Pawn shops (sad truth)

[Peter Snow]

Hi Benjamin,

We also have Cash Converters in Canada and an offshoot called Buyers &
Sellers Depot. Apparently they have made efforts to deflect that kind of
critisism by trying to ensure that the goods they buy are legit by
requesting ID's, original receipts (where appropriate) etc, etc, and
working closely with the cops. I have bought some items at the local
store - mostly beat up guitars that I try to restore. Though I have also
bought a CS01 for $20, Fender Sidekick Reverb 30, cheap, Dr Pad I and II
cheap, etc.

I find the prices vary greatly though depending on what the personnel
there *think* it is worth and that seems to be based mostly on
appearance. For example a crappy guitar with perhaps a damaged neck,
they will price quite highly because the paint still looks good. 
Something that is inherently sound but does not look good or has screws
missing will go for a song - that's where yer bargains are.  Spend a few
bucks on the cosmetics and you have a nice guitar.

However I have noticed a disturbing trend recently whereby they seem to
contact the local used instrument store to get their opinion as to
pricing of musical instruments, effects, synths etc. For example
recently, Korg MS20 and MS50 (package) going for $650.  I made a comment
that it was pricy for a crappy old piece of gear that no one wants
(well, you have to try don't you?!). The salesperson then told me that
they had checked with the used instrument store and that this
combination was worth over $1,000! I'm sure that if they had not checked
they would have priced it closer to $350,  based on pricing of other
items I had seen previous to that and on its appearance.  Can't blame
them for trying to get the best price but it sure makes life more
difficult for us bargain hunters.

You are right about the crap that finds its way into those stores - some
of it I would throw straight in the garbage. And some of it is not cheap
either.  I don't know how they can sell that kind of stuff. 

Cheers,

Peter  
  

Benjamin Woenig wrote:
> 
> We have a chain of stores in Australia called "Cash Converters" (i think
> they are
> overseas too, not sure though). They have "attempted to takeaway the sleaze
> of
> the the typical pawn shop". What I don't understand is, why people sell
> rusty old
> hammers, sun glasses etc! Quite often you'll see a complete tool box which
> looks
> like it has been swiped off a handyman's truck.... no one sells their tools,
> that sort
> of stuff has got to be dodgy...
> 
> ~bud
> 
> > Well, yes and no.. Yes, most heroin or other expensive drug addicts do
> sell
> > to pawn shops, although I'd be inclined to think that it's mainly guitars,
> > tv's , video's.. stuff that's easy to understand.. Most pawn shops around
> > here wont buy something if the would be seller is too uninformed about
> their
> > items.. in fact one shop here gets people to demonstrate their stuff 'to
> > make sure it works properly' which is also to attempt to prevent
> themselves
> > from buying stolen goods.. of course, there may be an under the counter
> > arrangement for those who know the code... in my experience, I'd say some
> > items in pawn shops are stolen, but many others are legit..
> >