Pawn Shops

[marywantsmoney]

I know it would be stupid to sell something to a pawn shop. I actually think Craigslist should have been enough to do away with these places. But what about buying things from pawn shops... Anyone ever done that? Are there savings to be had? I went into one once but it smelled terribly and the guys kept giving me pervy looks.

My bf is considering buying a paintball gun from them. I just don't want him to get ripped off. He's not very money savvy.

[maryadavies]

I can tell you, there's nothing wrong with buying things from pawn shops; me and my brother used to buy Playstation games from there all the time. Same rules apply from buying anything used, however.

1. Know your item. By that, I mean know what you're looking for/condition, how much it's worth, etc. This way you can be sure you're getting a good deal.
2. Make sure the item is in good condition/working. You don't want scratched up(in the case of disks)/broken stuff. If you are going to have to get it fixed (or are looking for a project/diy fixit electronic item), it'd better be really cheap or you are going to be really mad later; since most pawn shops don't allow returns, best be sure the first time.

I think those two rules cover it.

[snafu]

Buying from a Pawn Shop is ' 100% buyer-beware'. You are buying 'where is, as is' no warranty, guarantee no matter what words they use. There is a small added risk that the item may have been stollen although they make an effort to check it out.
Know exactly your top price for the item before walking in the door, typically never more than half price of the item new. If they don't accept your best price, leave. If they follow you with other offers, be patient, stick to your price. It's the buyers job to to get their best price, it's the seller's job to make their biggest profit. Don't get mixed up!

[WEL]

Pawn shops are just middlemen that should have been demolished by the internet. One day...

Stick w/ Craigslist/eBay/yard sales.