Ever found yourself needing quick cash to handle a sudden bill, buy a gift, or cover an unexpected cost? If so, you’ve likely considered turning your valuable items into swift cash at a pawn shop.
But you might be asking, “What are the best items to pawn?” or “What can I pawn for money, specifically for $200, $300, $400, or even $1000 dollars?” Knowing how to get the best deal from your pawnbroker can make all the difference.
Whether you’re wondering, “what do pawn shops buy?” or “what can I sell at the pawn shop?” – the answer is diverse!
This article will go into detail about these questions and more. I’ll briefly introduce the idea of pawning, share advice on maximizing your pawning experience, and also provide a list of commonly pawned items and their typical values to help you determine what you can pawn for varying amounts – from a humble $20 to a solid $100, and up to an impressive $1000 dollars.
What is Pawning
Pawning is a type of secured loan where you use your personal items as security or collateral to get a loan from a pawn shop.
You can pawn almost anything of value, such as jewelry, electronics, tools, musical instruments, rare sports cards, and more. The pawnbroker will evaluate your item and offer you a loan based on its condition, market value, and demand. You can either accept or reject their offer.
If you accept, you get the cash immediately and leave your item with the pawn shop. They’ll also give you a pawn ticket with the loan’s terms and conditions, like the interest rate, fees, and due date.
You can get your item back by paying the loan amount plus any interest and fees within the specified time (usually 30 or 60 days). If you don’t, the pawn shop can sell your item to get their money back.
Pawning is one of the world’s oldest lending methods. It started in ancient China, where people pawned their belongings for money for food or taxes.
It was also common in Europe during the Middle Ages when people pawned clothes or household items to survive famines or wars.
Today, people who need quick and easy cash without the need for credit checks or complicated paperwork still use pawning.
According to some statistics, there are more than 11,000 pawn shops in the U.S., making over $14 billion in revenue. About 30 million Americans use pawn shops each year, usually for small loans ranging from $25 to $150.
Pawning is particularly appealing to those with low income, bad credit history, or limited access to traditional financial services.
The Art of Pawning
Pawning might seem simple, but there are some things you need to know before you step into a pawn shop with your valuables.
Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your pawning experience:
Determining pawn value: Start by researching how much your item is worth in the current market. You can check online sources like eBay, Amazon, Craigslist, or specialized websites to see how much similar items sell for.
You can also look at online reviews or ratings of different pawn shops near you to compare prices and customer service.
The pawn value of your item will depend on more than just its market value; its condition, age, rarity, demand, and even the season can influence it. For instance, a snowboard might fetch more money in winter than in summer.
Negotiating your pawn loan: Negotiate with your pawnbroker to get the best offer for your item. Don’t be shy to bargain or ask for more money if you believe your item is worth more than what they’re offering.
You can even try to reduce the interest rate or fees by showing proof of income or other collateral. However, be realistic and respectful when negotiating.
Don’t expect more than 50% of your item’s market value, as pawn shops also need to make a profit. And don’t take offense if they reject your item or offer less than you expected.
They may have different criteria or preferences than you.
Here are some do’s and don’ts:
- Bring your ID and any documents proving you own the item (like receipts, certificates, warranties, etc.)
- Clean and test your item before bringing it to the pawn shop, as this can increase its value and appeal
- Read and understand the terms and conditions of your pawn loan, and ask questions if anything is unclear
- Keep your pawn ticket in a safe place, as you’ll need it to get your item back
- Repay your loan on time, or contact the pawn shop if you need an extension or a renewal
- Don’t pawn anything stolen, fake, illegal, or sentimental, as this can get you in trouble or cause regret
- Don’t pawn anything you can’t afford to lose, as there’s a risk you may not be able to repay your loan and get your item back
Best Things to Pawn for Different Values
What are good things to pawn, and how much can you get for your stuff?
What Can I pawn for $20?
Looking to get easy $20, here are a few things you can pawn for $20:
- Used DVDs or Blu-rays: Collections of films, especially popular or rare ones
- Small Kitchen Appliances: Items like toasters, blenders, or coffee makers
- Used Paperback Books: A large collection of popular titles or authors
- Board Games: Especially popular or collectible games in good condition
- Older model MP3 Players: Devices like older iPods, depending on their condition
- Costume Jewelry: Large amounts or particularly attractive pieces
- Older Model Digital Cameras: Compact cameras, depending on brand and condition
- Used CDs: Especially large collections or popular artists
What can I pawn for $100?
Need a hundred bucks or less? Here’s what you can pawn for $100:
TVs: Televisions are among the most popular items people pawn. Depending on your TV’s brand, size, and condition, the pawn shop might give you anything from $25 to $200. For example, if your TV is under 26 inches, you might get around $50. Got a screen bigger than 42 inches? That could be $200 or more. But these are the latest LED TVs, not the old CRT types. A pawn shop will always give you 20% to 30% less than the TV’s original value.
Small appliances: Things like microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and vacuum cleaners are common to pawn. They’re easy to carry and store, and lots of customers want them. Depending on the type, brand, and condition, you might get between $11 and $70 for these items.
Musical instruments: Instruments like guitars, keyboards, violins, drums, and saxophones are good things to pawn if you need $100 or less. Musicians and hobbyists often want these, and they keep their value pretty well. You might get anywhere from $10 to $599, depending on the type, brand, model, and condition.
- Video Game Consoles: Older or used gaming consoles like the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3
- Power Tools: Well-kept power tools from reputable brands
- Bicycles: Used bikes in reasonable condition, especially those from known brands
- Portable Air Conditioners: Depending on the brand and condition
- Vintage Vinyl Records: Especially sought-after artists or rare pressings
- Golf Clubs: Older models from respected brands in good condition
- Tablets: Older or used models from brands like Amazon or Samsung
What can I pawn for $200?
Need more than $100, here’s what you can pawn for $200:
High-end power tools: Tools like drills, saws, sanders, routers, and nail guns are valuable to pawns because many people find them useful. But some brands and models are worth more than others. High-end tools from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch could get you between $150 and $300.
Vintage goods: Old clothing, jewelry, watches, cameras, records, books, and toys can also be pawned for $200 or more. Collectors and enthusiasts like these for their rarity and history. But not all vintage goods are worth the same. Age, condition, authenticity, rarity, and demand all affect the value.
Sports equipment: Things like golf clubs, bicycles, skis, snowboards, tennis rackets, and fishing rods are good to pawn for $200 or more. These sports equipment are popular among those who enjoy outdoor activities and fitness. Again, brand, model, quality, condition, and even the time of year can affect how much you get. You could get between $50 and $500 for these.
- Smartphones: Older models like iPhones or Samsungs in good condition
- Designer Handbags: Used bags from high-end brands
- Digital SLR Cameras: Older models from brands like Canon or Nikon
- Designer Shoes: Brands like Gucci or Prada, especially with minimal wear
- Laptops: Older or used laptops from brands like Dell or Acer
- High-End Headphones: Brands like Bose or Beats in good condition
- Game Systems: Newer or limited-edition models like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
- High-End Watches: Lower-end models from luxury brands
What can I pawn for $300?
Need $300? You might want to check out these items at home:
Advanced electronics: Devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, gaming consoles, and smartwatches are always in demand at pawn shops. They’re easy to store, test, and sell. Make sure they’re in good working condition, have all their bits and pieces, and aren’t too old. Having the original box, receipt, or warranty can increase their value.
Rare collectibles: Things like coins, stamps, comic books, trading cards, action figures, and memorabilia can fetch a good price if they’re rare, genuine, and in good shape. Do some research before pawning them to know their market value and demand. If you have any proof of authenticity or appraisal, bring it along.
Precious metals: Gold, silver, and platinum are always in demand because they’re intrinsically valuable and can be easily melted or sold. You can pawn jewelry, coins, bars, or scrap metal made of these metals. Make sure you know the weight and purity of your metal and compare it with the current market price.
- Laptops: Mid-range models or newer used laptops from brands like HP or Dell
- High-End Watches: Mid-range watches from brands like Tag Heuer or Movado
- DJ Equipment: Used DJ equipment like mixers or turntables from respected brands
- Drone: Depending on the model and condition
- High-End Sewing Machines: Brands like Bernina or Brother, depending on condition
- Designer Sunglasses: Brands like Ray-Ban or Prada in excellent condition
- Gaming PCs: Older models or used gaming computers
- Fine Art: Depending on the artist and demand
Looking to Pawn for $400?
If you’re trying to get $400 and asking “What can I pawn for $400?”, you might want to search your house for these things:
Antiques: Antiques could be furniture, pottery, paintings, clocks, books, and more. Pawn shops could pay a lot for these if they’re old, unusual, and in good shape. But, not all pawn shops know about antiques and may not give you what they’re really worth. Try to bring along anything that proves how old they are or where they came from.
Premium electronics: Gadgets like laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, gaming consoles, and smartwatches can get you more cash if they’re newer or higher-spec. Have all their bits and pieces, like chargers, and aren’t too old. The original box, receipt, or warranty could increase their value.
Luxury accessories: Fancy brand-name handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and watches might get you a fair bit of money if they’re in good shape and you can show they’re real. If you can, bring something that proves you bought them or had them valued.
- Mid-Range Laptops: Laptops from brands like Lenovo or Acer, depending on their age, condition, and specifications
- High-End Designer Handbags: Used bags from brands such as Prada or Gucci in good condition
- Smart TVs: Depending on the brand and size, used Smart TVs in excellent working condition may fetch around this price
- Quality Musical Instruments: Mid-level instruments like electric guitars or saxophones from respected brands
- High-End Watches: Used watches from brands like Tissot, Longines, or lower-end Rolex models, depending on their condition
- Collectible Coins: Depending on rarity and condition, certain collectible coins may be worth around $400
- Professional Camera Lenses: Depending on the brand and condition, professional lenses for DSLR or mirrorless cameras
- High-End Drones: Drones from brands like DJI, depending on model and condition
- Vintage or Rare Vinyl Records: Depending on the rarity and condition, certain records may fetch around $400
What are Good Things to Pawn for $500?
If you’re asking “What can I pawn for $500?” you might want to look for these things at home:
High-value jewelry: Expensive pieces like diamond rings, gold chains, pearl necklaces, and earrings with gems can go for a high price if they’re high-quality, heavy, and beautifully designed. But you should know how much they’re worth and check current market prices before you pawn them. Bring any paperwork showing they’ve been valued or certified, if possible.
Designer bags: Bags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Prada can bring in good money if they’re recent, in good condition, and you can show they’re real. If possible, bring something that proves you bought them or had them valued.
Quality musical instruments: Things like guitars, pianos, violins, and saxophones can be worth a fair bit if they’re good quality, work well, and sound nice. Pawn shops might not give you a fair price if they’re damaged or need tuning.
- High-End Bicycles: Quality bicycles from respected brands
- Photography Equipment: Professional cameras or photography equipment
- High-End Power Tools: Sets or high-quality tools from brands like Hilti
- Musical Instruments: Mid-range instruments like electric guitars from Gibson or Fender
- Projectors: High-quality models from brands like Epson or BenQ
- Professional DJ or PA Equipment: Including speakers, mixers, or lights
- Quality Antique Furniture: Depending on condition, age, and demand
For more reading: Can you get a $750 free Shein gift card?
Need to Pawn for $1000?
If you’re thinking “What can I pawn for $1000?” you might want to search your house for these:
Motorcycles: Bikes like Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki can bring in a lot of money if they run well, have clear paperwork, and have low mileage. Make sure they don’t have mechanical or legal issues. If possible, bring proof of registration and insurance.
Diamond jewelry: Things like diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can go for a lot if they’re high-quality, heavy, and are beautifully cut and clear. But, you should know how much they’re worth and check current market prices before you pawn them. If possible, bring any paperwork that shows they’ve been valued or certified.
High-end watches: Expensive watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Cartier can be worth a lot if they’re from a known brand, work well, and are a rare or limited-edition model. Bring something that shows they’re genuine or have been valued, if possible.
- High-End Musical Instruments: Like a Gibson or Fender guitar
- High-End Photography Equipment: Professional cameras and lenses from brands like Canon or Nikon
- Motorcycles: Depending on make, model, year, and condition
- Luxury Watches: Brands like Rolex or Cartier, depending on model and condition
- High-End Computers: High-performance models from brands like Apple or Alienware
- High-End Audio Equipment: Brands like McIntosh or Klipsch, depending on condition
- Rare Coins or Collectibles: Depending on rarity, condition, and demand
Always try to find the best pawn shops before deciding where to go. Research “What do pawn shops buy?” to see what you can sell at a pawn shop. And check “What do pawn stores pay the most for?” to get the best price. Be aware of what pawn shops take and consider what are the best things to pawn. These will help you get the most out of your pawn shop visit.
Specialty Items You Can Pawn
Everything you own is of the same worth or interest to pawn stores. There are some specific things that you could pawn for a better price or a lower loan rate.
Here’s an easy-to-understand guide on what you can pawn for money, including what you can sell at a pawn shop and how to get the most out of it.
Collector’s Items
Items that are limited in number and highly wanted by collectors fall into the category of collectibles. It can be rare Pokemon cards, Sports cards like Baseball cards or basketball cards, Magic cards, rare coins, stamps, or postcards from the Victorian era. They could be anything from vintage items and antiques to comic books and trading cards. These items can bring you good money depending on their rarity, condition, history, and popularity.
But, not all collectibles are worth pawning. What determines the pawn value of collectibles includes:
- The demand for the item and current market trends
- The item’s authenticity and its origin
- The condition and quality of the item
- The availability and competition of the item
To get the best price, do some homework before you pawn these items. Use online resources like HobbyLark for antiques and other collectibles.
Also, clean your collectibles, bring any documents or authenticity certificates, and compare prices from different pawn shops. You can expect to get between 10% and 50% of the item’s retail value at a pawn shop.
Luxury Brand Items
Items from luxury brands like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Michael Kors, Coach, etc., are another type of special items that you can pawn for a high price.
These high-end designer items hold value because they are high quality, have a unique style, a loyal customer base, and are limited in supply. They also tend to retain their value over time or even increase in some cases.
However, not all high-end designer items are worth pawning. The pawn value of these items is influenced by:
- The brand name and reputation
- The item’s condition and authenticity
- The age and seasonality of the item
- The demand and availability of the item
To get the best price for your designer items, do some research before you pawn them. Use online resources like Fashionphile, The RealReal, Rebag, Vestiaire Collective, Farfetch Pre-Owned, 1stDibs, Collector Square, Jomashop, StockX, The Luxury Closet, and What Goes Around Comes Around to understand the market value and demand for your items.
Clean and repair your items, bring any receipts, tags, boxes, dust bags, certificates, or warranties, and compare prices from different pawn shops. You can expect to get between 30% and 80% of your item’s value at a pawn shop.
Finding the Best Pawn Shops
Not all pawn shops are the same. Some pawn shops might offer you better prices, lower loan rates, longer loan periods, or more options than others.
Some shops might also specialize in certain types of items or have more experience and knowledge in dealing with them.
Here’s how to identify the best pawn shops for your needs.
Finding Pawn Shops Near You
The easiest way to find pawn shops near you is to use online directories or search engines.
Google Maps or Yelp can also help you find and read reviews of pawn shops near you.
Asking for recommendations from your friends, family, or people you know who have used pawn shops before is another good way. They might give you honest feedback and advice on which pawn shops to trust or avoid.
Checking a Pawn Shop’s Trustworthiness
Once you have a list of possible pawn shops, you need to check their trustworthiness and reputation.
You want to deal with a pawn shop that is licensed, insured, bonded, and registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also, check their ratings, reviews, complaints, and testimonials from past customers.
Websites like BBB, Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, or Sitejabber can help you find and read reviews of pawn shops. Visit the pawn shop’s website, social media pages, or blog to get an idea of their professionalism, transparency, and customer service.
You can also visit the pawn shop in person and inspect their place, inventory, staff, and policies to check their credibility.
You want to deal with a pawn shop that is clean, organized, secure, and well-stocked, with friendly, knowledgeable, and honest staff who can answer your questions and clearly explain their terms.
Don’t forget to ask for their license number and check it with the state authorities in case you have any doubts.
Making sure that there is proper storage space and insurance for valuables like gold items is also important.
Which Pawn Shops Pay the Most?
The answer to “which pawn shops pay the most” varies depending on what you’re pawning and its condition and demand. But, some factors that generally affect which pawn shops pay the most are:
- The location and competition of the pawn shop
- The size and resources of the pawn shop
- The specialty and expertise of the pawn shop
- The customer service and negotiation skills of the pawn shop
To find out which pawn shops pay the most for your item, research its market value and demand. Also, shop around and compare offers from different pawn shops, and be ready to negotiate for the best price.
Tips for Making Money Pawning Things
Pawning items is a good way to get some fast cash when you need it urgently. When you pawn something, you’re taking it to a pawn shop.
The pawnbroker, who is the pawn shop owner, will give you a temporary loan based on how much your item is worth. Another way to make money is to sell your items directly to the pawn shop. However, you might make less cash than if you’d pawned them.
You might consider selling if you have pricey items you no longer need or use or pawn the items if you can’t get a loan from a bank or family member.
However, pawning can be risky. It has high-interest rates and fees, and you might lose your items if you’re unable to repay the loan.
Therefore, being smart and cautious when pawning is essential. Below are some tips to help you get the most cash from pawning:
Make your item look appealing. First impressions matter when pawning. You want your item to look its best so that the pawnbroker will offer you more money.
Before going to the pawn shop, make sure your item is clean, and any small damages are fixed. For example, if you’re pawning jewelry, ensure it’s polished and free from dirt or stains.
If it’s a musical instrument, tune it and wipe off any dust or fingerprints. If it’s an electronic device, ensure it’s fully charged, and your personal data has been deleted.
Include all accessories. When you bring your item to the pawn shop, make sure also to bring any accessories, manuals, certificates, or receipts that came with it.
These can prove your item is genuine, high-quality, and valuable. They can also make your item more attractive to the pawnbroker and potential buyers. For instance, if you’re pawning a watch, bring the original box, warranty card, and any extra links or straps.
Bring the controllers, cables, games, and cases if it’s a video game console. Bring the appraisal report and the original receipt if it’s a diamond ring.
Do your homework Before you pawn items. Research to find out how much they’re worth and how much cash you could get.
Look online on websites like eBay, Amazon, Craigslist, or other websites selling similar items. You can also check online reviews or ratings of your items to see how popular or in-demand they are.
Additionally, visit different pawn shops near you and compare their offers for your items. Researching will help you avoid underselling your items or being ripped off.
Compare different Pawn shops. In my experience, it is also essential to research the pawn shops themselves. You want to find a reputable and trustworthy pawn shop that will treat you fairly and professionally.
Check online reviews or ratings of different pawn shops on websites like Yelp, Google, or Better Business Bureau.
You can also ask friends or family members who have pawned things before for their recommendations. Avoid pawn shops that have bad reviews, complaints, or lawsuits against them.
Be ready to negotiate. When you pawn items, be prepared to negotiate with the pawnbroker. They will likely start with a low offer for your item, hoping you’ll accept it without trying to bargain.
However, you don’t have to take their first offer.
You can try to negotiate for more money by using your research as proof of your item’s value and popularity. You can also point out any features or benefits that make your item unique or desirable.
But, also be practical and adaptable when you negotiate. You should not expect to get the full retail price of your item from the pawn shop.
Pawn shop also needs to profit from selling your item or giving you a loan. Therefore, aim for about 60% to 70% of your item’s worth from the pawn shop.
Also, be willing to meet halfway and accept a reasonable offer if the pawnbroker won’t budge.
The Pros & Cons of Pawning Things
Pawning Items can be an easy and quick way to get extra cash when needed urgently. However, pawning also has pros and cons that you should consider before deciding if it’s the right choice.
Benefits of pawning
Pawning is easy and quick: You don’t need to fill out paperwork or have a credit check when you pawn items. All you need to do is bring your item to the pawn shop and get an offer immediately. You can walk out with cash in your hand within minutes.
Pawning is confidential and discreet: You don’t need to share personal or financial details when pawning items. You don’t need to explain why you need the money or what you’re going to use it for. Plus, you don’t have to worry about affecting your credit score or getting into debt when you pawn items.
Pawning is flexible and renewable: You can choose how long you want to pawn your item for, typically between 30 to 60 days. You can also extend or renew your loan by paying the interest and fees before the due date. You can also get your item back at any time by paying off the loan in full.
Drawbacks of pawning
Pawning is expensive and risky: You have to pay high-interest rates and fees when you pawn items, usually between 10% to 25% per month. This means you will end up paying more than the original loan amount if you don’t pay it back on time. You also risk losing your item if you can’t repay the loan by the due date because the pawn shop can sell your item to someone else.
Pawning is limited and selective: You can only pawn valuable items in good condition. Pawn shops will only accept items that they can sell easily and quickly, such as gold, silver, diamonds, watches, musical instruments, or electronics. They will reject items that are outdated, damaged, or fake. They will also offer you less money than your item is worth.
Pawning can be stressful and emotional: You may have a sentimental attachment to your item, especially if it’s a family heirloom, a gift, or a personal possession. You may feel upset or guilty about parting with your item, even temporarily. You may also feel anxious or pressured about paying back the loan on time and getting your item back.
Alternatives to Pawning for Raising Money
If you’re in a tight spot and need some fast cash, you might think, “What can I pawn for money?” or “What are good things to pawn?” But before you rush off to the best pawn shops near you, it’s important to know that pawning your stuff may not be the safest or most cost-effective way to go about it.
Pawn shops often charge high-interest rates, and you risk losing your items if you can’t repay the loan on time. Plus, these shops often give you much less than what your items are actually worth.
So, while it might seem like an easy fix, there are other ways to raise money.
Use Selling Apps
One way to get cash for your items is through selling apps. If you’re asking, “What can I sell at a pawn shop?” or “What can I sell to a pawn shop?” you could instead think, “What can I sell on these apps?” Items in good condition, especially those in demand, can be sold online through platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
It might get you more money for your items than a pawn shop would, and you wouldn’t have to worry about high-interest rates or fees. Just be mindful of potential shipping costs and scams.
Use Credit Cards
If you have a credit card with some available balance, you could use it to cover your needs or get a cash advance.
But, just like pawning, this has its own drawbacks like high interest rates, fees, and penalties. If you max out your credit limit or miss payments, it could hurt your credit score and limit your future options.
Personal Loans
Personal loans are another alternative. These are loans from a bank, credit union, or online platform that can be used for different purposes.
While they typically have lower interest rates than credit cards or pawnshop loans, they also have some drawbacks. You might need a good credit score and income to qualify, and the application process might take longer than other options.
Community and charity organizations in your area can also offer help if you’re dealing with financial hardships or emergencies. These can provide resources or services to help you through tough times, although they might not be able to cover all your expenses or offer long-term solutions.
There are pros and cons to each method of raising money. You can compare the costs and benefits of each one based on your situation before deciding.
Besides getting a loan, you can also look at gig economy apps that can quickly make you extra cash when needed with side hustles such as freelancing or doing some local tasks. This way, you won’t get into the loan and will find an additional source of income.
Ultimately, it depends on how much time you have and what your preferences are.
Things You Shouldn’t Pawn
You might be wondering, “what are good things to pawn?” While there are loads of items you can exchange at pawn shops to get some cash, there are specific items you should steer clear of. These include:
Illegitimate or pilfered items: If you’re contemplating “what can I pawn for $500?” or even “what can I pawn for $20 dollars?”, make sure it’s neither illegal nor stolen.
Taking such items to pawn stores could land you in hot water with law enforcement and the pawn shop itself.
These shops are obligated to report dubious items to the authorities, and they might ask for evidence of ownership before taking them.
Items with emotional value or that can’t be replaced: As you ponder, “what can I pawn for $1000 dollars?” or “what can I pawn for $100?”, it’s essential to remember not to include anything that has a special place in your heart or something that can’t be replaced.
Losing such items could cause you distress and remorse if you can’t reclaim them. It’s crucial to know that pawn shops aren’t tasked with safeguarding or returning your items if you can’t repay the loan.
Items that can spoil or pose a danger: When you think, “what can I pawn for $20?” or “what do pawn stores pay the most for?”, avoiding anything that can rot or pose a threat is crucial.
Such items could create health and safety problems for the pawn shop and its clientele.
Pawn shops aren’t equipped to store or handle these items, and they might turn them down or even charge you additional costs for disposal.
Final Thoughts
Pawning is a handy way to get quick cash by using your valuables as security for a short-term loan.
It’s ideal for emergency expenses but not a long-term financial solution. To pawn successfully, find a reputable pawn shop and prepare your items well.
Understand their worth so you know what you can pawn for $200, $300, $400, or even $1000. Read the loan terms carefully and repay on time to avoid losing your items or paying extra.
You can even use online platforms to compare pawn offers. Always budget and consider alternatives like selling items or borrowing elsewhere before pawning.
More ways to make money:
- 59 things to rent for money
- Sell internet width for cash
- Sell your personal data for money
- How to make $100 today
FAQs
Can I pawn broken items?
If you have a broken item and are thinking, “What can I pawn for $100?” it depends on what the item is and its condition. Generally, pawn shops prefer items that are in good working order, but they might accept broken items if they can be repaired or sold for parts. However, the amount you can get from a broken item will depend on things like demand, repair costs, and the shop’s policies.
What happens if I can’t repay my pawn loan?
If you take out a pawn loan and can’t repay it on time, you can either renew the loan by paying only the interest and fees or forfeit your collateral and let the pawn shop keep it. However, defaulting on a pawn loan won’t affect your credit score.
Are pawn shops regulated?
And yes, pawn shops are regulated by both federal and state laws. These laws govern everything from how much interest they can charge to how they must protect your personal information. If you want to know more about the specific laws in your state, visit the National Pawnbrokers Association website or contact your local authorities.
Sumeet is founder of MoneyFromSideHustle and an experienced side hustler who replaced his full-time income with side hustles. His work has been quoted on major finance websites like CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, GOBankingRates, MSN, Nasdaq, AOL, and more. He has helped thousands of people find side hustles and is here to help you find your extra source of income. More about him.