Pawn Shops VS Ebay: Where to Buy for Less and Sell for More

Almost everyone has at least heard about Ebay. Will millions of users Ebay quickly become a hot online auction site for both sellers, and buyers. However, nearly every city has multiple Pawn shops specializing in used merchandise as well. So where should you buy, or sell in order to get the best deal? The answer might not be as difficult as you think. I have used both Pawn shops and Ebay in the past, so here is a closer look at what you can expect.

SELLING:

Pawn shops sell a variety of merchandise from jewelry, to tools. It's fairly safe to say that Pawn shops will consider buying anything with value. A common misunderstanding is that Pawn shops only pawn items, which is not true. You can pawn a item, is you need cash quick, but want to buy the item back. However, you can also sell and item to a Pawn shop. By selling the item, the Pawn shop immediately owns the item, and can resell it.

Pawn shops will only pay a small percentage of what the item can be resold for, not what it is valued at. So lets say you want to sell a 14kt gold ring that is valued at $500.00, the Pawn shop may only be able to sell the ring for $200.00, so they will have to offer you less. Depending on the stores inventory, and how well similar items sell in that particular store will factor into the amount there willing to pay for an item. Normally a Pawn shop will never offer over 50% of what they can resell an item for, and they can offer as little as 10% if they already have plenty of that item in stock.

Ebay on the other hand is a very simple way to sell your unwanted items, for some quick cash. You will have to pay a listing fee, selling fee, paypal fee, and deal with the shipping. Plus, Ebay has a ton of resellers looking for a bargain, which means your not going to get top dollar. However, if your lucky you will get a fairly sizable amount for the item. No matter what item your selling on Ebay in order to get the most dollar amount you will need to include a description of the item, a few good photo's, the product bar code (if available), The items measurements, and weight. It can be a headache creating a good listing, but you will get more money for it that way.

BUYING:

Buying from a Pawn shop is easy to do. Just remember to negotiate the tag price. Most Pawn shops are willing, and ready to lower the sticker price for a quick sell. The advantage of buying from a Pawn shop is understandable. You get to view, and inspect the item before you buy it. Most Pawn shops also have a return policy, which means if it don't work out, you can take it back without any hassle. Unlike online auctions such as Ebay, you don't have to bid, and then wait to see if you won it, then worry about it coming in the mail. Just like with any store, you walk in, pay, and leave.

Buying from Ebay, can save you some cash, and if your unable to drive, Ebay is a good option for buying second hand. Remember before you bid to ask any questions you might have to the seller. Your not able to personally inspect the item on Ebay before you buy, so you really have to dot your i's, and cross your t's. Some Ebay sellers do offer a return policy, but it's really left up to the seller. Your safest bet is to pay through Paypal. That way if you are unsatisfied with the item, and the seller is not willing to offer a refund, you have the option to dispute the payment. It takes up to 3 months for Paypal to investigate the claim, speak with the seller, and settle the dispute.

So, your better off selling your items through Ebay. However, when buying merchandise it might be wise to poke around your local Pawn shop. If the dollar difference is small, your much better off buying from the Pawn shop. If the Ebay seller has a great positive feedback, and has been selling for while, plus you stand to save a nice chunk of change, then it might be worth the risk.