As Earth Day approaches, there’s a heightened awareness of the importance of ways that consumers can change behaviors to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
Pawnshops have existed for thousands of years but are at the forefront of today’s hottest retail trend—sustainability. According to ThredUp’s 2022 Resale Report, “consumers are prioritizing sustainability, retailers are starting to embrace resale, and poli
cymakers are getting on board with the circular economy.”
Resale is big business
Led by Generation Z, today’s consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability while shopping. Younger shoppers pay far more attention to their carbon footprint than any perceived stigmas associated with secondhand goods. In fact, 80% of Gen Z’ers responded that there was no stigma attached to buying secondhand goods whatsoever, according to the Global Data Consumer Survey.
Get paid to recycle at the pawnshop
Most consumers understand that throwaway retail culture depletes natural resources and overfills landfills. Pawnshops, by contrast, offer a solution that not only reduces the consumer’s carbon footprint by avoiding throwing their items away but also helps put cash in their pocket. Pawnshops will pay top dollar for pre-owned merchandise like electronics, tools and equipment, jewelry, designer watches, luxury handbags, and other items of value. Selling items to the pawnbroker is quicker and more straightforward than the hassle and risk of selling the item online.
Why pawnshops are the most sustainable place to shop
Pawnshops are not only the best place to get cash for items of value; they’re also the first place to shop for pre-owned items. To better understand how pawnshops represent the best of resale, it’s important to understand how they work. Pawnshops obtain most of the inventory on their shelves from people like you who bring in items they don’t want or are no longer using. As a result of all of these transactions, pawnbrokers end up with items on their shelves in good condition and have value to someone else.
Pawnshops have a wide selection of merchandise
The items found for sale in a reputable pawnshop have been tested and verified in working condition and authentic. Shoppers can find items ranging from rare antiques and collectibles to useful tools and equipment to fine jewelry and luxury items inside their neighborhood pawnshop.
Despite old stereotypes, consumers can shop pawn stores with confidence. Less than 1/10th of 1% of items in pawnshops are reported as stolen.
Is it a good idea to buy fine jewelry at a pawnshop?
Pawnshops buy, sell, and pawn items of value, including fine jewelry with diamonds and other gemstones. Carbon-conscious buyers understand that the only truly zero-impact diamond is a recycled one. They also recognize that pawnshops are a significant source of recycled gold for jewelry manufacturers. They also help consumers keep their jewelry and wear it longer by offering repair and refurbishment.
Pawnbroking is a highly-regulated industry, and a reputable pawnshop will always guarantee the authenticity of everything they sell.
Purchasing luxury items at a pawnshop
Consumers can affordably enjoy the quality craftsmanship of luxury goods such as designer handbags, luxury watches, gold and diamond jewelry, the latest electronics, or even a pair of high-end sneakers. Beyond being a great value, purchasing pre-owned instead of new extends the life cycle of the luxury item and extends its life. But buyer beware, the secondary market is flooded with counterfeit goods according to the US Customs and Border Protection. Reputable pawnshops sell only items that are guaranteed authentic and use the latest technology to certify the items they sell. .
Here are five of the top benefits of buying pre-owned items from pawnshops:
- Pawnbrokers are experts in secondhand: Pawnshops aren’t new to the secondary market, they’ve been around since the beginning of recorded history. They are also the most regulated and trusted source for pre-owned goods
- Pawnshops contribute to the local economy: Buying secondhand from online marketplaces or direct from the owner can be risky leaving the consumer to wonder what happens if something goes wrong or the item they’re buying turns out to be stolen? Trained professionals handle transactions at the pawnshop.
- Pawn shops offer unbeatable value: The single biggest moment of depreciation for a piece of fine jewelry, designer watch, or any other item is when it goes from being ‘new’ to ‘secondhand”. By contrast, pre-owned items depreciate far slower and are a better value. Instead of paying retail, buying from a pawnshop allows consumers to have the items they want at more easily affordable prices.
- Pawnshop purchases are collateral: Items bought from the pawnshop and other things of value can be used as collateral for a pawn if the need arises in the future or sold back to the pawnshop.
- Shop small sustainable: Resale is more than just a passing phase; it’s big business, projected to double in the next five years to $77B. Shoppers already understand the importance of supporting small businesses in their communities. Now, it’s important that they also realize that doing business with a pawn shop makes them part of a circular economy that keeps unwanted items out of landfills and cuts down on unnecessary production. It’s the most sustainable way to shop! Check out our exclusive infographic for more insight!
Pawnbroking is frequently misunderstood is changing that and believes that pawnshops have a bright future because pawnshopping is smart, sustainable, and rewarding. Members of the media who would like to speak with vetted pawn professionals are encouraged to contact The Pawnbroker Network to tap into their extensive community of vetted experts by calling 313-410-2343, emailing editor@pawnbrokernetwork.com, or visiting www.pawnbrokernetwork.com. Carbon-conscious consumers who are looking for a vetted pawnshop or other reseller in their neighborhood should visit www.shopsmallsustainable.com.
