Pawn Shops Near Me Locator: Tips to Get Top Dollar for Your Stuff

Here’s everything that you need to know to find the best pawn shops near me for quick cash when you need it.

Author: Kari Lorz, Certified Financial Education Instructor

Author: Kari Lorz – Certified Financial Education Instructor

You need money, and you don’t want to take out a loan or sell your possessions. You can’t possibly work more as you’re already working as much as you can. What do you do?

Pawn shops are a great option, but finding the nearest pawn shop can be hard. How do you know which shop is the best? Or how do you even pawn your stuff?

We’ll lay out exactly what you should do to find the best pawn shop near me and what to expect when you go there.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more info

Closest pawn shops near me

When you decide to pawn something, it’s important to pawn it at a reputable pawn shop that can offer you the most money.

You can do a Google search for one, but remember, the 1st listing on the page isn’t necessarily the best. The top listing is often an ad (where stores have paid to be the first listing for a search term). You’ll want to scroll part way down the page and start your search there.

Pawn shop near me – location finder

To get started finding a pawn shop near me, just click the button below…

Pawn Shops open now near me

For some reason, if you’re reading this in the off hours of 9-5 pm but you want to go immediately, you can choose to click the “pawn shops open near me” button below…

Why even go to a pawn shop?

Some people need quick cash and don’t have time to wait around for a bank loan or for their items to sell online. Pawn shops are a great way to get instant cash.

Or sometimes, people know that they won’t qualify for a loan because they have bad credit, so going to a pawn shop is a guaranteed loan.

Besides, selling at pawnshops can be a great way to make some extra money and get rid of some unused items. Remember, you can pawn items to a pawn shop (to come back and get them later), or you can simply sell them outright. Let’s go through the traditional pawn method first, where you get a pawn shop loan.

What is a pawn shop loan?

You can sell items directly to a pawn shop or take out a pawn shop loan. Which is where you pawn an item, and the pawn shop gives you a loan for a portion of the value. You then have a set period of time to repay the loan (plus interest) and get your item back. Usually, three months.

If you don’t repay the loan, the pawn shop owns your item and can sell it in their store. Some pawn locations will let you renew your loan (for a fee), so you can have some extra time to pay the pawn shop loan.

How much do you get from a pawn shop?

It really depends on the pawn shop, but typically you’ll get between 30-60% of the resale value of your item. This is why it’s important to go to a reputable pawn shop that will give you a fair price for your items.

The average pawn shop loan is between $75 – $100, and you have a few months (usually) to pay it back, or you forfeit your items to the pawn dealer. Some pawn shops let you renew the loan terms if you need a longer time to pay it back (but this may be an extra fee).

Best items to sell to a pawn shop

Pawnshops will take a wide variety of items, and if one pawn dealer doesn’t take an item, maybe another local pawn shop will. But generally speaking, all pawn shops take the following items.

Pawn jewelry 

Jewelry is the number one item people pawn. It’s easy to transport, and pawn shops will give you a decent percentage of the resale value, anywhere from 40-60%. Just be sure to bring in any certificates regarding value. Gold jewelry, platinum jewelry, and the like are all good bets.

Remember, you may need to take these to some jewelry pawn shops to get top dollar. Or you may have better luck selling your jewelry to an online jewelry buyer.

For example, you can sell your diamond jewelry to Cash for Diamonds; they accept all sizes and quality of diamond jewelry, even flawed diamonds.

  • Step One: Go online and request a fully insured mailing kit, and mail them your piece.
  • Step Two: Within 24 hours of receiving your piece, they’ll appraise it and make you an offer.
  • Step Three: If you accept their offer, you can get paid via check or the funds sent straight to your PayPal account. If you don’t like the offer, they ship it back to you for free.

Cash for Diamonds

Pawn gemstones

Gemstones are also popular items to pawn as they hold their value and are easy to pawn. Be sure to get a professional appraisal before going into the pawn shop so you know how much your gemstones are worth.

Pawn guns

You can pawn guns (both handguns and rifles), but it’s important to know the laws in your state as some states have specific requirements. The federal laws involved with gun pawning are known as the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act of 1934. Some states also have laws that also apply. The pawn shop must have the proper licensing to handle guns.

You will also need to do considerable paperwork as well. Some shops require that you have a concealed weapons permit as well as a regular ID. You may also have to pay extra fees for pawning a gun.

Pawn TVs

Flat-screen TVs are always popular items to pawn as people always upgrade to the latest model. You can expect to get about 30-40% of the resale value of your TV.

Pawn Computers

Like TVs, pawn shops will give you a decent percentage of the resale value for laptops and desktop computers. Be sure that you wipe all your information off of the equipment. To get the most for it, include all the cables and accessories (bonus if you have the owner’s manual).

Pawn video game consoles

The most popular video game consoles are the Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. You can get up to 50% of the resale value for pawning your video game console.

Pawn musical instruments 

Pianos, guitars, drums, and other musical instruments are always popular items at pawn shops as people always look for deals.

Pawn precious metals

Precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum. Again, pawn shops will give you a decent percentage of the resale value, typically 50%, as metals retain their value very well.

Again, you would want to call around for pawn shops that specialize in precious metals to make sure you’re dealing with an expert to get the best price. Or you can always sell your gold jewelry online at Cash for Gold. Don’t worry; when you mail in your pieces, it’s fully insured.

They accept all kinds of gold, including – anklets, bracelets, brooches, chains, charms, clasps, coins, dental scrap (Gold or Silver), earrings, gold solder, ingots, links, necklaces, nuggets, pendants, pins, rings, shot, watches & bands, wire (Gold or Platinum) All Karats Accepted: 8k, 9k, 10k, 14k, 15k, 18k, 22k, and 24k.

The selling and payment process is the same as Cash for Diamonds (discussed above), as they are sister companies. They also have Cash for Silver site too.

Pawn collectibles

Think of collectibles like comics, stamps, and sports memorabilia can be pawned, but it’s important to know the value of your collectibles before you go into the pawn shop. A pawnbroker will likely give you a lower offer than what the item is actually worth, so it’s important to do your research.

Be sure to check your area for pawnshops that specialize in what you want to pawn, as you can get a better deal there.

Pawn photography equipment 

DSLR cameras, lenses, and other photography equipment are always in high demand, so pawn shops are always happy to take this type of equipment. You can get up to 50% of the resale value for your pawned photography gear.

Pawn expensive sporting goods

Pawn shops always look for golf clubs, snowboards, and other high-end sports equipment. You can get up to 50% of the resale value for your pawned sports gear. Again, if you have the owner’s manual, any accessories, or assembly tools, be sure to include them.

Pawn designer handbags and wallets

Be sure that you know your item is 100% genuine, as there are many fakes on the market. If you try to bring in a fake, they may tell you to take a hike and not accept any of your items.

Popular brands: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Chloe Saint Laurent, Loewe, and more.

Pawn antiques

Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s valuable, so be selective in which items you try and pawn. Things like artwork, silver tea sets, jewelry, coins, etc., are good bets.

Pawn collectible coins

Pawn shops are always looking for rare and valuable coins, as collectors are willing to spend big bucks to find elusive gold coins to complete their collection. Do your research before you go into the pawn shop, so you know how much your coins are worth.

Pawn high-end watches

Pawn shops are always happy to take luxury watches. Be sure to get a professional appraisal before going into the pawn shop, so you know how much your watch is worth.

Popular brands include Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and more.

Pawn power tools

High-quality tools can make you good money in pawn shops. Be sure to bring in all the accessories and manuals (if you have them). It’s also a good idea to clean the tools really well. If you’re missing small pieces (i.e., bits), it may be worth your while to buy the bits to complete your set before you pawn it.

Popular brands include Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, and more.

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How to sell to a pawn shop dealer (step by step)

  1. Find your best items (the ones worth the most). Remember, you should only pawn items where you’re comfortable not getting them back. While 85% of pawn loans are redeemed, that means 15% of people don’t pay back their cash loan and forfeit their items.

  2. Clean your items up – no dirt, dust, rust, etc. Get out your Qtips and clean it up!

  3. Include as many accessories (if applicable). Cables, extra parts, the original box, the owner’s manual, etc.

  4. Find a pawn shop you want to visit (put your zip code in the nearest pawn shop location finder (above).

  5. Bring your ID (and concealed weapons license if pawning a firearm).

  6. Know if you’re pawning or selling, make a decision and stick to it.

  7. Go in knowing your rock bottom price that you’ll accept, don’t go below.

  8. The pawn dealer will often ask you what you’re willing to accept (aka what you think is a fair deal). Don’t give a number; let them open with a number.

  9. If you feel pressured in any way or even that it’s not a fair deal. Pack up your stuff, thank the pawn broker, and walk away. Trust your gut and move on to the next pawn shop on your list.

  10. If you do pawn your items, put your ticket in a very safe spot (you don’t want to pay a lost ticket fee), and set a reminder on your calendar about one week before your transaction is due.

  11. When you pick up your items, have the money ready (don’t forget about any fees they charge). Check your item for damage, and be ready to file an insurance claim if damaged. Pay the money and walk out the door with your stuff.

Tips for picking a legitimate pawn shop

  1. Check if the pawnshop is a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association – do they have licenses?
  2. What’s their location – is it in a safe area?
  3. Make sure their policies are clearly stated – fees?
  4. Check reviews for your local pawnshop – do people like working with that business?
  5. Is the pawnshop part of a national chain – usually, rates and fees are more standardized with pawnshop chains. (see below for pawn shop business franchise).
  6. Does the shop specialize in anything? If you’re selling jewelry, you should take your items to a shop that specializes in jewelry. Not all shops have a specialty, so be sure to call a few places first.
  7. If you live close to two states, know if either of the states has caps on interest rates charged and which state has the lower rate.

Pawn shop franchises

  • Cash America
  • Money Mizer
  • Countrywide Gold Buyers
  • Pawn Castle
  • Gold and Silver Refinery

Tips for getting the most cash for your items at a pawn shop – negotiate like an expert

Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars (owner of one of the busiest pawn shops in the US – Gold & Silver Pawn Shop) gives us a few tips on negotiating at a pawn shop. Tryst me, he knows his business, as he gets into 5-15 pawn negotiations daily. Here’s what he says…

Negotiation Tip #1 – Be a Nerd 

You need to know your stuff if you want to get the most value. Spend at least an hour and do some research on what you have and how much it’s worth.

Negotiation Tip #2 – Never give the first price

It may seem awkward not to answer a direct question, “how much do you want for this?” But you need to play a little ball here. You never want to throw out a figure that could be less than what the pawn dealer was expecting to offer. Let them offer, aim high, then go down from there.

Watch the video below to see how Rick pushes back on this question so you can learn to do the same.

That being said, don’t continually evade the question. If it gets serious, give a figure (you did your research, right).

Negotiation Tip #3 – Be willing to walk away

Rick says, “If you’re not willing to walk away, you’re really not negotiating.”

Negotiation Tip #4 – Don’t take advantage of people

This tip is more geared to shop owners, but it goes both ways. When you take advantage of people, word will get around, and it will hurt you.

Other tips to get the most money for your stuff at a pawn shop

  1. First, make sure your items are clean and in good condition. Pawnshops are more likely to give you more money for items that are in good condition, so it’s important to make sure they look their best. Clean it, polish it, repair it

  2. Be sure to bring any necessary accessories with your items. For example, bring the power cord and remote control if you’re selling a TV. This will help ensure that you get the most money for your items.

  3. Be sure to shop around and compare pawnshop prices before you sell valuable items. Not all pawnshops offer the same prices, so it’s important to find the one that offers the best deal for you. Rick Harrison says to take a day and take your high ticket item to 5-6 different shops and see who gives you the best price.

  4. Be a patient negotiator, and don’t talk too much. Dead air is uncomfortable, so people tend to talk to fill that “space.” Try to keep your mouth shut and let them do the talking. When you talk more, you negotiate more and end up lowering the amount you’ll accept.

What not to do at a pawn shop

Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars again shares his advice on 5 Things You Should NEVER Do At The Pawn Shop…

  1. Never lose your cool and get mad, insult, argue with, or cuss at employees.
  2. Do not play with the merchandise – you can break stuff. Remember – you break it, you buy it.
  3. Do not buy/sell a book without an expert. This is for sellers and buyers. “You could get a steal or get screwed.”
  4. Don’t make a lowball offer when buying items. If you offer $50 for a $400 item, that’s insulting. “Don’t be surprised if I kick you out of here.” says Corey Harrison.
  5. Do not buy/sell outdated technology – Just because you paid top dollar for the newest iPhone (3 years ago), that doesn’t mean it’s still worth it. You’ll have to let go of the idea that your electronic gadget is still worth what you paid for it. The same goes if you bought a replica thinking it was the real deal. If the person behind the counter says it’s a fake, you should believe them. They don’t have anything to gain by lying to you.

You can watch the videos here and here.

What will a pawn shop not buy?

  • Pawn shops usually will not accept items that are clearly replicas (such as fake designer purses).
  • They also do not typically accept clothing or books unless they are very valuable, such as a first edition or a signed copy of a popular book.
  • They typically do not take broken items or items missing pieces.
  • They will not buy firearms if you cannot prove that you own the gun.
  • Items of low value as it’s just not worth their time.
  • It should be obvious, but pawn shops do not want stolen goods. Often, these shops work closely with police, especially with firearm sales, and go through their stolen property database. If there’s any question about the “legitimacy” of your item, they’ll turn you away.

What are the pros and cons of going to a pawn shop?

All industries have benefits and risks, pawn shops included. It’s important to know what you’re walking into before trying to pawn your stuff.

Pros of going to a pawn shop:

1 . Loans are fast – Pawnbrokers can typically give you a loan within an hour, which is great if you’re in a bind and need cash fast.

2. Loans are easy to get – Pawn shops don’t require a credit check, so getting a pawn loan is easy regardless of your credit score.

3 . No impact on your credit – Because pawn loans don’t require a credit check, they also won’t impact your credit score.

4. You can negotiate – Unlike most other businesses, pawn shops will allow you to negotiate. But be warned that these guys do this all day. They are very good at giving/getting the price they want. So most likely, you will compromise more than you want to.

5 . Selling to a pawn shop is less work than selling an item on eBay. With eBay, you have to take pictures, write a description, ship the item, and then wait for payment. You simply hand them your item at a pawn shop and walk out with cash.

6 . The item is still “yours” – It may be hard to give up your favorite items, so pawning an item can be a great option. Get the money you need right now, and then come back later and pick it up when you pay your pawn shop loan.

Cons of going to a pawn shop:

  1. You don’t get a lot of money for the value of your items – as we mentioned above, pawn shops will give you about 30- 60% of the value of your item.
  • $100 item will get you between $30 – $60
  • $250 item will get you between $75 – $150
  • $500 item will get you between $150 – $300

2 . High-interest rate – There’s a wide range of pawn shop interest rates given online. Some states put a cap on rates, and some don’t. While the rates vary, everyone agrees that they are exorbitant, like really high rates. In researching this, I’ve seen…

  • 10%
  • 13%
  • 20 – 25%

For example, if you pawned a guitar for $100, with a 20% rate, you’d be expected to pay back $100 + $20 at the end of the loan term (usually three months), plus any fees associated with the transaction.

3 . Excessive fees – if you find a pawnshop that has lower interest rates, that’s great! But be sure you understand any fees that may be applied to your transaction.

For example, you may pay a service fee, insurance fee, storage fee (for large items or firearms), a lost ticket fee, a loan renewal fee, etc. All these small charges add up!

4 . Items may be returned damaged – there’s no guarantee your items will be returned in the same condition as you left them. While damage is unlikely, it’s still a problem people have had in the past. If you have a case or nice box for your item, this can help protect your stuff.

Alternatives to pawn shops

Decluttr

Like most Americans, you have a handful of old electronics in your home. They take old phones, cameras, CDs, DVDs & games, and even game consoles.

You get an instant valuation for your items at Decluttr when you put in the make, model & condition of your item. Then, if you accept their price, you pack it up and ship it (they’ll even send you a shipping label to mail it for free).

“Our expert team will check them over, remove any personal data from your tech devices using our specialist software, and then we’ll pay you the day after by Direct Deposit or PayPal.”

Decluttr

Consignment shops

Local consignment shops will take items such as clothes, furniture, and home decor. The great thing about consignment shops is that you usually don’t have to do much work to get your stuff sold. You simply drop off your items, and the shop does the rest.

When your items sell, you receive a portion of the sale.

eBay

You can also sell your stuff on eBay. Selling on eBay is pretty easy, and you can reach a large audience of potential buyers.

To get started, create an account and list your items for sale. When your items sell, you will need to ship them to the buyer. While you’ll get more money for your items on eBay, it’s considerably more work.

Pawnshop Statistics in the US

It’s always helpful (and interesting) to know about businesses you’re doing a financial transaction with. According to the National Pawnbrokers Association, here are some interesting stats on the pawn industry…

  • Contributed $3 billion to the US economy (2018).
  • Pawing has been around for 3,000 years, with roots in China.
  • Present day nationwide, pawnbrokers must comply with 14 federal statutes and regulations.
  • The average pawn customer does not have access to traditional banking lines of credit, nor will traditional banking provide such small loans.
  • Nationwide, there are approximately 11,000 pawn stores, most of which are family-owned small businesses.
  • About 85% of pawn loan transactions are redeemed by the owner.
  • The average loan is $150.
  • Around 7.4% of all US households have used pawn stores.

Pawn shops open near me FAQs

What percentage do you get from pawn shops?

The average pawnshop owner will give you about 30 to 60 percent of what they think they can sell the item for in their store. Some shops will give you a better deal if they specialize in your particular items (i.e., jewelry, guns, etc.).

How do pawn shops determine value?

Pawn shops use various methods to determine your items’ value. This can include research, experience, and even consulting with experts for high-value items. They’ll often consult databases for the current market value of items.

They’ll also take into consideration the condition of your item. The worse the condition = the lower value.

According to Pawn America, “Most pawnshops try to maintain a 38-50 percent profit margin, which means they want to earn that much compared to what they offer you. So, they’ll assess your item’s market value, then reduce it by their profit margin.”

Is it better to sell or pawn?

It depends on your situation. If you need cash fast, pawning is a good option, as you can usually get your item back by paying off the loan plus interest.

If you’re looking to get the most money possible for your item and don’t need cash immediately, selling is a better option. Pawn shops will typically give you 30 to 60 percent of an item’s value. However, you can often get more by selling online or through a consignment shop.

What can I pawn for the most money?

Pawn shops typically pay the most for items that are in high demand and in good condition. Popular items include jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, and tools.

What happens if I don’t pay back my loan?

If you don’t repay your pawn loan, the pawn shop will keep your item and sell it to recoup their losses. You will also lose any interest you have paid up until that point.

Are there online pawn shops?

Yes, there are pawn shops that operate entirely online. These pawn shops work similarly to brick-and-mortar pawn shops in that they offer loans for your items. However, you will need to ship your items to the pawn shop for evaluation. You can shop online here…

Pawn America Online
ePawn Superstore
PawnZone

What do I need to bring to a pawn shop?

When you go to a pawn shop, you’ll need to bring a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You should also bring any accessories that your item may need, such as cables or chargers.

If you’re picking up a forearm you pawned earlier, you may need to bring a trigger lock, or they won’t let you take it out of the store. It’s best to call before going in if you have questions.

Is going to a pawn shop a good idea?

Honestly, it’s not the best way to get money, as you don’t get full value, and you pay higher than average interest (plus fees). However, it may be the only choice for many Americans, especially those underserved by banks and other financial institutions.

I will say that going to a pawn shop is a lot better than getting a payday loan, as those businesses charge an even higher rate and are considered very predatory. If you get a loan there, it can be very hard to get out of those loans as they rack up interest quickly.
However, if you have a steady job, there are a lot of apps out now where you can get a payday cash advance. Usually at a very low rate (even 0% with some apps).

Even with Cash App, you can get free money; and if you have your check directly deposited there, you can get your money usually two days faster than you would in a traditional bank.

It’s absolutely worth it to look into all your options before deciding. We like Albert for cash advances too. It’s more than just a payment app (like Cash App); Albert is a budgeting, saving, and investing app; that also does cash advances and gets you access to your paycheck 2 days earlier than traditional banks.

There are lots of side hustles that you can do to get $200 a day; you just need to find the right idea for you.

At the end of the day

Be sure to follow these tips when selling/pawning your items to a pawn shop, and you’re sure to get the most money for them. Not only will you make some extra cash, but you’ll get the best amount too.

Remember finding a pawn shop near me (you) can be easy, but you want it to be the right pawn shop for what you want to pawn/sell. Doing a little bit of research first will ensure you come out ahead.

Pawn shops open near me (you) can be a great way to get quick cash. Don’t be afraid to try it!

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