Are you ready to dive into a new musical hobby? Or maybe you’re already quite the proficient instrumentalist and feel that it’s time you stepped up your musicianship by investing in a really quality instrument. Either way, buying a musical instrument doesn’t need to be stressful. You can find a high-quality instrument that’s in great shape and is perfect for you without breaking the bank: just turn to your local pawn shop to find the instrument of your dreams. 

    There are a number of reasons why the pawn shop is an excellent (and relatively overlooked) choice for musical instrument shopping. Most notably, it’s one of the only places where shopping for musical instruments allows you to haggle. Maybe you’ve got your heart set on a Fender guitar, but you can’t afford to spend “new Fender” money. That’s okay! Find a Fender at your local pawn shop and talk to the broker – it’s quite likely that they’ll be able to arrange a deal that gets you the guitar you love at a price point that’s agreeable to you. Working with pawn shops also allows you to trade as a part of your instrument purchase – if you’ve got an older or well-used instrument at home and are ready to trade up, put that instrument towards a new one! Only pawn shops allow this level of haggling: at your local Fender dealer, the price is the price, no matter what.

  So why aren’t more people shopping for their instruments at pawn shops? Well, there seems to be a pervasive misconception among a lot of new or novice musicians that the instruments available at pawn shops are second-rate or very badly used. This definitely isn’t the case. In fact, most instrument inventory at pawn shops tends to be newer and relatively untouched. Why? Because, fundamentally, musicians who are serious about their craft don’t pawn off their instruments often: they keep them for the long haul. More often, the instruments that end up at pawn shops got very little use (and that’s why they’re being pawned off). A lot of parents buy their children only the best, high-end instruments brands, only to learn later on that their kids don’t really like music class at all. That’s how “like new” Selmer saxophones, Pearl drum kits, and Gibson guitars end up at pawn shops. In fact, the only real difference between a lot of these instruments and ones you’d buy directly from the manufacturer is the price point. You can save some serious money by buying a beautiful, barely-touched instrument at a pawn shop. 

 Now it’s true: occasionally a very old, very used instrument ends up at a pawn shop and needs a new home. This certainly isn’t a bad thing, especially if you’re a new musician. Worn instruments aren’t necessarily of lesser quality or harder to play, and at a pawn shop, you can get an older instrument at a rock-bottom price. Consider spending minimally on your new instrument at the pawn shop and then taking it for a tune-up if it really needs it: a lot of music shops can give older instruments a quick fix relatively inexpensively. The trumpet or viola that you spent peanuts on might just need a quick clean-up for it to be the perfect instrument for you. 

  So whether you’re a seasoned musician or you’re just starting out, don’t think twice about where to shop for that perfect instrument. Talk to the folks at Cash Express about finding the instrument of your dreams at a price that’s reasonable for you.    
 

    With the Internet, its easy to find reviews for anything, whether it’s a hair dresser or a car mechanic. At Cash Express, we know that customers want to get the best bang for their buck. We also know that many people rely on online reviews to decide whether or not they’ll patronize a particular business. While reviews can often be helpful, it’s easy to have your opinion swayed by negative reviews that might not necessarily be accurate. 

    According to research, it’s estimated that around 82% of people read online reviews to help them make a decision about purchasing a particular product or service. Most people read reviews because they believe they are accurate and truthful. Unfortunately, negative reviews can have a powerful hold on many people when they shouldn’t. The question, then, is: How do we know if a review is accurate?

     The truth is, we don’t really know if a review is accurate. In this day and age, it’s possible for someone to leave a negative review on just about anything. A quick Google search, even on a famous destination resort, will land you on a review page that often has less than glowing comments. 

    Remember that reviews are often circumstantial. Experiences with a product or service might differ depending on who the person is leaving the review. In addition, people can leave reviews when they are in less than pleasant moods. This will always have an effect on their rating. Because people have such differing opinions, you’ll be hard-pressed finding a particular product, destination or service that has only positive, 5-star reviews. That being said, it is wise to read user-reviews with a grain of salt and proceed with caution when making your decision. 

    The good news is that there are usually more positive reviews than negative reviews. Yet because there are fewer negative reviews, these become more valuable to the reader or potential buyer. Negative reviews also provide people with a sense of security because they indicate what might go wrong with a particular item. For example, a pair of shoes might receive a negative review if they didn’t cushion the buyer’s feet as expected. 

    Keep in mind that many 5-star reviews are also fake. If you’re going to put all of your trust in the comments from reviews, then it’s wise to take a good look at both the negative as well as the positive ones. It’s always a good idea to check out multiple reviews from the same user to see if that person leaves balanced reviews as opposed to many negative ones.

    Have you ever wondered about the process pawn shops use to determine how much they pay out for gold? It’s not a whimsical decision process. In fact, a good pawn shop owner is well-informed about how much gold is worth and he or she knows how much the pay-out should be, too. At Cash Express, we want all of our customers to feel informed about the gold-buying process so we work hard to deliver excellent results.

    To get the most for your gold at pawn shop, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. First off, anyone looking to sell their gold should be sure to take it to a reputable pawn shop like Cash Express. When you deal with experienced gold buyers like the ones at Cash Express, you eliminate any uncertainty about your transaction. Our buyers will always work to assure you receive the highest possible price for your gold. 

    Gold is assessed for its purity before any sale is ever made. This is how buyers determine its value. Gold can range anywhere from 8 karats to 24 karats and a professional gold buyer will be able to identify exactly what your gold is. Regardless of purity level, the buyers at Cash Express will always ensure you receive top dollar for the gold you aim to sell.

    Looking for immediate cash? The gold buyers at Cash Express will always try to make you an offer on the spot. If you’d prefer having more time to think about the offer, then that’s fine, too. A good pawn shop only employs people who know how to make their customers feel welcome and informed, not pressured. 

    If you have gold that you want assessed, then stop in to Cash Express and let one of our talented associates help you make an informed selling decision. We will always provide you with the most accurate information so you can walk away a satisfied customer. 
    
    

If you’ve recently opened a pawn shop, or even if you’re just tossing around the idea of opening one, Cash Express has a few helpful hints for success. As one of the leading Philadelphia pawn shops, we understand the importance of organization and commitment. We’re here to share a few ideas about running a brick and mortar shop that will help you become a more productive and proactive business owner for 2019.

1. Maintain compliance.

One of the most important steps in becoming a successful pawn shop owner is maintaining compliance. This means that you need to ensure, for example, all of your employees are reporting the appropriate data for police reporting. Collateral lending is highly regulated which is why it’s always important to abide by the regulations set for each shop. You can set required fields on your forms so that during a transaction, pawns can’t be completed without all required customer information.

2. Keep binning organized.

Busy pawn shops have a lot going on at once. This is why it’s important for you to be able to locate items quickly inside the shop. Customers don’t want to stand around waiting while you run around trying to find an item. Besides, stepping away from the counter is always a bad idea. PawnMaster can help you easily locate items by creating an assigning bin for all items in the shop. Assigning bin number isn’t a complicated process. It just takes a little extra time to complete.

3. Consider a drop safe.

Most successful pawnshop owners will suggest adding a drop safe if your shop buys or loans jewelry. Placing valuables into a drop safe at the time of the transaction ensures provides customers with the reassurance their collateral jewelry is safe. It also sends a message to potential thieves that your shop takes security seriously.

4. Establish good habits.

Establishing good habits will keep your shop up and running. For example, consider getting in the habit of pulling forfeits on a daily basis. Pulling your buys and defaulted loans on a regular schedule ensures that work doesn’t pile up to the point of unmanageability. It also guarantees money won’t be left on your hold shelves. Other good habits include sending reminder letters, balancing cash drawers, reviewing daily reports and making a back-up.

5. Secure your shop.

The most successful pawnshop business owners maintain secure shops. This is accomplished by delegating authority and assigning specific responsibilities to both employees and managers. A secure pawn shop is one that is not vulnerable to robberies. It is also one that allows you to free up time for growing your business. When hiring, make your expectations clear to potential employees and always follow through on your consequences for misconduct.

Have you ever considered selling your used household electronics at a pawnshop? At Cash Express, we work hard to provide a positive buying and selling experience for all of our customers. If you’ve never sold your electronics at a pawn shop, we can help you learn more about what’s involved to make the process simple.

            Selling your electronics at a pawnshop can be a quick and simple way to earn some extra cash right before the holiday season. If you’re someone who needs quick cash, then why not consider selling some of your used electronics? All of the associates at Cash Express know how to be of assistance so you can get the cash you need most.

            The team at Cash Express can help you learn how to buy, sell or trade your electronics just in time for the holidays. Selling used electronics is a favorite way to earn some cash just when you need it most. We buy all kinds of electronics, including televisions, play stations, movies, cameras, laptops and more.

            Wondering how you can ensure the highest price for your used electronics? At Cash Express we’ll guide you through the process. If you have electronics that no longer work or that have missing parts, you probably won’t get as much money in exchange. The same applies to electronics that have cracks in their screens or major cosmetic issues. It’s best to bring in those items that are in the best shape so that you’ll receive top dollar in return.

On the other hand, if you can find all the remotes, cables, instruction manuals and parts that came with the item, then your chances of gaining a reasonable payout increase. Bring in whatever you can find and one of our expert sales associates will help you with the rest. Another helpful tip? Clean your electronics off before bringing them in. This will help boost your selling price, too.

The holiday season is upon us and with just barely a month before Christmas, you’re probably searching for the perfect gifts. At Cash Express, we know that everyone wants to find those special treasures and we’ve got just the solution. Cash Express is your one-stop shop for all pawn shop gifts at affordable prices. Here’s a quick sampling of some great ideas for the Christmas season:

            Gold and diamond jewelry are always favorites and make excellent gifts around the holidays. If you want to find that special watch, ring, necklace or hair pin, Cash Express might have exactly what you need. Pawn shops like ours offer a wide variety of beautiful jewelry for men and women. Earrings are a popular choice, as well as simple rings and pendants.

            Maybe you have a friend or family member who is musical. If that’s the case, Cash Express can help you find a musical instrument. Whether you want to buy a gift for a professional musician in the family or for someone who has an interest in learning, we can help you find the right gift.

            How about some electronics? Most kids and adults enjoy electronics of all kinds, so a pawn shop like Cash Express can help you find something that works for everyone. Maybe you want a new tablet or a laptop. We can always try to help you find what you need.

            Tools might be a good gifting idea, too. At Cash Express, we carry a wide variety of household tools, some which are in like-new condition. Stop in now to find out more about how we can help you check off all those special gifts from your list.

If you’re interested, we can even help you sell gold before the holidays. Selling gold is a great way to get you cash for purchases. Don’t put off your holiday shopping until the last minute. Check in with Cash Express soon to find out what we can do for all of your holiday needs.

            Have you ever wondered how pawn shops are regulated? Maybe you’ve bought or sold items from a pawn shop and were curious about the nitty-gritty details when you left. Many people wonder how pawn ships are regulated, so Cash Express has created a quick guide that explains the fine print. If you’ve ever wondered about the rules and regulations that govern your local pawn shops, read on for more information.

            Pawn shops are regulated by state and local laws. In fact, most pawn shops are regulated by these laws even more tightly than you might have expected. This is because pawn shops are oftentimes viewed as entities in the financial services industry. Pawn shops are expected to comply with these rules and regulations to make sure that all business transactions are handled legally and efficiently.

            Most pawn shops have specific rules that apply to how they handle money, customer information and other transactions. In addition, pawnshops also need to ensure that all of their contracts are inspected on a regular basis by local state officials. Pawn shops are regulated so that both customers and business owners are guaranteed a safe and successful experience.

            When you think about it, the way that pawn shops operate isn’t too different from the way that other industries operate. Banks, for example, are regulated and inspected on a regular basis, as well. Because so many people use pawn shops nowadays, it’s important for the owners of these shops to remain current with all of their rules and regulations.

            Because so many people use pawnshops on a regular basis and because the pawn shop industry has garnered so much attention over the years, all of their regulations are important for operating safely and securely. If you want to find out more about your local pawn shop, Cash Express can always help you understand more.

Pawn Shops create this illusion that pawning is an easy process to snag cash quickly. Selling an item is an easy process, but the essential concept is much more complicated. When you pawn an item, you are actually taking out a loan against that belonging. The Pawnshop holds the item until you pay off the loan.

What is it exactly? It is just a fast way to borrow money. If you accept a loan, you walk away with the cash and a pawn ticket, which you’ll need to get your item back. Because you have left collateral with the lender, a pawn loan doesn’t require a credit check, bank account or co-signer. You must be 18 or older and show proof of your identity. And pawn shops are in regular contact with law enforcement to avoid dealing in stolen goods, so the shop may require proof of purchase or ownership of the item.

So is it a good idea to get a pawn shop loan in Philadelphia?

Pawnshop loans are great for those who don’t meet the requirements for a conventional loan. Their late fees also cost less compared to utility fees or a credit card payment. Another advantageous to a pawnshop loan is that you get the money quicker without the need for a credit check. Your credit score won’t change either since there are no legal requirements to repay the loan!

Now to the downsides. A small portion of pawn shop loans is actually never repaid. You need more income if you are consistently going through the cycle of borrowing, extending your lawn and then redeeming it. On top of that, the cost is enormous. On average the APR interest rate is at 36%, but if your loan is priced at $100 or more, your APR rate can be incredibly high at around 200%.

If you are looking to get cash quickly, there are plenty of other options to consider if you’re unsure about applying for a pawnshop loan. Check out other alternatives such as Payroll advance, Bill forbearance, selling, or even taking out a personal loan. Pawn shop loans are great for a lot of people. After weighing out the pros and cons, many wills leans towards looking for other options based on the cost and if you cannot pay it back on time.

Are you in need of some fast cash? Maybe you have a bill that needs to be paid or maybe you’re late on your rent. Whatever the case, if you need money fast, a pawn shop just might be the solution. At Cash Express of Philadelphia, we help customers with a wide range of requests and we can help you determine what kinds of items are most likely to sell in the shop.

For those who need money fast, we understand. You’ve probably asked your friends and your family members to help you out but come up empty-handed. In this kind of situation, a pawn shop is the perfect solution. Pawn shops buy a wide variety of items and we’ve compiled a quick list to help you get started.

Almost every pawn shop you visit will buy goods that are in local demand. This means that depending on where you are located, your pawn shop will have specific needs. For example, one pawn shop might be particularly interested in buying firearms while another pawn shop might be more interested in buying women’s handbags. The good news is that most pawn brokers will work with you if the offer is right and if you have something of value. However, the following items are almost always in demand:

• Precious metals

You’ve probably seen all the commercials telling you to bring in your gold for cash. This is because gold has almost doubled in value over the last ten years. Gold is considered the most valuable asset to ward off inflation and trading precious metals is good business for pawn shops. Other precious metals like silver and platinum are also in demand.

• Diamonds and gemstones

Do you have any diamonds or gemstones in your possession? Diamonds are always sought after at pawn shops because of their universal appeal, their scarcity and their high demand. Diamonds can’t be mass-produced at a factory, so there’s no chance of their value being decimated. Gemstones are also great for pawn shops. The demand is high and most people consider buying jewelry at a pawn shop as an alternative to an expensive department store.

• Watches

Pawn shops love to buy watches. If you have any in your home that don’t get used, consider taking them to a pawn shop to make some quick cash. Pawn shops love selling watches because they are always unique and they appeal to many different buyers. Watch brands such as Omega and Movado can often sell for $500 each. Higher-end brands like Rolex and Ulysses can sell for about $1,000.

• Firearms

There’s probably not a pawn shop around that doesn’t love selling guns. Firearms are always best-sellers at pawn shops and are some of the most lucrative items they have in stock. If you’ve got any guns collecting dust down your basement, bring them in to your local pawn shop and make a few bucks.

Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between selling and pawning? Maybe you have never stepped foot in a pawn shop and are curious about how they work. At Cash Express, we offer a huge variety of items for our customers and we’re always ready to help explain the process, too.

• Selling

Many people like selling items at pawn shops because there are no strings attached. Just like you might sell an item at a yard sale or in an online store, selling involves setting a price and then, in most cases, letting the item go to the first paying customer. Many people enjoy selling because it’s a quick and simple process. If you sell your item to a pawn shop, you aren’t expected to do anything after the transaction. Pawning, on the other hand, is a little different.

• Pawning

Most people like to think of pawning as a loan placed on collateral. Whatever item you put up for money is called the pawn. Many kinds of items can be pawned, such as precious metals, gemstones, watches, jewelry and firearms. Electronics and power tools are also popular items at most pawn shops.

Instead of selling your item outright to the pawn shop owner, in the case of pawning you borrow money against the particular item. The most money that you will likely receive on a pawned item is about 10% of its total value. Most pawns are good for between 60-90 days. The pawn shop will hold your item until you pay back the loan in full. Most pawn shops also charge interest as well as a storage fee.

Pawn shops have been around for years and if you’ve never checked one out, now might be the perfect time. At Cash Express of Philadelphia, we are always ready to help our visitors have a satisfying experience, whether it’s through buying, pawning or selling. If you want to shop for quality items at half the price of regular store prices, then check out Cash Express.