items out of landfills. Additionally, shopping at a pawnshop reduces the carbon footprint. The item has already been manufactured! The sustainability of pawnshops like Cash Express appeals to shoppers. From an environmental perspective, there’s a lot of attention on the “throwaway economy.” Clothing is one example. While some may donate, others often just toss perfectly good belongings in the bin. Many individuals, particularly Gen Z, want sustainability and support companies like pawnshops that have resale options. Pawnshops Help Businesses GrowSome people who have high-end valuable items pawn them for quick collateral. They can then use the money to support a start-up, secure a patent, get a delivery vehicle, and prepare for an immediate expansion, just to name a few. Luxury goods rank highly on the list of items pawnshops buy regularly. Many times affluent entrepreneurs have a tidy treasure in their closets, display cases, and dotted around the home. So, if a business person has an opportunity they need to latch on to quickly, taking a trip to the pawnshop makes perfect sense. Getting large loans from a traditional avenue takes time. Meanwhile, the window for closing a deal is short. At Cash Express in Philadephia, we think of these transactions as “opportunity loans.” We become involved in our community’s growth. Additionally, these exchanges illustrate the idea of pawning being only for the poor or desperate is quite untrue. Pawnshop Sustainability and ShoppingWhen people prefer to purchase goods yet avoid retail shopping, they think of resale! A pawnshop is an ideal location to peruse goods. And the variety of options makes the experience exciting. You may find your first idea wasn’t the best when you stumble on that “perfect” gift, for example. One area where pawnshops really shine is antiques. Some of these items have historical value, and as a pawnshop buys them, they help keep that history alive. There are interesting and unique goods from which to choose. And, not all antiques are expensive. You’d be surprised by some of the great prices you can get. The Cash Express ExperienceWhen you come into our store to sell something, we have appraisers on-site to ensure the value of your goods. Now, remember you won’t get the full amount, but you will walk out with money in your pocket. Not all pawn exchanges are loans, either. You can just sell things you no longer want outright. If you’re not sure you have something we’d want, just call ahead at 215-922-1560 and ask! You can also contact us online or by email at info@pawnphiladelphia.com. Become part of the effort to reuse and recycle instead of just throwing things away. Pawnshops are sustainable and good for the US economy. Wednesday, June 14 2023
When you watch a pawn shop show or go to sell something in person, you may wonder how companies like Cash Express in Philadelphia, PA, figure out their pricing. Understanding the process will help you when you are trying to buy or exchange an item for fast cash. The AppraisalMany pawn shops have specialized people to appraise specific items as they come in. Examples would be jewelry and antiques. The price of an appraisal depends on many things.
Bundle all these together, and voila, a price! The “Blue Book” for Pawn PricingFor quite some time, pawnbrokers had to use a printed book to check baseline values. Thankfully, now they can use internet databases for comparative pricing. Since the market for various goods changes all the time, having a current summary helps both the pawnbroker and you! Some storefronts have chosen to create their own reference, kept in the shop’s computer. This is basically “personalize” for the establishment and acts as a helpmate for staff. Within their database, the broker can include a list of what to do before trying to judge the condition of an item. For example, collectors’ pieces have a greater value if they have provenance proving their authenticity. Perusing Provenance: When buying or selling, being able to prove its history can change everything value-wise. The best provenance is having original documents of ownership or a certificate of authenticity. Receipts, exhibition labels, and auction documents are all similarly helpful. Expert ConsultationWhen a pawnbroker or their staff doesn’t have experience in an item or its worth, they reach out to specialist consultants. Most pawn shops have a list of people they regularly use for various goods like guns and autographs. That individual will give the broker an amount, and you would obviously receive less than that so the shop can make a profit. Desirous ItemsIf you have more than one pawnbroker in the area, like Cash Express, each has its own feel, a personality, if you will. Pawn brokers pick and chose what they want in their store. Some might be experts in antiques (Antiques by Ark’s) but rarely carry modern tools, for example. If you’re not certain about what you should bring to get fast cash, give them a call and ask. It will save you time and frustration. When a pawnbroker has a list of sought-after goods, and what you own is on that list, you’ll likely get a better deal. In general, brokers are always looking for:
On the other hand, you may be out of luck if you are trying to pawn a television, camera, computer, or smartphone. The technology in such times rapidly improves, decreasing how the pawn shop can price them. Cash Express PricesBesides having trained, friendly staff, Cash Express prices quick cash loans reasonably. We are the number one pawn shop in Philadelphia for a reason-people trust us. And we offer a wide variety of goods if you are looking to buy.
Sunday, May 28 2023
When you’re looking for affordable items or want to get rid of some of your clutter, you may wonder about the best route to go. There are distinct differences between a pawn shop and a garage sale. Once you have more information, you can make the best choice for your situation. The Garage SaleAlternative names for a garage sale include a yard sale, a moving sale, and an estate sale. No matter the name, this is a way to either sell the things you no longer want or need. You can also find a bargain there.
As you probably know from seeing garage sales in your travels, they are not “organized” events vs. a Pawn Shop’s display, like ours at Cash Express. Buyers must be willing to comb through the good, looking for treasures. Some people make a whole day of foraging with a friend.
To get the best deals at a garage sale:
Selling
Sellers must be ready to watch the goods all day long, have change on hand, and answer questions. Sometimes you have to haggle (it’s part of the fun). To garner excitement about your fete, check local newspapers, as some will carry an ad for your event. Signs and flyers are an alternative, but always ask before you put them up.
Not everything you want to rid yourself of has value, so consider that in choosing what to offer. A slightly smaller garage sale lets people see more of what you laid out. You don’t have to mark each item. Let a buyer make an offer. You might be surprised. Pawn Shop vs. Garage SaleIf you are selling at a garage sale, you don’t have the option of pawning an item as a temporary way of getting cash fast. There are probably items in your home that you could pawn when money gets tight. With a storefront, you don’t have to worry about the weather and can find what you want far quicker.
You won’t want to take dozens of items into a pawn shop, so focus on things that have a higher value. At Cash Express, we typically seek gems, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, electronics, coins, and designer clothing/accessories. If you want a loan vs. selling the item outright, avoid sentimental items if you cannot repay your loan on time.
At a garage sale, there is no opportunity to have your higher-priced items appraised. You may sell something way under value. At our pawn shop, our professionals can provide accurate pricing. Fairness matters. So you can buy, sell, trade, or pawn your item knowing you are working with great prices and quality goods. How can We Help You?Cash Express is the number one pawn shop in Philadelphia, PA. We pride ourselves in serving our customers promptly, with a positive attitude. We have expertise in antiques, diamonds, and precious metals.
Want more information? Use our online contact form or:
By Phone: (215) 922-1560 Through Email: info@pawnphiladelphia.com Sunday, May 14 2023
The price of gold goes up and down, sometimes dramatically. When the price is high, you may start thinking about collecting the gold you have and taking it to a pawn shop. But do pawn shops buy gold?
The answer is a resounding YES. Jewelry and precious golds are two things for which pawn shops are always on the lookout. And when we speak about gold, we’re not just taking raw pieces. Rather, anything that contains gold may prove quite valuable. At Cash Express, we’ll even evaluate scraps. Looking for Pawn ShopsOnce you gather your gold, what’s next? There’s no question you can get fast cash at a Pawn Shop but do your research. It’s time to see what pawnbrokers are in your area. Right now, before you go any further, check out customer reviews and Better Business Ratings. Taking a Look-SeePop into a few of the shops you’re considering using. There are some benefits to taking this time. For one, you can observe the level of customer service received. You can also look at items similar to yours in the showcase. What are the prices? You won’t get retail for your goods, but you at least know where to start.
Pawn shops have a bad rap as dark corner spots where slippery individuals hang out. The modern pawnbroker, like Cash Express, offers a bright, clean storefront with friendly staff properly trained in their job. The broker should have appraisers on sight so you can find out what your treasure is worth right away. If you don’t like the offer, you can simply turn it down. There is no pressure for you to accept an amount with which you feel uncomfortable.
Ultimately, you want to have a sense you can trust the pawn shop and its personnel to treat you fairly. What about Gold Buyers?The main difference between a gold buyer and a pawn shop is the gold buyer must stick to certain sales standards. A pawnbroker has wiggle room in what they pay you. Additionally, gold buyers are picky about what they buy, normally staying away from broken scraps altogether. Gold buyers tend to do a lot more advertising to buy your gold. They might do television ads, bus ads; you name it. They do all of this advertising, but they generally are a little pickier about what gold they buy. They tend to stay away from any old and broken scraps of gold. Real Gold vs. Gold PlatedPawnshops tend to veer away from gold-plated items. On average, a gold-plated item contains only .05% actual gold. It would take a lot of plated and effort to achieve any sort of profit from these pieces. So don’t be offended if we test your gold. Some gold is fake, too! Cash Express: We Buy GoldOur mission is to offer our Philadelphia, PA, customers the best deal possible. You will receive professional attention and information that will help you understand what we base our offers. You can fill out our online form beforehand to see if your items are those we currently are buying (saves a trip). Alternatively, you can call us at 215-922-1560 or Email: info@pawnphiladelphia.com Friday, April 28 2023
Life happens. You have unanticipated medical bills, and the heater breaks down, you need a plumber, etc. However, your bank account is wanting. You need quick cash, and the process of getting a bank loan takes forever. If you are looking for a loan without credit, consider pawn shops like Cash Express in Philadelphia, PA. Bad or No Credit? No Problem!Getting a pawn loan is a quick way to get money. There is no credit check. How much you can get from a loan depends on the value of the item(s) you bring for consideration once the pawnbroker determines your property’s value and offers you a loan amount. By the way, there is wiggle room. Some pawnbrokers will listen to counteroffers. What Should You Pawn?Some pawn shops have a specialized focus, like Cash Express’ antique line. But we also have a general store. As you look around your valuables, there are specific things most pawn shops want. These include jewelry, collectibles, video game supplies, certified autographs, gemstones, designer goods, precious metals, home goods, electronics, collectible coins, and even cars, just to name a few. Having said that, remember, if you default on your pawn loan, the store can put it into their inventory, so you may not want to pawn that broach from old Aunt Aggie. Take into account sentimental attachments.
When you go to the pawn shop, there is one, if not more, expert appraisers who look things over. You probably have a number in mind in terms of the quick cash you need. The pawnbroker will make an offer that you can accept, decline, or try and haggle.
If you’re looking for a loan without credit, pawning your item is a great option. But, like any transaction, do a little research beforehand. See if you can find values online, for example, and check the store's rating with the Better Business Bureau. Watch Out for Interest RatesBecause you getting an immediate payout on your loan, many brokers have high interest rates. On average, you may see 20-25% monthly (ouch!). Make sure you get the details from the store you choose. The sticker shock can be hefty.
Once you receive the loan, you will have a set amount of time in which to repay it. Many state laws dictate the limits on interest rates and the duration of the loan. The Cash Express DifferenceCash Express is the premier pawn shop in Philadelphia, where you can get cash fast. Our specialty is high-end pieces, including jewelry, precious metals, and antiques. You will find friendly faces waiting for you at the counters who can explain more about the process.
If you wish, you can use our online contact form to find out if we are buying the types of items you wish to sell. You can also call our Philadelphia store at 215–922-1560 or email us at info@pawnphiladelphia.com. We look forward to giving you a helping hand when you most need it. Friday, April 14 2023
If you are looking for quick cash in Philadelphia, PA, have you considered pawning your items? It’s certainly faster than getting a loan at the bank. A pawn shop offers you a short-term loan based on the item’s value that you are pawning. If you pay that loan on time, you receive your item(s) back. If not, the pawn shop can sell the items. Should you not be worried about getting your property back, you can also sell it outright.
Factoid: Pawn shops have a history going back some 3,000 years. In some ways, they’re a mini-bank. There are over 12,000 pawn shops in the United States alone. In the shop, you can not only sell or get a loan on your item, but you can also go shopping! Pawn Shop AdvantagesPawn shops, like Cash Express, have advantages you may not have considered. Do you have bad credit? No problem; pawn shops don’t care. And unlike other purchases, if you are late on paying off your loan, it doesn’t hit your credit rating. Then too, you get your money on the spot. Pawning is, indeed, a quick cash transaction that can provide immediate financial relief. Disadvantages:Pawn shops charge high-interest rates, which are regulated by the states. Plus, they do not give you the total value of your transaction. On average, it ranges from 20%-60%. So, if something is appraised at $1,000, your take is $250-$600. The money may tide you over, but the sooner you repay the loan, the better. Generally, a loan from a pawn shop lasts 90-130 days.What to Choose?At Cash Express, there are certain items on which you can get better loans. We are almost always looking for
Good to excellent-condition items are the best choices. Also, consider what’s popular in collectors' items (like Beanie Babies).
Please take a moment and think about what you want to pawn for a loan. Can you live without it if you don’t pay back the loan on time? What About Antiques?Small antiques fare better than large items (there is only so much room on the showroom floor). Cash Express has special way of buying and selling techniques. Welcome to Ark Antiques! It is the best destination for pawning antiques and truly unique pieces. We’d love to see your items.
Cash Express Advantage
When you are considering getting quick cash in Philadelphia, PA, we are happy to help. Our professionals understand the choice of pawning an item can be stressful. It’s our job to walk you through the process with ease. You can use our online contact form to find out if your property is something we’re looking for right now (saves you a trip). You can also email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or call our office at 215-922-1560.
Tuesday, 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..
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