5 Things You Should Never Buy at a Pawnshop

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Pawning your items for cash is a great way to make money fast, but is it the best place to make a purchase? Similar to thrift stores, pawnshops can help you save money by offering items at deeply discounted prices — but that cheap price can come at a cost.

One disadvantage of buying from a pawnshop is that you may end up with a lemon. Electronics or anything with a computer component is always a risk, as they may appear to be functioning well at first only for you to discover later why the original owner passed them on.

There is also a possibility that the designer belt or iPhone you buy is fake or even stolen. Pawnshops have a legal obligation to avoid knowingly selling counterfeit or stolen items, but it’s possible that some items can slip through the cracks. 

Not everything at a pawn shop is suspect, but not everything is a good deal either. Be sure to know what you’re looking for, along with what items to skip altogether, to avoid wasting your hard-earned money. Here is a list of the riskiest purchases at pawnshops.

Jewelry

If you don’t care about your jewelry items coming with a little wear and tear or whether or not they are genuine gold or silver, this option is fine. However, a risk with buying jewelry secondhand is that it may not have been authenticated properly.

If authenticity is important to you, make sure the appraiser is credible. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to pass. 

Laptops and Computers

Pawnshops typically test laptops and computers before putting them up for purchase. However, the test may be little more than making sure the device turns on. Many small electrical components could be faulty and could be missed in the initial test.

It’s also difficult to know if the item has been modified in the past or how well it will perform. For example, that new MacBook may appear to be in good shape, but the battery may not hold a charge for more than an hour, or one of the keys gets stuck every time you type. Internal issues such as spyware or illegally deleted files may also be sticking around if the device isn’t properly wiped.

Vacuum Cleaners

Used vacuum cleaners can be, simply put, unsanitary. As with other suction cleaning machines like carpet shampooers, dustbusters and wet vacs, there is no telling what the previous owner had cleaned with it, and chances are it’s still lingering around in the hoses and filters.

Introducing someone else’s allergens and dander to your home isn’t a great idea to begin with. Best to buy new, or if you must buy secondhand, buy from a friend or family member you trust. 

Cell Phones

Cell phones are one of the most commonly stolen items on the market, and pawnshops happen to be a top choice for thieves to unload them. To prevent this, most pawn shops work with law enforcement to prevent selling stolen goods and also require a government ID from anyone trying to sell. 

However, it’s good to be aware of where that out-of-the-box iPhone could have come from as it may not be the Apple Store. Similar to used computers, you also run the risk of having spyware, illegal files or just poor performance down the line. 

Video Game Systems

Much like other small electronic items, there may be different features or components in a game system that are worn or defective, which can affect the performance of the device. Game disks are less of a gamble, as long as they aren’t too scratched. 

It may be better to buy a pre-owned console through a reputable second-hand game dealer, as they may be able to thoroughly test them. GameStop, for example, sends all trade-in consoles to be refurbished before making them available for purchase.

Final Take To GO: Is It Wise To Buy From a Pawnshop?

It’s generally fine to buy from a pawnshop, and it’s a great way to save quite a bit of cash. However, make sure you are knowledgeable about the items you are buying, and inspect them first for damage. Some shops may even allow you to test items in-store before purchase, so it’s always a good idea to ask.

Whenever you buy something from a pawnshop, make sure to use your best judgment. Not every item may be what it appears, and it’s helpful to know if your appraiser is credible.

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