Pawn Shops

[Javaman]

Inspired by Liv's thread, (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12769) I thought I'd bring up a great place to get tools. I've been going to the pawn shops around town for the last year or so and have gotten some fantastic deals on tools. I have always been offered whatever it is for less than the ticket - in some cases way less. For example, Milwaukee sawzalls were mentioned in the other thread. I got an unused one for $50 a few months ago. The number of crazy deals you can find is pretty awesome.

I do feel bad that people had to pawn stuff and got such a paltry amount for whatever they lost to the broker, though. The only consolation is that they really must have needed the money. I do worry about stuff having been stolen but the local chain is good about making sure stuff is legit.

If you decide to go, take someone knowledgeable with you (assuming you're not already knowledgeable) so you don't do something silly. I found a 10" compound miter saw listed at $129 but a friend said don't pay over $100 for that model. It was new, unopened in the box and I got it for $65. I always keep an eye out for the Dewalt stuff.

[livius drusus]

Hot tip, Javaman. Did you negotiate these prices or were you offered them as soon as you expressed interest?

[JackDog]

Pawn shops are also great places to get cheap electronics. Both of the stereo receivers that I currently have are from pawn shops, and I've had one of 'em for over 7 years now. I've been on the other end of the pawn shop business on many occasions as well. I've pawned some of my valuables at times when I've needed or wanted some cash, but I've always gone back and redeemed my pawned item.
:dollgrin:

[viscousmemories]

...I've always gone back and redeemed my pawned item.
That's why I wouldn't feel right buying something from a pawn shop: on the odd chance that I'd be depriving someone of the opportunity to get something back that they only pawned temporarily and out of desperate need.

[roastelk]

Pawnsop owners are getting really stingy up here, either that or theyre all stupid and buying stuff for too much. I dont even bother with them any more, most pawn shops up here refuse any sort of hagling, and want too much for their stuff.

ie.. why buy said item for $30 from a pawn shop, when i can get it for $35 brand new

[Dingfod]

...I've always gone back and redeemed my pawned item.
That's why I wouldn't feel right buying something from a pawn shop: on the odd chance that I'd be depriving someone of the opportunity to get something back that they only pawned temporarily and out of desperate need.Everywhere I've lived laws don't allow selling the merchandise until after a waiting period (90 days?) after the "contract" with the loan customer expires. Once that certain date is past, the loan customer would have to buy their stuff back just like anyone else could.

Pawnsop owners are getting really stingy up here, either that or theyre all stupid and buying stuff for too much. I dont even bother with them any more, most pawn shops up here refuse any sort of hagling, and want too much for their stuff.

ie.. why buy said item for $30 from a pawn shop, when i can get it for $35 brand newI've seen some bargains at pawn shops and I've also see them have a price tag on stuff that I knew I could buy new for a little more or sometimes even a little less. However, most pawn shop prices are quite negotiable. After all, they've only got a small percentage of the value of the item tied up in a loan that didn't get paid.

[Javaman]

Hot tip, Javaman. Did you negotiate these prices or were you offered them as soon as you expressed interest?In almost all cases, I was offered a lower price without asking. The one time I had to try hard was for an item that was purchased new by the shop directly from the company. I ended up getting a very good deal but I had to try.*

One time, I said early on that I was looking at several tools and that seemed to make a difference as the owner was going to be able to unload lots of stuff. That was the day I got the above-mentioned sawzall and the compound miter saw. I also got a nice Ryobi circular saw for $20 and a heavy-duty Dremel tool with the extending cable dealy for $20.

I guess the thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to buy anything. Treat it like an auction where you have an upper limit -- and know the actual new and used price for the item(s).

* This was the horrible day that I didn't read the entire post by Stiletto One/Null and jumped right in about my rifle purchase. I felt sick for days after I did that. For those that want to know, it was a Marlin .444 XLR and I got it for $40 over cost.

[viscousmemories]

Everywhere I've lived laws don't allow selling the merchandise until after a waiting period (90 days?) after the "contract" with the loan customer expires. Once that certain date is past, the loan customer would have to buy their stuff back just like anyone else could.
Thanks! I did not know that.