Pawn shops...are they as good as they look?

Question

Dear Yahooligans:

Would you recommend buying items (electronics, etc.) from a second-hand store or a liquidator, like Xscargo? Why or why not?

Thanks!

---Stephen W.

(Note: If your answer is chosen to be the best answer, you will get 10 bonus points. If you answer this question, you will get 2 points. Bonus points may take 4 hours or more to process, the 2 points are instant.)

Answer 1

Lol nice note about those points. hehee
Well, I won't recommend buying second-hand electronics since they might have already been used and might have some hidden problems, which might have been temporarily fixed for the sake of selling.
Secondly, I don't think the price difference is so great so as to benefit you, maybe $10-$50 difference, and don't you think it would be better to buy a brand new item which may last longer for you?
Unless you really need a quick fix to something but you are broke and can't afford the new item, I guess the used one might be ok.

But personally, I don't think I'd buy a second-hand electronic item if the price difference is not so great.

Answer 2

I have actually done a lot of electronics shopping at pawn shops in the past. It's a great way to get a good deal, and probably one of the only places left in the US where haggling isn't taken as an insult. Luckily I've had virtually no problems with anything I've ever bought (you must take into account that the pawn shop isn't going to pay out for any defective products so they test what they're buying pretty thoroughly.) Most pawn shops are after your repeat buisness so they try to make your experience a pleasant one..................Just remember once you walk out the door with whatever you've bought, that's pretty much it............no warranties, no refunds.

Answer 3

First, there was no need to mention the Yahoo points system again, as we all know how much we get for best answers and for answers.
Now, as to your question.
I would be very wary about buying from pawn shops as they normally don't put any warranties on any products unless they are manufacturer's liquidations and have warranties.
On the other hand, sometimes you can get a good deal on cd's or books or instruments that are used. They are usually in good shape and can be bought for a lot less than when new.
Good luck.

Answer 4

In a word, No. It is rare that you get a good deal at a pawn shop unless you dont mind scratched up CD's and Games. Crap that was either used to death or stolen from some hard working person and pawned by some crack head.

Most honest people who deal with pawn shops do so out of a temporary need and return to claim their items before they hit the rack. Nothing can take the place of "new" and you will value it more.

Answer 5

I've only been in a couple Pawn shops. They're not that great, the ones i was in were very expensive. For the price of a used tv there you could almost get a new one.. and ect.

You might be better off going to a liquidator that sells new stuff, if you can find such a thing.

Answer 6

it depends on the item and what you've got to lose compared to how much its worth to try it out. there's a risk on some items- the more expensive ones- and not so much of a risk on others. usually items at these places are cheap and movin' out without much of a guarantee, so maybe it'll work long enough for you to get your dollars worth. it can be fun to find something that works for you for a bargain. your own experiences will help you to decide all of these things. pawn shops...you'll also have to feel that one out. i would not recommend them unless you know of a place where the owners are selective, knowledgeable and helpful.

Answer 7

never buy used electronics unless you know the seller personally. pawn shops can be great, or they can be a total rip off, it really depends on the store, owner, and product you're looking for.