Pawn shops are fantastic locations for selling and buying, and you can get an excellent deal with a little friendly negotiation. This may not come naturally to some customers, though, so it helps to have a game plan before you visit your local pawnbroker. No matter what you're looking for, get the most bang for your buck at a pawn shop by using this guide. 

3 Ways to Negotiate at a Pawn Shop

1. Know What You're Selling

From jewelry to electronics and beyond, there are countless items your shop will be happy to take off your hands. If you want to get the best deal possible, though, do your research and know the general asking price of the items you intend to sell. Check online auction sites to get an idea of what your goods are worth, and get jewelry professionally appraised before you part with it. 

2. Wait to Hear Their Offer

The best way to enter a negotiation is to let the pawnbroker make the first offer. This will give them a chance to fully evaluate the item, and you can determine whether their initial offer is too low to make it worth your while. Expect somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of the average going rate for the item, and feel free to work your way up if their offer falls closer to the former. 

3. Don’t Be Shy, But Be Reasonable

Whether you're selling or buying at the pawn shop, you should learn to strike the right balance while negotiating. Haggling and discussing lower buying points or higher selling points are acceptable actions, but be realistic. Try to find the sweet spot when speaking with the clerk, and don't overextend the process if it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. 

The most trusted pawn shop on Oahu is Waipahu-Hawaii Pawn, which offers competitive prices for jewelry and many other items. Their pawnbrokers have over 20 years of experience in all aspects of the business, and they'll be happy to help you sell and buy whatever you need. Head to their website for an overview of their services, and give them a call today at (808) 671-6555.