I got a job at a pawnshop (I know
) about a month ago in the retail section, so I'm not a pawnbroker but I see it all go down and got a couple tips:
- In general, unless you need the money right away or like the convenience, don't go to a pawnshop in the first place to sell your items. You can often sell them online for at least double. The markup from the price we bought it to the price we sell it is massive.
- DVD's are not tested and neither are video games so buy at your own risk.
- The technology is so outdated that we literally have to write up peoples receipt's on paper with a pen. Its ridiculous. And there are no returns, so don't think just because you got a receipt that means you can return it.
- A pawnshop does not mean that you are entering a third world country. Don't barter with me, the prices are not a suggestion.
- I have given people the wrong change before and not noticed until after they left
- We are constantly told to be on the lookout for shoplifters, don't get offended if you're leaning over the jewellery counter and I start eyeing you up.
- There is no 'database' for the items or scanners. You could literally switch out the price tag for a way lower price and I probably wouldn't even notice. The tag is all I go by, that's how it is for a lot of smaller businesses.
- If you're an a-hole, we do trash talk you hardcore as soon as you leave
A lot of the time the people coming in aren't necessarily 'sketchy', just plain sad. You see people coming in crying cause they had to give up their ring for a loan.
