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East Village Buyers - 4 Things to Do to Get The Best Price for Your Pawned Items
Written by Gabriel S. on Jan. 14th 2018
The pawn shop is where you’ll want to go if you’re looking for quick cash, seeing as many will take practically anything of value. From your new iPhone, jewelry, and electric guitar, to your collection of antique paintings, if there’s a market for it, the pawn shop will take it. When you take your goods to a pawn shop, you will be presented with two choices: getting a loan for that item or selling it. Most people will opt to get a loan for their goods, as they can place their item for compensation and leave the shop cash in hand. They can get their goods back if they repay the loan in time according to the loan contract. If not, the shop has the right to the goods, and they can legally sell it. 

On the other hand, you can opt to sell your items at a pawn shop and get your money on the same day. You may not be able to sell your goods at the market value, but that’s to be expected. The shop has to make a profit off of their purchase, so they have to buy it at a lower price than the general market.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you still have to know the common practices that can bump up the price of your goods. That’s what we’re going to discuss today. So without further ado, here’s our quick guide to getting the best price for your items at the pawn shop:

1. DETERMINE THE MARKET VALUE OF YOUR ITEM
The first thing you will need to do before you even think about making a deal with a pawn shop is to find out the market value of the item you’re pawning. A pawn shop will buy something from you, and they will resell it to a buyer at a higher price. That’s how they make a profit. If you don’t know the resale or the market value, it will leave you susceptible to accepting a deal that’s less than fair. It’s incredibly easy to find out the market price for something nowadays. All you’ve got to do is look it up on Google, and you’ll find it. If it’s a special, unique, or rare item, you may need to get an expert appraisal for it before you try to sell it to make sure that you don’t get played for a fool by the shop.

2. FIND OUT THE DEMAND FOR YOUR ITEM
Some types of goods are always in high demand while others fluctuate regularly. To make sure that you get the most money out of the deal, you have to pawn your item when it’s at its highest demand. For example, if you have a rare stamp collection, going back to the 1910s, you may want to pawn it when the stamp market is peaking. You should do a ton of research about the market of the goods you’re trying to sell if you have time, as that will ensure that you get the best value for your goods.

Most pawn shops will give you a loan for items that are in high demand, as they can sell them very easily. Even if you don’t return the money you borrowed, they are going to make a profit off of your goods anyway.

3. DETERMINE HOW YOUR ITEMS ARE VALUED
Each type of items is valued differently. To make sure that you get the best price for your items, you have to know how the pawn shop determines the value of your goods.

Listed below are what most pawn shops use to determine the value of an item:

- The Cosmetic Condition
This refers to the look of the item. If it’s scratched, dusty, and unkempt, the value of the item will go down.

- The Working Condition of the Item
If the item doesn’t work, you’re not going to get a good value for it because the shop will have to fix it themselves, and they have to deduct the repair cost from the value they can offer.

- The Customer’s Pawn History
If you don’t have a good history with the shop, the pawn shop will view any deal they make with you as a risk. They will have to take the risk factor into consideration when determining the value of your items.

Are you looking to sell your spare items? Get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.
East Village Buyers - Pawn Shop Myths - What's the Truth
Written by Gabriel S. on Jan. 6th 2018
Pawn shops have become increasingly popular in recent times. While many people know the textbook definition of a pawn shop, most have little to no knowledge regarding the actual functionalities, which is why there are so many misconceptions today. In this day and age, pawn shops are extremely useful. They are a community resource that allows people access to necessary cash in a short amount of time. They’re also a place where people can buy gifts, antiques, and other necessities at an affordable price. 

Only People in Financial Crisis Use Them
This is perhaps the biggest misconception about pawn shops. While some people use them as a means to get their hands on some quick cash, many others use it as a means to sell items that they no longer need or wish to carry during relocation. 

All Items are Stolen
No, they are not. If you didn’t know, pawn shops are subject to extensive regulations. They are not allowed to sell stolen goods. In many places, pawn shops require necessary documentation that an owner indeed owns the items that they are handing over. Owners also work closely with local police departments to ensure that any merchandise that might appear to be stolen is returned to the rightful owner of the object.

They are Unregulated
This is not true. Just like any other business, pawn shops are required to follow all regulations set down by the state. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) sets down specific regulations that all shops are bound to follow. It is the same for other laws such as the Truth in Lending Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. These laws are specially designed to protect the interests of the sellers and to make sure that each person who is handing over their items to the shop gets the best possible deal for their items.

There is Limited Merchandise 
There are many kinds of pawn shops. While some pawn shops specialize in a certain type of merchandise such as jewelry, others may sell different types of items. A pawn shop will often have many kinds of items such as electronics, collectible coins, sports goods, and more! There are even shops that even take in larger, big-ticket items such as trucks and boats. If you aren’t convinced, make a point of stopping by one and rummaging about the shop’s merchandise. Who knows? The things you discover at the shop may surprise you yet! 

All Products are Rundown Items
Like other shops, you’ll see a wide variety of items for sale at pawn shops. Many people are of the notion that shops only sell items that are not in good condition. While it is true that some people do bring items that are not in good shape, there are, however, people who bring items that they wish to sell after cleaning their house. These items are usually in good shape and have good value too. If a pawn shop takes in an item that is not in a good condition, chances are the brokers see it as an item that can be repaired or restored and still hold a great value.

Are you looking to sell your spare items? Get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.
East Village Buyers-3 Mistakes You May Be Making While Trying to Pawn Your Valuables
Written by Gabriel S. on Dec. 31st 2018
Pawn shops have taken up an important place in modern society. They can be a source of quick short-term loans during times of emergency. Some people look for high-end goods for rock-bottom prices in pawn shops. However, when you visit a pawn shop, you need to know the things you should and shouldn’t do. Firstly, it is imperative that you stay clean and you present yourself properly. You should not shout at the pawnbroker while they are providing you with a loan. It is quite easy to get the job done in most pawn shops. Most pawn shops would be happy to help you out with whatever you may require, be it a short-term loan or finding something that you are looking for. However, there are some mistakes that a lot of pawn shop customers make. These are some of the mistakes that one must avoid:

Negotiating too much
Making mistake at a pawn shop can be very costly. Therefore, you need to avoid making one in the first place. A lot of people walk into a pawn shop thinking they can negotiate easily. Often a part of it is because of the TV shows that show how much they can negotiate. Another part of this is because the reputation of pawn shops make people think that they can go far to work out a deal.

Assuming that you will score market price
Before taking a gold loan or before buying gold, one should know how the gold market works. Knowing the approximate amount you will be getting will help you figure out whether or not you are being offered a fair price.

Whatever the case may be, it is unwise to go into a pawn shop and say what you know right into the owner’s face. Chances are you will be laughed at and asked to leave the store immediately. 

There is a certain amount at which pawn shops are comfortable in buying gold. They also have a different selling amount. The amount is determined by the gold market and is something that they cannot control. So if you want to sell something at an outrageous price, the pawn shop may not purchase it at all. The reason is simply that you are not offering a price that is reasonable compared to the present gold market. The same problem happens when you want to buy gold at a price so low that the pawnbroker will not even take you as a serious customer. He or she will directly reject you without any considerations.

Don’t try to act smart
Pawn shops are based on buying and selling. They buy things at low prices which they think they can sell in the future at a higher price. So if you think that you can negotiate and sell something at a significantly higher rate, you will be disappointed. The pawnbroker can move slightly higher than the initial offer, but there may not be any significant difference. They are well aware of prices and deal with products similar to that of yours every day.

There is no point in impressing them with features. In fact, you may end up annoying them and making them stick to a lower price. The issue is the same when buying something at a lower price. What you really need to do is to make a reasonable offer that will allow further negotiation.
Are you looking to sell you spare items? Get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.
East Village Buyers- Three Ways to Increase the Value of Your Gold Jewelry at a Pawnshop
Written by Gabriel S. on Dec. 22nd 2018
Gold is, and always has been, the most sought-after valuable metal in the world. Nowadays, gold is incredibly easy to sell, as just about any pawn shop out there is willing to buy gold jewelry without asking twice. They have a high market value, are easy to clean, and are very flexible to work with. A high purity gold can even be melted down to make other pieces of jewelry.

When you’re looking to pawn gold, there are little intricacies that you have to know to make sure you get the highest price for it. First of all, you need to know the general market price so that you know what to expect from the pawn shop. You don’t want to run the risk of selling your gold under the market value. If this is the case, you will lose some of the money that you should have gotten. 

If you have all of these early precautions checked out, you can safely sell your gold piece, but that still doesn’t mean that you will get the best price for it. We have come up with a three-step guide to cleaning your gold piece to guarantee the best value:

1. Clean Around The Karat Marking
The karat value tells you a lot about the quality of the gold, so you want to make sure that the karat marking is clean so that the pawnshop can really see what it’s worth. If the employee can’t find the karat marking, they may assume a lower karat value than it actually is. Try using lotion or mild soap and rub it gently with a piece of cloth to make sure that it’s visible. When you’re pawning the jewelry, make sure you point the karat marking out for them so that they know exactly where to look.

2. Clean Around Any Stones
If you have any precious stone attached to the piece of gold, make sure you clean it to show the natural state of the stone. It’s a common standard for you to clean your items before you pawn them, as the pawnshop will have to account for the time they have to spend cleaning the item. This is especially important for jewelry, as you will lose a lot of money if you don’t make sure you clean it before you pawn.

3. Bring Any Documentation You Have With You
Aside from making sure your gold jewelry is bright and squeaky clean, you want to make sure that you have all the documents and detailed history of it; where it’s been, who owned it, and where it came from. It’s illegal for pawnshops to buy contraband goods, and they will do all they can to protect themselves. Even in a rare case that they are willing to take the risk, they will drop the price down massively, as they can’t be sure that your gold piece is legal.

And there you have it, the three ways to increase the pawn value of your gold. How the price is going to turn out will depend on your negotiation skills and the actual value of your piece of gold. Who knows? You might be able to walk away from the shop with a few hundred dollars more than you expected!
East Village Buyers-How to Get a Better Price for Your Items at a Pawn Shop
Written by Gabriel S. on Dec. 15th 2018
Whether you’re looking to clear your basement of useless junk or you’re just a little short on money, pawning your things might be the solution you’re looking for. To ensure that you get the best price for what you’re trying to sell, here is our guide on how to pawn like a pro:

What To Pawn
Antiquities, first-edition books, and memorabilia from famous people are the most sought-after items that can fetch a decent price. These things sell incredibly smoothly, and pawn shops will often offer a high price for them as long as they are in good quality.

Clean Your Items Before Pawning Them
If you’re looking to pawn your things, make sure you clean and fix them first! Pawning a dusty item with a couple screws loose here and there will likely drop the value of the item quite significantly. This problem can be avoided quite simply by cleaning and fixing the item beforehand. This is particularly important when you’re looking to sell a piece of jewelry. Nothing can be quite as detrimental to the pricing of your items as a smear of dirt that could have been wiped off before you walked into the shop.

Provide Evidence of Authenticity
You have to make sure you have all the documents and evidence of authenticity for your items — especially if it’s an antique. The pawn shop has to take on a lot of risk if they don’t know the origin and authenticity of your item, which will make them hesitant to pay big money for it.

Go to the Shop Early
It’s better to go to a pawn shop in the morning than later in the day, as when the shop is crowded, the staff won’t have enough time to negotiate the price. They are trained to offer a lower price, and that’s what they will do. You might have to spend more time and effort negotiating with them, which can be quite frustrating. Rather than catching them when they haven’t got the time to negotiate, try to go when the shop is empty, as that’s when the staff will be in the best mood to talk with you.

Additionally, the last 30 minutes of opening time of a pawn shop is when they finalize their finances for the day. They won’t have a lot of time to negotiate the prices, so they might rush you to take a worse offer than you could get if you had caught them at a better time.

Identify Yourself
You have to have your ID, driver’s license, or a passport with you when you go to a pawn shop. These documents are required when you’re pawning things so that they have a record of who to contact and hold accountable in case of stolen goods. The shops are required by law to keep a record of every transaction, and without proper evidence of identity, they cannot legally buy things from you.

TL: DR : 3 Rules of Pawning
Clean your items and provide a document of authenticity.
Pawn when the shop is empty.
Come with an ID.

Are you looking to pawn your spare items? Get in touch with East Village Buyers! We provide a fair value along with quick & easy money - come to visit today!
How to Prepare to Pawn Your Designer Handbags
Written by Gabriel S. on Dec. 8th 2018
How to Prepare to Pawn Your Designer Handbags

If you’re in need of some quick cash and have some high-end, quality handbags that you aren’t using anymore, you may be in luck. You can pawn or sell designer handbags for quite a decent amount of money. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

Preparation 

Remove all your items out of the used bag, and clean it as well as you can. Look for all of your authentication records as well as receipts and paperwork.

Cleaning

Make sure to wipe away any dirt or scuffs from the outside of the handbag. Designer handbags need to be particularly handled with care as the leather or suede can be damaged by strong solutions that are not meant for those materials. 

Also make sure to clean the inside if you bag as well as possible, including inside the pockets and all the zippers. Try to remove all makeup marks, crumbs, pen marks, and any stains other stains and buildup that might have occurred during the bags usage.

Proof of Authenticity

When you first bought your handbag, you should have also received some paperwork, card or some sort of certificate of authenticity. Be sure to bring this with you to the pawn shop to prove authenticity. 

If you truly cannot find your documents, look for the receipt. It may or may not work, but it is the next best thing. Not having your authenticity records will mean that the buyer will need to more carefully inspect your designer handbag, which may take a lot more time. If you can find proof, it will save you time and may even possibly earn you more money.

Where to Sell

People resell designer handbags online, at retail reseller stores and on many other platforms and services. If you want fast cash as soon as possible, head down to your local pawn shop and increase the likelihood of earning more money by preparing your designer bag for selling.

Are you looking to pawn your handbags? Get in touch with East Village Buyers! We provide a fair value along with quick & easy money - come to visit today!
How to Get the Best Price for Your Phone at a Pawn Shop
Written by Gabriel S. on Dec. 1st 2018
New phones come out every year. If you’re saving up for a new one this year, it might be time you pawn your old ones away. In this article, we’ll detail exactly how a pawnbroker determines and evaluates the price, along with what you can do to increase the final price.

1) Determine the Model
First off, the pawnshop broker will evaluate the model and the production year of the iPhone you’re pawning. Some phone models are highly sought after, as they might be a staple model of a specific brand, or it might be known in the industry as “the best one of the xxx era”. Some pawn shops are more willing to buy older phone models than others, as they might have a better sales connection for them. Typically though, if your phone is any older than 2 years, it’s going to be very hard to sell. As a general rule, the newer the phone, the easier to sell.

2) The Condition of the Phone
Another major factor that will affect the sale price is the condition of the phone and its repair history. If the screen is broken and the battery has been replaced a few times, it’s safe to say that it’s not going to sell for a very good price. If you can do any minor fixes to your phone before you sell it, we recommend that you do it.

3) “Locked In” Carrier
Some carriers will lock the phone to their service, meaning that either you have it unlocked, or it can’t be used with a sim card of another carrier. This will have a detrimental effect on the final price of the phone, so be mindful of that.

4) The ESN/MEID/IMEI checks
The 3 things that every pawn shop will check for is if the phone has ever been stolen, if the previous owner’s carrier account is still active, and if they owe any money to the carrier. If your phone passes these three checks, the phone will be much easier to sell.

5) The Completeness of The Phone
The price of your phone will go up significantly if you have all the paperwork, the box in mint condition, and other accessories that come with the phone. You can sell your phone without these, but the price will be lower.

6) iCloud Lock
If your phone is iCloud-locked and you don’t have access to the credentials to unlock it, the value of your phone will drop massively, as the pawn shop will have to get it unlocked before they can sell it. Often times, this isn’t worth the effort for them and they will simply reject your offer.

Finally, a Quote!
Once everything checks out, the pawn shop will tell you what they can offer for your phone. Remember to do a little negotiation so that you get the most out of your product. And when the price is finalized, you can walk away happily with cash in hand!
How to Successfully Pawn a Diamond
Written by Gabriel S. on Nov. 25th 2018
Diamonds are truly loved among many, but some will only see them as a price tag. If you’ve done your homework, you can get quite a pretty penny from diamonds at the pawn shop. Here are some tips on how to earn the best money when pawning diamonds:

Research

Do your research. It is very important that you know the processes that go into pawning an item as well as what the differences are and how the staff at pawn shops price various things. It is quite crucial to know how much diamonds are currently worth in terms of price and demand. A good way to research prices is to go to eBay or any other website to see how much people are bidding on items similar to yours. This will give you a ballpark of the costs and what you should expect from the pawn shop.


Cost

If you are selling because you need the cash, consider how much money you need currently and use that to determine what price you want and what you need to pawn to get that money. You should have a good idea of how much money you currently need and use that to decide how many of your assets you want to save and how many you need to sell now. You can save whatever diamonds you have left for future rebuttle.

Pawn Shops

You should know a little bit about the pawn shops in your area, and if you don’t you need to do your research. Not all pawn shops will except diamonds or jewelry so find out whether or not the ones that happen to be close to you do accept them. Also, make sure to call in and ask about their pricing methods because some shops will not price you correctly and it is important that you make sure they do. Try to read reviews from previous customers online to get a little bit of a better idea of what their services and options are. Make sure their customer service is professional because they will be the ones helping you through the process.


Negotiating

Once you’ve researched your diamond or other items as well as the pawn shop you want to go to, you are set to negotiate the right price for your items. You should try to seem confident when trying to sell your product and you should try to think of a strong pitch before going in. Speak to the pawnshop owner about the demand and resale value of your item as that is the main concern that they would have while buying it from you.


Looking to get rid of a diamond? Get in touch to see how we can help today!



What to Know About Selling Rare Coins At A Pawn Shop
Written by Gabriel S. on Nov. 17th 2018

If you’re looking to sell rare coins, most pawn shops are not only happy to buy them or loan on rare coins but will also give you a great value. Pawn shops do a lot of business with precious metals and will check the scrap value of metals daily so that they can quickly and correctly identify value and price from the start. 

Expertise
There should be a guide for especially valuable coins as well and the best advantage to dealing with a pawn shop when it comes to coins is that they recognize this and will accept giving out loans for these valuable coins. Sometime a coin is valuable because of an industrial mistake or special minting or if few of those coins have been made. Pawn shops are well aware of these values and will be happy to help out with any inquiries of these types of coins.

Do Some Research
It’s important that you try to contact your local pawn shop and make sure you have what they’re looking for before taking your coins or collection in. Not every pawn shop wants to invest in coins. This is also to make sure that a pawn shop has people that specialize in coins in order to avoid misunderstandings of the price guide and it’s also just better to have someone who is familiar with the market helping you out as opposed to just some random staff. Even if they have to call an expert, it’s worth your time and money because not all pawn shops specialize in coins.

Value
Some great deals can be made on coins, both buying, and selling, in a pawn shop. If you know what you’re looking for or have a good idea of what the value is of what you’re selling, then it is definitely recommended to call your pawn shop and see if they are interested in what you have to sell.

Conclusion
Before selling your rare coins, know the ins and outs of what pawn shops and collectors are looking for. You want your collection to look impressive. But some pawn shops don’t like clean coins, so do not clean them, but make sure to take care of your coins and protect them from scuffs. Maybe even go and get them graded to further help the broker come up with the best price possible.

How to Pawn Your Rare Coins for The Most Money
Written by Gabriel S. on Nov. 11th 2018
How to Pawn or Sell Your Rare Coins for Top Dollar

While you might just have a jar of old coins up in a shelf in your basement, you might not know that it’s actually a pot of gold.

If you’re not looking to start a collection out of these valuable coins, it might be better for you to just sell it. The best place to sell your rare coins is, of course, at a pawn shop. Rare and antique coins are actually one of the most commonly pawned items, and for good reason. There are a lot of demands and serious collectors are willing to pay big money for them.

American coins are made of different materials. The typical coins like quarters, nickels and pennies, are made of copper and nickel; materials which have low intrinsic values by themselves. However, some rare coin series or bullion coins are made of gold, silver palladium, or platinum. This fact alone makes some coin models more valuable than others. For example, the American Gold Coins and the U.S. Mint issued Commemorative Gold Coin have very high market value, especially if they are kept at mint condition.

If you’re looking to sell your coin collections or just have some coins in your home that you think might be of any value, it’s always a good idea to have them checked out. We understand that not everybody knows a lot about coins, and they can look unassuming. The most expensive coin in the world is still just a coin in most people’s eyes, so we suggest you work with a professional value assessor to know the true values.

What do I do if I want to sell my coins?

Call the pawn shop first
Some pawn shows are more interested in coins than the others. If you try to push one that’s not that into coins, they might actually lower your sale price. So make sure you’re selling it to someone who will give you the highest value possible.

Know your coins value
As we said, you need to check for the market value of your rare coin at the current condition first. Do some research and work with a professional collector before you talk to the pawn shop. This will ensure that you’re not being swindled into selling a pricey coin for cheap.

Do not try to clean your coins
Some collectors prefer the aged appearance of an old coin, while others like them shiny and squeaky clean. Before you sell your coin, don’t try to clean it, as you don’t know who the buyer is going to be. Plus, if you’re not used to the process of cleaning old coins, you might end up damaging it, which will lower its value by a lot.

Now that you know what to do with your potential rare coins, it’s time for you to start doing some digging. Follow our quick guide to get the highest value possible for your coins.

How to get a pawn loan for fast cash 
Written by Gabriel S. on Oct. 19th 2018
Pawn Loans for Fast Cash

Valuable possessions can often be exchanged to acquire a pawn loan.
While pawn shops are a great place to sell your items for cash, they can also be a good way to get some quick extra cash through a loan. All you need is something valuable — such as a laptop or piece of jewelry — that can be used as collateral.

Although pawn loans can be quite costly, an upside is that they often don’t require a credit or background check.

What is a Pawn Loan Anyways?

A pawn loan is when you exchange something valuable as collateral to borrow money in return. Typically, loans will be in small amounts, such as $150 or less but the borrower must return the principal plus interest, which can be as low as 10% or even higher than 200%, depending on the location and each individual shop.

Your items will be safe while your loan is still active, but if you fail to repay the money in time, your items may be kept or sold. As for all loans, it is crucial that you know the due date and amount needed in total. As long as you’re able to repay the money in time for the due date, a pawn loan could be a quick way to get cash without worrying about messing up your credit.

Steps to Getting a Pawn Loan

Step 1: Pick and Take an Item to a Pawn Shop as Collateral
If you have something that’s worth a few hundred dollars, it is likely that a pawn shop will consider it. Ask for a quote and consider the amount the shop offers. The loan will be for a percentage of your item’s value, generally around 25% to 60% of resale value for it. It’s always a good idea to get many quotes from different places so you can consider and make a choice on the best price.

Step 2: Loan Terms and Ticket
Familiarize yourself with the loan terms. Terms can vary between 30 days to a few months and interest rates on your load will depend on state laws. Make sure to acknowledge these terms before agreeing and accepting your cash. You should receive a pawn ticket that will be needed to collect your items upon repayment which should also include any fees, the loan term, grace period and important dates. This ticket is very important so it is recommended to take a picture of it in case it is lost.

Step 3: Due Date
Once the due date finally comes around and you’ve successfully paid back your loan, you will get your item back. However, if there is an issue and you can’t repay it or have misplaced your ticket, the pawn shop is permitted to sell your item to collect on the loan you failed to pay.
What Can Be Pawned? 
Common items people pawn include: Jewelry, musical instruments, photography equipment, firearms, current electronics, and tools.

How Pawns Loans Differ from Payday Loans


Pros of Pawn Loans

They’re quicker. You don’t have to go through a lengthy process to get a pawn loan. Simply bring in your item and ask for a loan.
No credit checks. Since your item will be used as collateral for your loan, you will not be screened for credit.
In the case that you cannot pay back your loan in full, you can always surrender your item as repayment without leftover debt or any effect to your credit score.


The Cash for Gold System

It’s very likely that everyone has heard of Cash for Gold at least once, whether it be through adverts online or on TV. It is advertised everywhere on the internet and outside of the shops on the street as well. The Cash for Gold process is rather simple, but people should still be aware of the potential risks of selling your unwanted or overused jewelry.

The Cash for Gold Process

Step 1: Gather up old jewelry that you want to sell. Any rings, necklaces, bracelets and een broken pieces. Some non-jewelry items may also be accepted such as tooth fillings or old coins.
Step 2: Research the current market value prices. Gold and silver prices fluctuate daily, so you’ll need to keep yourself updated on the market and prices before you visit your local pawn shop to make sure you’re getting the most out of your items.
Step 3: Have your items assessed. If you have unbroken pieces or a nice set containing other valuable materials, such as pearls, gems or opals, visiting a jeweler and having them estimate how much your piece should go for may be worth your while in the long run. This way, you will be more well-informed and will have an expected price range to spot out low-ballers or cheaper prices.
Step 4: Now it’s time to visit a pawn shop in person or even seek out buyers online. However your options aren’t limited to these. Often times, payday loan and check-cashing services will offer cash for gold. Make sure to do your research before agreeing to sell anything.
Step 5: You finally got an offer! This price offer will be based on the bullion value and karat of your gold/silver. You may either accept the offer right away or ask for time to consider the amount. You can and should visit multiple pawn shops to compare offers for the best value.
Step 6: Once you find the offer you’re happiest with, it’s time to accept and agree to the quote. You can often get paid the same day and, depending on what you sell, you could be walking out of the pawn shop with a hefty amount in your wallet. 

East Village is a pawn shop in East Village, Manhattan that helps you get money fast - come visit us today!
The Benefits of Pawn Shops in Local Communities
Written by Gabriel S. on Oct. 29th 2018
Pawn shops have been around for hundreds of years, and there are no signs of that ceasing any time soon. The need for a cash loan is a popular motivation for people to head to their local pawn shop. Although these shops are often viewed as places where shady people go, the fact of the matter is there are quite a few reasons why people choose to get cash loans from pawn shops rather than other conventional places such as banks.

If you’ve never been to a pawn shop, chances are everything you know about it and assumed about it is an amalgamation of things you’ve seen on TV shows. You may think that it’s the place to go when you’ve got a few antiques you want to get rid of or grab that dusty old watch that turns out to be a collectible for an incredible price. However, pawn shops have their part in the community and there are certainly times when people find themselves relying on them to meet their financial obligations.

Those who enjoy middle-class lives often have access to things that people with lower incomes do not. Take, for instance, a checking account. Just about everyone has a checking account nowadays, but there are certainly people in the lower rung of the income ladder that do not. If you don’t have a checking account, there’s no chance of getting a loan or a cash advance from a bank. However, there are always times when you need some extra cash to meet your needs. These are times when people seek out a pawn shop. Here’s why:

You don’t need a bank account
At a pawn shop, you only need something of value that the pawn shop accepts. Jewelry is a common choice, and many people bring gold necklaces or rings to offer as collateral. Metropolitan Pawnbrokers, a prominent pawn shop based in New York, is known for taking gold jewelry as collateral for offering cash loans to people who do not hold bank accounts.

It isn’t just those without checking accounts who benefit from getting cash loans from pawn shops. People with poor credit scores benefit as well. Most financial institutions that offer loans evaluate candidacy based on credit scores. A low rating may mean that you wouldn’t get approved, and even if you do, you’ll probably have to cope with a high rate of interest.

An increasing number of families and individuals are turning to pawn shops as a way of getting fast cash to handle unforeseen financial obligations. The borrowing process is a lot simpler than that of most lending institutions. This makes pawn shops the prime choice of many looking to secure small, short-term loans. Even so, quite a few people are unsure of what pawn shops really do.

You just need to offer something of value as collateral
Although quite a few pawn shops do sell items, their primary business is lending. All you have to do is come in with something of value and have the value assessed by the broker. A price is then proposed, which the client can either accept or negotiate. When a dollar amount is settled upon, the broker takes the item and gives the client their cash loan. The broker is responsible for storing the item until the loan is returned along with any fees and interest accrued. 

One thing that many people misunderstand about pawn shops is that they lend money in exchange for the item, not purchase it. This means that they do not only take into consideration the value of the item but the cost of keeping it safely stored. Of course, resale value has to be considered in the case the loan is not repaid. Pawnshops are often able to offer a lot more for direct-purchase items than they would for other items because they know that if the loan falls through, they’ll be able to resell the item with ease.

Pawn shops have a place in every community. In situations when people are hard-pressed for money, be it for medical care or education, pawn shops are always there to make sure you have the cash that you need. 
How it's Beneficial to Sell Your Gold to a Pawn Shop
Written by Gabriel S. on Nov. 4th 2018
Regardless of if you’re in need of some cash or are just looking to get rid of some old antiques lying around the house, a pawn shop may be just what you need. Although pawn shops are often depicted as shady places frequented by shady people, they actually play quite an important role in the community. 

One of the most popular things traded in pawn shops is gold. Sometimes it’s in the form of nuggets and sometimes it’s in the form of a necklace. Whatever it is, read on to learn how you can sell gold to a pawn shop. It’s a little more complex than just going in and leaving in a couple of minutes with cash. If you want to get the best deal, you also need to compare offers and figure out what your gold is worth. Here’s what you need to know:

How is the value of the gold determined?
Gold is a very liquid commodity. This is because it is traded around the clock all around the world. It is usually priced by ounces and the value is always fluctuating. That means that the price you may get for buying and selling gold will change from day-to-day. 

Quite a few things factor into the value of gold. Major events and even speculation about them can play a part. Economic data, inflation, buying power, other currencies, and much more is considered as well. Pawnbrokers take into consideration the current buying and selling rate of gold. However, they usually try to offer you a lower price so that they can resell it for a profit. 

Should I sell my gold to a pawnbroker or a different buyer?
Gold can be sold at quite a number of places from pawn shops, to jewelers and independent buyers. All of these places take into consideration the value of gold determined by the open market. This means that you will probably get a similar offer from all of these places. 

The current value of gold is easy to access because it is public information so it’s always worth looking up before selling so you have realistic expectations. You just need to know the weight of your gold and the current value per ounce. Then, you can calculate the rough value of your gold. 

That being said, weight isn’t the only thing you have to consider when trying to sell your gold. You have to think about how pure it is. A 24-karat gold necklace is most definitely going to be more valuable compared to a 10-karat one, even if they have the same weight. Take the percentage of purity into consideration when estimating the value of your gold.

How do I get the best price?
As the seller, you obviously want to get the best price that you can. In order to get the best deal, be sure to shop around and get some offers from different places. You can do that by visiting each shop or by requesting offers online. This will allow you to see which buyer is giving you the best deal.
How to resell your Sneakers for Maximum Value
Written by Gabriel S. on Jul. 31st 2018
The community of sneakerheads is growing every day, and demand for pairs that are hard to find is growing. If you’ve got a couple pairs that you neither want to wear nor keep in your collection, you could make quite a fair amount reselling them. You may find it a good side hustle, or maybe even your main source of income! If you’d like to give it a shot, read on for some tips to maximize resale value of your shoes.

Understand what you’re selling
Before you can even set a price for your merchandise, you need to understand what you are trying to sell. Is it particularly difficult to find? Are there only a few pairs in the world? What colors are available? What size are they? Who designed them? These are all things that will impact the value of the shoe.

Understand sneaker resale value
The simple economical concept of supply and demand controls the value of your shoe. If there isn’t much demand, the resale value will be pretty low. If your sneakers are particularly hard to find and people are dying to get their hands on it, demand is high and thus resale price will be, too. Make sure you ensure you don’t overvalue or undervalue your shoes by studying the market.

Make sure your shoes are clean
People are concerned about the cleanliness of used shoes. It can significantly impact their market value. A dirty, scuffed up pair won’t be nearly as attractive as a clean one that looks like new. Give your shoes some loving and clean them up. Some materials may require different types of cleaning, so make sure you do some research on the best way to clean them.

Take beautiful pictures
People are highly influenced by what they see. If your pictures are of poor quality, people won’t be as likely to purchase your shoe. Take high quality pictures at different angles - the shoes from the top, sides, and bottom angles, and even the box and tags. Describe it well and point out any scuffs or defects. Keep it as professional as possible - don’t post a shot of them on your feet or holding it up in your hands. These small things could get you a higher resale price.

Wait for the right time
If you’ve gotten your hands on a newly-released pair, wait a bit before reselling them. There are lots of people you will be competing with. Instead, give it some time. After all the shoes of the same size are sold out on other resale sites, start to promote yours. You are more likely to get a higher resale price than you would have earlier. Popular shoes are definitely great for resale, but even if you haven’t got any, normal sneakers can earn you quite a bit as well.

Get passionate
Great salespeople are those who are passionate about what they are selling. To get the most out of your sneakers, you need to get involved. Follow other people who are passionate about sneakers and stay on top of trends. Upload photos, OOTDs, and other things about your own sneakers so people know that you’re passionate. You want to build a reputation of a sneakerhead, not some reseller that only cares about profit. People are much more willing to trust those that are passionate about the same things they are - in this case, sneakers.


3 Classic Sneakers That Everyone Should Have in Your Collection
Written by Gabriel S. on Aug. 5th 2018
In this day and age, the excitement and hype of a particular shoe can make it worth a lot more than the style, material, and other things about it. Sneaker enthusiasts have changed a lot since the first sneakerhead movement. Years ago, before we were all hyped for the new YEEZY, there were just a couple classics that were the cornerstones of a sneaker collection.

As you learn more about the history of sneakers and of each classic design, you will find yourself with a heightened admiration and respect for the progression of sneaker culture and those who enthuse in it.

If you want to start building your own sneaker collection, here are a few classics that you should definitely include:

Adidas Originals - Stan Smith
Anyone would recognize this shoe. It has an iconic design - white leather uppers, rubber insole, and green Adidas tab. Though many recognize it as the 1971 Stan Smith, it was actually originally released in 1963 in honor of Robert Haillet, a French tennis player. Later on, it was popularized when it was rebranded as the Stan Smith.

This sneaker is extremely popular, sported by people from David Beckham to the girl down the block. In 1998, the Stan Smith earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records after 22 million pairs were sold. By 2016, the number had rocketed to 50 million. 

Though the history of this sneaker is fascinating, you don’t need to know all of the details to appreciate it. It can be appreciated simply as a beautiful sneaker that can be paired with a myriad of outfits. Trendsetters and anyone in the general public can agree that the shoe is a real classic. If you are worried about not being able to style sneakers, fear not - this one goes with everything.

Nike Air Max 1
The Nike Air Max 1 was introduced over 30 years ago. Tinker Hatfield, the designer, drew inspiration from the Centres George Pompidou in Paris. This complex building takes elements that are usually on the inside of a building and puts them outside. In the same way, Hatfield made the Air Max cushioning a major visual element. This element stayed constant in all the other Air Max renditions that came later.

Besides looking dope, the Air Max is also incredibly comfortable. The red-and-white classic is sure to draw eyes. This sneaker played a major part in bringing Nike to where it is today and making it one of the most recognized shoe brands in the world. 

Nike Flyknit Racer
Flyknit technology took more than ten years to develop, but finally in 2012, the Flyknit Racer was released. There were several other editions of the Flyknit released later on, but the Racer is still probably the most well-known. In the same year as it was released, the shoe was listed by the Time magazine as one of the best inventions in the world, along with inventions such as Google Glass.

This sneaker is available in a variety of colors, from “Oreo” to “Multicolor.” Beyond the aesthetic quality, however, the Flyknit is well-loved for its performance qualities. One of the reasons it was developed in the beginning was because many runners longed for a shoe that was like a sock - something they could run in to great effect without being distracted. The Racer met those needs perfectly. Trendsetters and Olympians alike can agree on one thing - Flyknit technology is truly something incredible.
How to Organize Your Sneakers
Written by Gabriel S. on Aug. 14th 2018
You may have had a pair or two of rare sneakers and think you’ve got your hobby under control. Before you know it, you’ve got a sneaker display case, special cleaners, and an area of your room dedicated to this very purpose. Your case is full and you’ve still got unopened boxes underneath your bed with shoes that you’re just itching to put on display. 

Between your mom’s scoldings that you really shouldn’t have bought so many and your non-sneakerhead best friend’s suggestion to throw some away, you may be wondering if you should get rid of just a few. Why throw out pieces of your prized collection when you could simply organize it? 

If you’re looking for a better way to keep track of your sneaker collection, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips on organizing them:

1 - Do what works for you
Getting your hands on a pair of retro Air Jordans is the easy part. It takes a lot more time to figure out how to keep track of all of them. There won’t be one method that works for everyone. Some people choose to wear their sneakers, while some choose to keep them safe and sound in their cases. Some have to make their collections fit in small apartments, while others have a designated sneaker room in their house. Rather than follow a method that won’t work for you, find one that suits your needs in terms of both usage and space.

2 - Categorize
Don’t bother putting the dirty generic pair of Converse you wear every day up on the shelf. It will always look worn, dirty, and stained next to your prized rare finds. Separate your everyday shoes from the ones that hold a special place in your heart. Give them both their own homes.

3 - Try vertical storage
You don’t want your prized shoes to be lost somewhere in a messy sneaker pile, do you? Give vertical storage a try. Not only will this save you floor space, but you’ll be able to admire them more easily, too. If you’re clenching your teeth at how much you think it’ll cost, at least do some research and look at your options - it probably doesn’t cost as much as you think it does.

4 - Use lasting containers
You may love it when a pair of sneakers arrives in a well-worn box, particularly if it houses a vintage pair that you have been looking for. If you really want them to last, however, take them out of those boxes and put them in storage containers. These will ensure that they are protected from dust, moisture, or any other number of things that they are vulnerable to in a normal box.

5 - Pick up some Zip-Loc
You may not like the idea of putting your favorite pair into a Zip-Loc bag like leftover Thanksgiving turkey. If you want to slow down the yellowing of the soles, however, you may want to give it a try. The oxygen in the air oxidizes the material, making them dingy over time. You can slow this down by keeping the air out. 

That being said, it isn’t good to permanently store them in plastic bags, either. Open them up and allow them to air out every few months so that the chemicals in the plastic don’t damage the shoe.

Though this method may result in a less aesthetic sneaker display, it’s a great way to increase the lifespan of your shoe and keep it in good quality. If you’re looking to keep a pair until it becomes a collector’s item, it really can’t hurt.
5 Things A Non-Sneakerhead Would Not Understand
Written by Gabriel S. on Aug. 21st 2018
Stamps are great and all, but they’re not as swanky as sneakers. You can’t match collecting cards to your outfit, either. No matter how cool sneaker collecting is, however, a lot of people still misunderstand sneakerheads, thinking that they simply have a very expensive, unhealthy obsession. To make things easier for those of us who are still adamantly going to love showcasing our favorite sneakers, here’s a list of things that non-sneakerheads don’t understand. Go ahead and send it to your closest non-sneakerhead friend!

We have a lot (A LOT) of sneakers
Most sneakerheads don’t just have three or four pairs of sneakers. It’s more common to have tens, hundreds, even thousands. Most people don’t understand this. You’ve only got two feet. How many shoes do you really need? Not to mention the space that you’ll need to store them. Well see, a lot of sneakerheads have entire rooms or areas dedicated to their collection. If they aren’t quite there yet, it’s probably a future goal. 

We’re willing to rough it to get our hands on a pair of sneakers
Ever seen those people camping out on the sidewalk to get their hands on the new iPhone? Yeah, we wouldn’t do that for a phone. But we’d do it for sneakers. Sometimes it isn’t just a night, either. It could be several days. All we need is a sleeping bag and some snacks. The reward of a special pair of shoes is worth it to us.

We sometimes name our shoes
Some people name their cars. Some name their guitars. Us? We name our shoes. It may be a perfectly non-cringey name, or it may be an extraordinarily nerdy one that would be painful to explain. We know the exact model and the exact year that shoe was released, of course, but we’re still going to address each pair endearingly because God knows how much effort we went through to get them.

We’re willing to drop ridiculous amounts of money on an old pair
A $4 boba tea may seem expensive to a sneakerhead, but a $1000 vintage Air Jordan may seem like an absolute steal. Honestly, we probably aren’t going to wear them. Why would we want to get them cracked or dirty? No, no. These are for showcasing. You may think it’s crazy, and trust us, sometimes we think so too. That’s not going to stop us from frequently checking the resellers, though.

We don’t mind wearing sneakers to literally any event
Yes, that includes our wedding. Mom may be slightly irate about it, but it isn’t her life. Consider yourself lucky if you’re getting hitched with someone who loves and even appreciates your secrets, quirks, and most of all, your sneaker obsession. Let’s be real - who’s even going to remember you wore sneakers on your big night? It’s your night - you do you.
6 Things To Think About Before Purchasing Your Next Pair of Basketball Sneakers
Written by Gabriel S. on Aug. 28th 2018
Picking out a new pair of basketball shoes is progressively becoming more complicated. Technology in the industry is more advanced than ever, and shoe manufacturers are continuously releasing new models. Having to consider so many factors and look at all your options can result in a pretty confusing experience. This guide will simplify your shoe shopping experience so that you can filter through all the pairs you don’t need and zone in on that one perfect pair.

STYLE
When it comes to functionality, style is the last thing you should think about. However, the fact is this is going to be one of the major deciding factors for you. That also means that if you choose based on this factor and this factor only, you may very well end up with an ill-fitting pair that will look incredible but won’t help your game. Consider style, but don’t let the bright advertisements, endorsements, and incredible look be the only reason you buy the shoe.

DURABILITY
This is definitely an important one. You want a shoe that lasts, not something that wears out within a few wears. The era of the lightweight shoe is here, and it is because of this reason that you may find it a little hard to find something sturdy and durable. However, it’s possible, and the following factor will help you determine whether a shoe will last or not.

MATERIALS
The biggest thing that impacts a shoe’s durability is its materials. A plastic-based synthetic will probably last a lot longer and take a lot more damage, but raw materials will give you that comfortable, luxe feeling. There are lots of material options out there, so the choice is yours.

FIT
The fit of the shoe is another major consideration. The more recent sneakers are often made to be narrow, which can work for someone with average or narrow feet, but won’t be comfortable for anyone with wider feet. This is where those plastic-based synthetics can become a world of hurt. Sometimes you can solve the problem by just going up a size, but that may affect the rest of your fit. If you’ve got wider feet, you may want to opt for a raw material, as it will have more give in the sides and stretch to fit your feet in time.

OUTSOLE
It isn’t that difficult to find a sneaker that will help you get some traction, but a sneaker that will let you play on a range of different surfaces may be more challenging. Many performance models were built with formal basketball courts in mind, but back in the day, basketball shoes were made to work in a bunch of different places. Take some time to assess the outsole’s thickness, softness, and pattern before you make your decision. Soft rubber usually means that the shoe is meant for indoor use, but reinforced or strong rubber can work on concrete and other surfaces.

CUSHIONS
The last and equally as important consideration you should keep in mind as you look for a basketball shoe is the cushions. Most basketball shoes in the market have integrated modern technology in one way or another, and there are quite a few choices of different cushions. We recommend either foam cushions or air-based cushions.

What makes these two different is responsiveness. Air-based cushions typically give a little bit of your energy back. Foam cushions may be just as responsive in the beginning, but they will not retain that bounce.

It really depends how often you get a new pair. If you are investing in a pair to use for a year or more, opt for air-cushions. If you cop a new pair every few months, a foam cushion will do just fine.
5 Sneaker Trends This Fall
Written by Gabriel S. on Sep. 3rd 2018
Get to know any fashion enthusiast and you’re sure to find out that their favorite time of year is the time between each season when they can refresh their wardrobes based on the new trends. It’s the time of the year when these trendsetters keep an eye on the trends and start shopping for the items they plan to add to their closet when the season rolls around. Ever feel the need to refresh your wardrobe? Season change is the perfect time for you to figure out what you need to spice up your outfits. There are so many fashion trends we could discuss, but today, we’ll focus on one: sneakers. 

When it comes to shoes, consumer preferences and tastes have evolved to settle on one theme: comfort. This means that sneakers are becoming increasingly popular, and styles that we thought were laughable soon became significant trends. What sneaker trends will be settling in this fall? New-age sneakers, that’s what.

Let’s take a look at a few new-age sneaker trends so you can figure out which sneaker you should bring in to spice up your wardrobe this fall!

Sneakers with logos
This coming season, trendsetters want people to know exactly which designer made their shoe. All you’ve got to do is take one glance at the large logos splashed across the leather, the laces, or even the soles.

Sock sneakers
This isn’t a new trend. Rather, it is reemerging. This sneaker is comfortable and easy to wear. It molds seamlessly to your feet and can be paired with a surprising number of outfits, be it tailored garments or slouchy sweatpants. You can’t go wrong!

Laceless sneakers
Laceless sneakers are not quite sock sneakers. Rather, they can be compared to really luxurious slip-ons. Thanks to technology and the fact that we’re honestly still watch Back to the Future at least once every year, laceless sneaks are becoming a hit. Everyone from local designers to high-fashion brands are coming up with new laceless sneakers this season.

Versatile fashionable sneakers
Are you the person who wears sneakers with literally everything? This trend’s for you. Versatile sneakers are there whether you’re running errands around town in workout gear or heading out for drinks in a little black dress. Comfort over everything, right?

Embellished sneakers
If you’ve been waiting for the glitzy glamour trend to come back, you’re in luck! It’s finally here! Get these classically styled sneakers with some embellishments to add a bit of personality to your outfits.

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