Taking my first trip to a pawn shop today

LegacyUser

I find myself in the position of needing a small amount of cash to tide us over a couple of days. I can't bring myself to ask family again so I'm taking in an item of jewellery that I hope they will give me something on.

I feel angry with both myself and with the world for being in this position. I want to scream, shout and cry and perhaps even do a little snivelling but that would draw attention to me trying to slink into the establishment.

Has anybody else had to resort to this yet? Is it truly awful?

tenchi-fan

personally, i'd ask my family or friend for help if you're expecting to have the money in the near future. I actually used my credit card when I just started a new job because things were always tight at the end of the month. If you pay it back quick you don't get charged interest.

Pawn shops are not going to give you a lot and in the end you might be tempted to hold on to the money a while longer and perhaps pawn something else to tide you over a while longer.

thefeatheredcat

go to family members first before you pawn things.

Be careful going to pawn shops/cash converters/cash for gold - get an estimate before you commit to the transaction and get to grips on how these work, if you can buy back the item or not. If you sell, beware that they'll be on sale for a higher price than what you were given.

if you permanently want to offload the item, you might get a better price on ebay or at a car boot sale or something.

LegacyUser

Thanks for your input.

The reason for resorting to a pawn shop was to avoid tapping family members yet again.

It was horrible diving in the door but once in there I didn't feel too bad. I don't know why the place is on such a busy street but I suppose it might be worse if it was on a quiet street. The guy was professional and explained everything. I have 28 days to redeem the bracelet. He asked how much I wanted to borrow against it and I said €100. He had a look at it and didn't quibble. He told me that I had 28 days to redeem it and that it would cost €130. Mega interest but needs must. He said that if I left it a day later than the 28 days it would either be up for sale and I would have to buy it back at the price displayed in the shop if I wanted it back or it could have already gone for melting down.

I always thought it didn't have a hallmark. In fact, a few months ago I took it to Money for Gold or whatever they call themselves and the guy there looked at it with a magnifying glass and said there was no hallmark and that if it proved to be real gold they might be able at the most to offer me €100, and that it would have to sent away. I didn't pursue his offer. This guy looked at it with naked eyes and said it was stamped 18 carat. He didn't offer and I didn't ask a buy price.

Anyway, it wasn't the worst experience I have ever had and easier on my humiliation levels than asking family again. I wish I could find work though.

MistyCheese

There you go, these things are never as bad as we build them up to be. I recently took a necklace that cost €320 to buy in 2004 and it's now apparently worth €80 - €100.

I just hope that the bracelet you took is something which you can bare to lose as I feel that there is no point in pawning something otherwise. You end up getting maybe €100 off them and having to pay €130 back the next month. Which will only suit if you will definately have an extra €30 next month, the vast majority of people dont.

LegacyUser

Hey OP,i think loads of people in that position right now.
I know exactly how you feel with recent bills i am scraping bottom of barrel for food,and Esb people arent anyway nice about it or anyway easy on what they make you pay back.

Cash converters is a good place maybe try them.

caseyann

Hey OP cash converters will buy dvds and phones if you have any you dont want around the house,that way you wont owe anyone anything and have money to help you.
Best of luck op and dont worry loads of people broke right now.:)