RedGage

Are you thinking of selling or pawing your items are a pawnshop in Brisbane and you are unsure about how to go about getting the best deal?  Here's a simple tip: knowing what your item is worth can only get you so far, the best deals are made by those who are prepared to haggle. Pawnbrokers are always open to negotiation so if the idea of haggling intimidates you here are a few tips that can help you:

First things first: understand what it means to sell or pawn items at a pawnshop.

Pawning essentially means you are taking out a loan against whatever valuable item you have. You have a set time-frame to pay off the loan with interest to reclaim your valuables. If you do not pay the loan off within that set time-frame, the pawnbroker can sell your items. There is little room for negotiations when it comes to pawn loans.

You can also sell your valuable to a pawnbroker and receive cash. The pawnbroker can immediately sell the item. There is no agreement about repaying anything to reclaim your item. In this case, there is lots of room for negotiations

Before visiting a pawnshop   you should clean the item you want to sell. Make sure that it is in the best condition possible. If it is something with paperwork like bullion coins for instance, remember to take the paperwork with you.

Conduct some research on what it is you have to offer. Go on line to find out if it’s in demand, who is selling items like yours and for how much.

When you do chose a pawnshop have the following in mind when you begin negotiations:

Your expectations should be realistic.
A pawnbroker cannot offer you the full value of your item because he or she has to make a profit. The offer could be somewhere around 50% of the value, you might negotiate your way up to 60% or more, it depends on how good you are at selling your item. A pawnbroker might not be interested in your item's sentimental value or its history unless it's something that used to belong to someone wildly famous like Elvis and is collectable.

Speak less and listen more
The secret of successful negotiation is being a good listener. Do not go into a long monologue about how long you've had your valuable item, where you found it, how you found it etc. unless the pawnbroker asks you directly. Disclosing too much information might end up making you sound emotionally attached and having unrealistic expectations about what you should get for it.

You also do not want to disclose any information about what you think the item is worth even if you've done some research. Let the pawnbroker come up with their own price first. Different pawnbrokers may give you a different offer for your item because they have to assess whether they can individually sell the item and make a good profit. Remember that pawnshops are different, some sell certain items better than others.

Be gentle when you haggle
The pawnbroker might ask what you expect to get for your item, let him or her tell you what they are will to offer. Its acceptable to ask for a price that’s higher than what's offered. It’s actually expected, however don’t overdo it. Aim for at least 65% of the value and let the pawnbroker drive you to a price that is between 60 and 65%.  Most pawnbrokers will offer you 50% of the value, if you can get them to go above that, you would still be winning. Be confident and assertive but also know when to back down. If you are not happy with one Pawnshop’s offer, try another one.

A positive and respectful attitude will get you far. You should also remember that pawnshops are businesses out to make a profit like any other kind of business. You will come out happy at the end if you go in with the right attitude.