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 Grow

Some 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 Shopping

When 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 Experience

When 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.

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 Appraisal

Many 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.

• How sellable is your item based on previous shop sales

• The current stock of similar items

• Reviewing market value

• Quality and condition

Bundle all these together, and voila, a price!

The “Blue Book” for Pawn Pricing

For 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 Consultation 

When 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 Items

If 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:

• Curios and heirlooms

• Electronics

• Game consoles

• Home appliances

• Musical instruments

• Sports gear

• Tools

• Watches

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 Prices

Besides 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.

Use our online contact form to open a conversation. Our phone number is 215-922-1560. And if you prefer, email the address is info@pawnphiladelphia.com.