What do pawn shops buy?

Pawn shops buy items outright and lend against them, and the list of what they take is long. But every shop is different. Some are mostly jewelry counters; others have walls of tools and guitars. This guide covers the main categories and, for each one, how many shops in this directory have proof that they deal in it: a customer review that mentions it, or the shop's own website.

Shops with a review or website that shows they buy, sell or lend on each item. Many shops deal in more than their reviews and websites mention, so these are floors.

Gold and jewelry

Gold is the classic pawn item. Its value comes from its weight and purity, both of which a shop can check at the counter, so it's easy to price whether you pawn it or sell it. Rings, chains, bracelets, earrings, class rings, dental gold and broken pieces all count. Shops also look at diamonds and other stones, and at branded or designer pieces that may be worth more than their metal.

2,830 listed shops buy gold and jewelry, going by a customer review that describes selling or pawning gold there (1,613 shops) or the shop's own website (1,746). Before you go, read how to sell gold at a pawn shop, then find pawn shops that buy gold near you.

Watches

Pawn shops take watches of all kinds, and well-known luxury brands get the most attention. Expect the shop to check that the watch runs, look over the case, crystal and band, and confirm it's genuine. The original box, papers and service records help a lot. 1,340 listed shops have proof that they deal in watches, and at 54 a customer describes selling or pawning one there. Pawn shops for watches →

Tools

Power tools are one of the steadiest sellers at many pawn shops. Cordless drills, impact drivers, saws, compressors, generators, pressure washers and mechanics' tool sets are common. Bring batteries charged and the charger with them; a cordless tool without a battery is hard to test and worth less. 3,191 listed shops have review or website proof for tools, 1,584 of them from customer reviews. Pawn shops for tools →

Electronics

Phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles and games, TVs, cameras, speakers and headphones all turn up at pawn shops. Electronics are the most common item in our data: 3,870 listed shops (62%) have proof that they deal in them, and at 468 a customer describes selling or pawning a device there.

Electronics lose value quickly, and shops have to be able to test and reset them. Bring the charger, and sign out of your accounts first. A phone or laptop that's still locked to someone's account usually can't be accepted. See how to prepare items for the steps. Pawn shops for electronics →

Musical instruments

Guitars and basses are the most familiar, but shops also take amplifiers, keyboards, drums, brass and woodwinds, DJ gear and recording equipment. A shop will check that the instrument plays, look at the neck, frets and electronics on a guitar, and note the brand and model. A hard case adds value. 2,197 listed shops have review or website proof for instruments. Pawn shops for musical instruments →

Coins and silver

Gold and silver coins, silver bars, sterling silverware and other silver items are valued largely on their metal content, much like gold jewelry. Collectible coins can be worth more than their metal, but not every pawn shop prices them that way, so ask. Don't clean old coins before you go; cleaning can lower what collectors will pay. 1,225 listed shops have proof for coins and silver. Pawn shops for coins and silver →

Designer handbags

Some pawn shops buy and lend on designer handbags and accessories. Authenticity is everything here, so receipts, dust bags, cards and the original box all help, and some shops won't take a bag they can't verify. 1,176 listed shops have proof that they deal in designer handbags, most of them from the shop's own website (951). Pawn shops for designer handbags →

Sneakers

A smaller group of shops buys sought-after sneakers. Condition and authenticity drive the offer: unworn pairs with the original box do best. 660 listed shops have proof for sneakers. Pawn shops for sneakers →

Bikes

Bicycles and e-bikes show up at some pawn shops. Shops look at the brand, frame and parts, and for e-bikes, the battery and charger. Have the serial number handy. 371 listed shops have proof for bikes. Pawn shops for bikes →

Other things pawn shops take

Many shops also deal in lawn equipment, sporting goods, collectibles, small appliances and more. What sells depends on the shop and its customers. If something isn't on this list, call and ask. A two-minute phone call saves a wasted trip.

What shops usually turn down

Every shop sets its own rules, but most will pass on items they can't test, can't resell or can't confirm belong to you. Common examples:

• Devices still locked to someone's account, or with a reported serial number.
• Items that are broken beyond repair, unless they are gold or silver valued for their metal.
• Things the shop has no buyers for, such as very old electronics.
• Items brought in without valid photo ID.

How a shop decides what to offer

For most items, the offer comes down to three questions: Does it work? What does it sell for, used, in this condition? How quickly will it sell? Gold and silver are different, because their value starts with the metal itself. Clean items with their accessories, boxes and paperwork tend to get better offers. Whether you pawn or sell also matters: a sale offer is usually higher than a loan. See pawn or sell?