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Items Pawn Shops Buy
Jewelry & Gold
40-60% of value- • Gold jewelry (any karat)
- • Diamond rings
- • Silver jewelry
- • Watches (Rolex, Omega, etc.)
- • Gold coins
- • Estate jewelry
- • Designer jewelry
💡 Gold and diamonds are always in demand. Higher karat gold gets better rates.
Electronics
20-40% of retail- • iPhones & smartphones
- • MacBooks & laptops
- • iPads & tablets
- • Gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox)
- • TVs (newer models)
- • Cameras (DSLR, mirrorless)
- • Drones
💡 Newer models preferred. Must be functional with chargers. iCloud/Google locks must be removed.
Power Tools
25-50% of retail- • Drills & impact drivers
- • Circular saws
- • Air compressors
- • Generators
- • Welders
- • Tool sets (DeWalt, Milwaukee)
- • Chainsaws
💡 Name brands (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita) command higher prices. Must be functional.
Musical Instruments
30-50% of value- • Guitars (Fender, Gibson)
- • Keyboards & pianos
- • Drum sets
- • Amplifiers
- • DJ equipment
- • Microphones
- • Saxophones & brass
💡 Brand name instruments hold value well. Vintage guitars can be worth more.
Firearms
40-70% of value- • Handguns
- • Rifles
- • Shotguns
- • Antique firearms
- • Ammunition (some shops)
💡 Must have valid ID. Many states have waiting periods. Some shops specialize in guns.
Watches
40-70% of value- • Rolex
- • Omega
- • TAG Heuer
- • Breitling
- • Patek Philippe
- • Apple Watch
- • Cartier
💡 Luxury watches hold value extremely well. Authentication may be required.
Gaming & Collectibles
20-50% of value- • Video game consoles
- • Retro games
- • Trading cards (Pokemon, sports)
- • Comic books
- • Collectible figurines
- • Coins & currency
💡 Condition matters. Rare items may need specialist appraisal.
Cameras & Equipment
25-45% of retail- • DSLR cameras
- • Mirrorless cameras
- • Camera lenses
- • Video cameras
- • Lighting equipment
- • GoPros
💡 Canon, Nikon, Sony preferred. Lenses often hold value better than bodies.
Best Items to Pawn (Highest Value)
Gold Jewelry
Always in demand, easy to value
Luxury Watches
Rolex, Omega hold value well
Firearms
High demand, good resale
Power Tools
DeWalt, Milwaukee popular
Electronics
iPhones, MacBooks, PS5
Diamonds
1+ carat, certified stones
What Pawn Shops Usually Won't Buy
Note: Policies vary by shop. Some specialize in items others won't take. Call ahead if you're unsure about a specific item.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Clean Your Items
A clean, well-presented item always gets better offers. Polish jewelry, wipe down electronics.
Bring Everything
Original box, chargers, manuals, receipts. Complete sets are worth more.
Know Your Item's Value
Research prices before going. Check eBay sold listings for realistic values.
Shop Around
Get quotes from multiple pawn shops. Offers can vary by 20-30%.
Negotiate
First offers aren't final. Politely counter - most shops have room to move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pawn shops buy broken items?
Some do, especially for gold jewelry and precious metals (scrap value). Broken electronics are usually not accepted unless they're easily repairable or have valuable parts.
What percentage do pawn shops pay?
Typically 25-60% of an item's resale value. Gold and luxury watches get higher percentages (40-70%), while electronics are usually lower (20-40%) due to rapid depreciation.
Can I pawn items without receipts?
Yes, receipts aren't required. However, having original documentation, especially for luxury items, can help verify authenticity and increase your offer.
Do pawn shops verify serial numbers?
Yes, pawn shops check serial numbers against stolen property databases. They're required by law to report transactions to police. Never attempt to pawn stolen items.