Best Items to Pawn at a Pawn Shop

The term pawn shop is often associated with the shady, but there’s much to love about these businesses. Not only do they offer immediate cash, but they can be a smart solution for emergency needs that don’t qualify for traditional loans.

The best items to pawn include electronics like laptops, gaming consoles, and smartphones. When pawning these items, make sure to bring the original charger and case to increase their value. Jewelry is another good bet, particularly gold and silver pieces that have significant karat content. However, it’s important to note that pawn shops generally only offer about half the retail value of an item.

How a Pawn Shop Works and What You Can Expect

Other popular pawnable items are power and hand tools, musical instruments, and rare or collectible items like sports memorabilia. When pawning tools, look for quality brands that are trusted by contractors and DIYers. Musical instruments are also highly sought after, especially vintage guitars that feature a unique design and build.

Aside from these products, pawnshops carry an array of items that may surprise you. For example, pawnshops will often carry weapons, including firearms like rifles and shotguns, depending on their location. However, a pawnshop is usually required to report the purchased and pawned merchandise on a daily basis. This enables law enforcement to identify any stolen items and return them to the rightful owners. It’s important to understand these responsibilities before entering a pawnshop to avoid any legal complications.