When deciding to sell a luxury watch or gold chain, it can be tempting to just sell it to whoever responds first. Convenience is a strong motivator.
But safety should be, too, which is why a reputable pawn shop is the ideal solution for selling jewelry. Considering that the value of gold has gone up, it’s a good time to learn about safety standards at pawn shops so you know where to bring your items containing gold.
Five Ways to Know the Pawn Shop Near You Is “Safe”
When it comes to dealing with pawn shops, safety should be just as important a factor as the price you’re offered. And ones like Fullerton Pawners on Chicago’s north side. Here’s why safety matters, and how to spot a “safe” pawn shop to sell or pawn that piece of jewelry:
1 – Safety Translates to Fair Pricing
When it comes to your finances, safe means the pricing is fair. Let’s face it: for most of us civilians, it’s truly hard to know the correct value of an item we’ve owned for years – something that might have been passed down from an older relative or gifted by someone else.
A reputable shop should be able to explain how they determined their fair market offer for your jewelry. If you feel lowballed or pressured, take your jewelry and move on.
2 – This is an Objectively Legitimate Place of Business
Having the proper licensing is a pretty good sign the shop is safe for doing business. It should be pretty easy to determine they follow regulations and document their transactions (and you can always ask). One reason industry regulation exists is to protect you in case something goes wrong.
3 – Your Items Will Be Secure There
Ask how your item will be stored and insured. You want to feel confident the necklace or bracelet can’t be damaged or misplaced.
4 – You and Your Belongings Are Legally Protected
Don’t trust a pawn shop that doesn’t require any ID or proper paperwork for the transaction. Fullerton does because it keeps both the shop and the customer within the law. The last thing anyone wants is to become involved in illegal activity without realizing it.
If a business seems short on information, the process isn’t documented, or legal procedures aren’t followed, that could spell out problems for you, particularly if you’re hoping to get your jewelry back after repaying a loan.
5 – Customers and Neighbors Give It the Thumbs Up
What do you know about its reputation? If you’ve read the reviews or spoken to neighbors with experience with a given pawn shop, pay attention to whether they are known for treating customers fairly and consistently.
Unsafe shops often have a trail of bad reviews, customer complaints, or even scams. It’s gotten harder to get away with that kind of behavior, but that doesn’t stop customers as well as businesses from trying.
Find out more about scammers and how good pawn shops avoid fraud.
It Is Safe to Sell Jewelry at Fullerton Pawners in Chicago
Are you looking for a safe place to sell your jewelry? Head to Fullerton Pawners, located at 5920 West Fullerton Ave. in Chicago.
- Our shop is licensed by the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago.
- We are members of the International Watch and Jewelry Guild.
- We are affiliated with the National Pawnbrokers Association.
Call 773-637-9999 with any questions about how we price jewelry and keep it safe.