If you’ve never sold anything to a pawn shop before, you may be a little nervous your first time. Coming prepared is the best way to calm your nerves and ensure you get the most money for the items you’re there to sell. The FAQs answered below are a good place to start, as they’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about selling items to a pawn shop.

5 FAQs About Selling to a Pawn Shop

1. What Is a Pawn Shop?

Pawn shops buy and sell various items, ranging from jewelry to electronics. They pay cash to sellers and also offer cash loans. Whether you’re selling an item or getting a loan, it’s a quick way to get cash without credit checks and other requirements of financial institutions.

2. What Items Can I Sell?

It can vary from shop to shop. Most pawn shops accept items like jewelry, high-end electronics, and even musical instruments. If you aren’t sure whether your local pawn shop buys an item you want to sell, give them a call or make a visit to see what kind of selection they have.

3. How Much Cash Will I Get for the Items I Sell?

The only way to find out how much cash you can get is to take the item in for the pawnbrokers to evaluate. If you choose a reputable pawn shop, you can trust their experience in evaluating items like gold, silver, diamonds, and other high-end items. To get the most cash, make sure your item is in perfect condition. That may mean getting items cleaned and polished first.

4. Can I Negotiate?

You can and should negotiate with a pawnbroker when you’re selling an item, but do your research first. Go online to see what items in similar condition to yours are selling for. Also, have a “lowest number” you’ll accept already in mind before you go. Once you’re there and they’ve evaluated the item, let them make you an offer. Don’t say what you think it’s worth or what you want for it. Instead, ask them, “How much are you willing to pay for it?”

5. How Do I Know the Pawnbroker Is Making Me a Good Offer?

First, research the pawn shop so you know they’re licensed. You may also want to check out online reviews to see other people’s experiences. Then, thoroughly research your item so you have a better understanding of its value. If the pawnbroker makes you an offer close to what you found in your research, you know they aren’t trying to lowball you.

When you’re willing to do your part in researching items, be sure to find a pawn shop that follows through on their end as well. If you’re looking for an experienced and reputable pawn shop to sell jewelry or other items, check out Waipahu-Hawaii Pawn. They buy and sell gold and silver jewelry, as well as items made from other precious metals. They have over 20 years’ experience evaluating these items for their customers and will make you a fair offer. Visit their website to learn more, or call them at (808) 671-6555.