BlogSunday, 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..
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. |
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