Pawn shops nearby: find pawn shops near you

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Right now, 63% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. It is not always possible to cover all expenses until the next paycheck arrives. In times of uncertainty or difficulty, such as the current pandemic, you may need extra cash quickly to keep the bills from piling up. Even if you are not in dire financial straits, there may be another reason why you need the cash quickly. There are many ways to make money fast, and pawning items is a good one.

What does a pawnshop do?

The term “pledge” is sometimes used to mean selling something to a pawnshop, but “pledging something” actually means using that item as collateral on a short-term loan.

If you are considering pledging an item, you have probably already considered working together or personal loans. If these options are not available to you, for whatever reason, pledging items you own might be a better alternative to an expired invoice or a payday loan.

Tips for Selecting a Pawnbroker

However, finding the right pawnshop for you and your item can be stressful in addition to an already difficult situation. You can follow these two simple rules when selecting a pawnshop:

  1. Don’t do business if you feel uncomfortable.
  2. Look for a pledge license.

These rules are the bare minimum if you have to go out right away. Otherwise, keep reading for more details on these two rules and six more tips for finding a pawnshop near you.

1. Find the ideal locations for pawn shops

Before you can decide if you want to do business with a pawnshop, you need to find one. The best place to start is to ask friends, family or colleagues for recommendations and locations. You may not know anyone who has used a pawnshop before. In this case, the best way to find a pawnshop near you is to use the Internet or the Google Maps locator.

On your smartphone, use the map application of your choice and use the search term “pawn”. This will bring up several stores near you. Check their comments. Try to avoid pawn shops that have recently opened, have recently changed hands or owners, or have bad reviews. Above all, avoid pawn shops who behave unprofessionally in reviews.

After you’ve chosen three or four stores – if you have that many available to you – call them before you venture out. Sometimes you can tell over the phone if a business’s style will match yours.

2. Only do business when you feel comfortable.

Even if you have a looming bill and feel the pressure to get money, don’t ignore your gut feeling. Pawn shops, like any store, should provide you with professional customer service, so that you have a good experience and want to come back again. The staff should recognize you when you walk in and should not make you feel like your business is an inconvenience.

3. Check the pawn shops licenses

Pawn shops are required to have multiple licenses, depending on their state or local municipality and what they choose to accept. These licenses tell you that the establishment is legitimate and complies with regulations. In addition, it is illegal to operate a pawnshop without a license.

If a pawnshop has all the right licenses but isn’t more than happy to show you their licenses, it might not be the kind of pawnshop you want to be indebted to. for your loan.

4. Check the interest rates and other charges

Pawn shops are allowed to charge huge interest rates. Some states cap the interest rate pawn shops are allowed to charge, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re protecting the consumer. For example, Texas has an APR of 240% on loans up to $ 219.

Good to know

Pawn shops may also charge processing or storage fees. Check with the pawnshop about these charges before handing over your item. If they’re not open about the fees they charge, however, their fees can be much higher than the norm.

Some pawn shops include these fees when calculating their advertised APR, but many do not. You can take this into account when deciding if you can afford to repay the loan. Once you’ve signed your item as collateral but can’t repay the loan, know that your item is gone.

5. Ensure proper storage of your item

Make sure that the pawnshop you choose can store your item safely. If your item is a precious metal, jewelry, or other high value item, make sure the store has a safe to store your item and applicable insurance to cover loss or damage to your item. your article. Firearms should also be stored in a safe, both for their protection and the protection of personnel.

6. Make sure the staff are straightforward and honest

When you’re browsing a pawnshop and their staff don’t seem completely honest, you should take your item somewhere else. Research the price of your item online before taking it to the pawnshop. Ask questions about it.

Wanting to help a potential client is good service. A pawnshop might not give you all the details, but if they refuse to give you a reason or explanation for their valuation, you might want to question their decision; especially if their citation differs significantly from what you found in your research.

advice

This fits with the first rule, but it bears repeating: if the staff of a pawnshop don’t seem upfront and honest, or they seem sketchy in any way, don’t do business with them. pawnshop.

To take with

Being able to consider a pawnshop is stressful. If you follow the rules and tips above, you will find a pawnshop near you that you might be comfortable with.

When you pay off your loan and get your item back, it’s time to make a budget that you can live with to hopefully avoid living paycheck to paycheck in the future.

Banks, ATMs and other services nearby

Bank branches

ATMs

Other services

The information is correct as of November 5, 2021.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date content. We verify every statistic, quote and fact using reliable primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can read more about GOBankingRates processes and standards in our Editorial Policy.

About the Author

Diane Fogle is the owner and the only freelance writer of The Little Green Bird. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Denver. The research skills acquired through this program, combined with a love of learning and intellectual freedom, led her to be passionate about helping businesses connect with their customers. She lives in Colorado where she hikes with her husband, two young daughters and an old greyhound.


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