Pawn shop owner/operators.... I have a question about pawn stars.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Pawn shop owner/operators.... I have a question about pawn stars. (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:12:15 PM EDT

Ok seriously... how often do you "call in an expert"? I can't believe they actually do that!

What does your store do? Or is it all TV?

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:14:46 PM EDT

[#1]

It looks too setup these days.

They line up people with interesting items.

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:24:24 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:

Ok seriously... how often do you "call in an expert"? I can't believe they actually do that!

What does your store do? Or is it all TV?

supplimental question: if you do call in said expert, are they compensated on flat rate for their trip, or with a commission?

ETA: Who pays the "Expert"? the shop, the seller, or both?

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:25:53 PM EDT

[#3]

That show is so damn scripted it is not even funny. I like how he is always standing there arranging items on the shelf when these guys walk up.

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:26:20 PM EDT

[#4]

I used to have a list of experts I could call.

What these "experts" really were was dealers.

I had them for jewelry, music stuff, etc.

I could tell them what I had and sometimes they would be there in 10 minutes

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:31:40 PM EDT

[#5]

we never actually bought anything. it tied up too much money and you never knew how long it would take to sale.,

it had to be something really special all the locals really had a hard on for before I would buy it. that way I knew it would sale

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:48:55 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
we never actually bought anything. it tied up too much money and you never knew how long it would take to sale.,

it had to be something really special all the locals really had a hard on for before I would buy it. that way I knew it would sale

Maybe you should have tried SELLing the stuff? Tell me you didn't mark your items as "For Sell"

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:55:01 PM EDT

[#7]

I know the show is probably scripted, but I still like it. I would also say that place is more like a cool antique/collector store than your typical pawn shop.

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:58:28 PM EDT

[#8]

"Expert" probably means a dealer that's more accustomed to that product. When I was selling at a Land Rover dealership, we'd see semi-unusual trades that were just enough out of the ordinary that we wouldn't trust the books. The sales manager would regularly call wholesalers or other dealerships in the area to gauge their interest and see just how much we could give. I'd imagine a pawn shop isn't *that* much different in that respect.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:00:38 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

"Expert" probably means a dealer that's more accustomed to that product. When I was selling at a Land Rover dealership, we'd see semi-unusual trades that were just enough out of the ordinary that we wouldn't trust the books. The sales manager would regularly call wholesalers or other dealerships in the area to gauge their interest and see just how much we could give. I'd imagine a pawn shop isn't *that* much different in that respect.

still, do they charge for thier services?

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:08:32 PM EDT

[#10]

I am pretty sure that the show is half scripted. These people do come in with these objects and then are asked to come back for the camera crews. I think it is funny that only "cool" items come in-you never catch the methhead from down the street pawning his mom's stereo

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:10:36 PM EDT

[#11]

What I don't understand is why they let the potential seller hear the inflated auction prices. That is just stupid.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:13:40 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
What I don't understand is why they let the potential seller hear the inflated auction prices. That is just stupid.

for "drama"

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:13:41 PM EDT

[#13]

When in doubt, offer the stooge $10.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:17:18 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

Quoted:

"Expert" probably means a dealer that's more accustomed to that product. When I was selling at a Land Rover dealership, we'd see semi-unusual trades that were just enough out of the ordinary that we wouldn't trust the books. The sales manager would regularly call wholesalers or other dealerships in the area to gauge their interest and see just how much we could give. I'd imagine a pawn shop isn't *that* much different in that respect.

still, do they charge for thier services?

In my instance, no. They would have the opportunity to buy the car from us at their offer price, though... and they frequently did. We didn't really make those calls for more in-demand vehicles that we knew we wanted to keep on our lot.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:39:42 PM EDT

[#15]

OH no..... chumbly toe wine!!!

anybody else watching and see that?

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:41:12 PM EDT

[#16]

Pawn Stars is just a fancy version of the Antique Road Show, but with more interesting stuff. I lost interest when I watched the episodes with the beat up Coke machine and the beat up gas pump.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:42:20 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
I used to have a list of experts I could call.

What these "experts" really were was dealers.

I had them for jewelry, music stuff, etc.

I could tell them what I had and sometimes they would be there in 10 minutes

You owned a pawn shop AND a strip club?

You may be the most awesome person on Arfcom.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:46:59 PM EDT

[#18]

Its not a pawn shop, but when you have a surplus store you get lots of nice old militaria. I know the US stuff well enough, but the German and Japanese stuff, as well as Russian, I don't know as well.

My "go-to" guys I call don't charge anything, but they get the same from me when they call me for advice. In addition, when I call them that means they get first notice that I might have something cool they want, and vice-versa.

Much of the business is just how well you have networked yourself with people you can trust.

Posted: 12/21/2009 6:59:38 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I know the show is probably scripted, but I still like it. I would also say that place is more like a cool antique/collector store than your typical pawn shop.

This

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:18:19 AM EDT

[#20]

All I know is......I want a THUNDER MUG.

that thing was cool.

I like how every gun the get they take it out and shoot it, including the cannon.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:22:28 AM EDT

[#21]

This show's definitely one of the better ones on the History Channel, and actually history-related too. And it's definitely no ordinary pawn shop, Rick seems to be a bit of an art aficionado to be selling Andy Warhol paintings there. A shame his son Hoss is such a dumbass though, there's no way they're going to be in business for very long when he inherits it.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:23:43 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Its not a pawn shop, but when you have a surplus store you get lots of nice old militaria. I know the US stuff well enough, but the German and Japanese stuff, as well as Russian, I don't know as well.

My "go-to" guys I call don't charge anything, but they get the same from me when they call me for advice. In addition, when I call them that means they get first notice that I might have something cool they want, and vice-versa.

Much of the business is just how well you have networked yourself with people you can trust.

This....

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:26:47 AM EDT

[#23]

Ever notice Ricks "no way I'm paying that much" laugh. I think he practices it. He laughs at them in a way that allows him to LAUGH AT THEM, while trying to be minimally insulting with his excuses for why he can't pay that much. It's a art. Then after buying said object goes on to admit to the camera how much of a killing he's going to make off the sucker.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:27:30 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
What I don't understand is why they let the potential seller hear the inflated auction prices. That is just stupid.

Come on now.

You really DO understand, right?

The show's fake. It's fun to watch but it's fake.

If it were real, he'd take his "expert" in the back to discuss it away from the customer. Then he'd come and offer him $.05 on the dollar he expects to sell it for himself.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:39:59 AM EDT

[#25]

Just a FYI regarding the most recent episode of Pawn Stars when the guy brought in the "1960" Les Paul.

The guy knew he did not have a 1960 LP, he knew it was a 70's era Norlin.

The producers thought it was a cool guitar so they said to him hey lets talk it up like its a 1960, and that Les Paul "expert" that came out is apparantley not cheap according to some of the forums.

So yes they talk up certain items and certain scenes are scripted.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:47:53 AM EDT

[#26]

I've been hitting the pawn shops for 20 years. I know a bunch of the local pawnbrokers fairly well. I've never seen a pawn shop operate like the one on Pawn Stars. Maybe they exist in Las Vegas, but not here.

I've long thought that a pawnshop would make a good TV show because the antics are so great and the life stories so compelling. But Pawn Stars ain't it. Like someone else said, it's Antique Road Show in a different location. Not like most pawn shops at all.

Dumb show, really dumb show.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:49:57 AM EDT

[#27]

A reality show that is scripted...say it isn;t so!

I do enjoy seeing some of the stuff they get though.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:53:54 AM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
This show's definitely one of the better ones on the History Channel, and actually history-related too. And it's definitely no ordinary pawn shop, Rick seems to be a bit of an art aficionado to be selling Andy Warhol paintings there. A shame his son Hoss is such a dumbass though, there's no way they're going to be in business for very long when he inherits it.

Yeah Hoss is a dumbass he is the typical know it all asshole that doesn't want to hear shit from a more experienced person.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:54:15 AM EDT

[#29]

I like how you never see them sell anything. Like that boat. Some boat guy comes out and tells them after the resto it's worth like 50grand.

So, at the end of the show they say, "Well, okay. I guess we made 10grand on it." Umm, you didnt make shit 'till it's sold.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:54:31 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
Ever notice Ricks "no way I'm paying that much" laugh. I think he practices it. He laughs at them in a way that allows him to LAUGH AT THEM, while trying to be minimally insulting with his excuses for why he can't pay that much. It's a art. Then after buying said object goes on to admit to the camera how much of a killing he's going to make off the sucker.

I have a feeling that Pawn Stars will have the same effect that the "less bitter" coffee ads had in the 80's.
After them, everyone simply thought coffee was bitter and sales dropped across the board.
Pawn Stars will teach even the dumbest idiot that pawn brokers offer 10-25% of something's real value.

Posted: 12/22/2009 4:54:32 AM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

I know the show is probably scripted, but I still like it. I would also
say that place is more like a cool antique/collector store than your
typical pawn shop.

+1

Quoted:

OH no..... chumbly toe wine!!!

anybody else watching and see that?

Ughh yes. That was gross and there's no way in hell that I would drink that.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:03:19 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
A reality show that is scripted...say it isn;t so!

I do enjoy seeing some of the stuff they get though.

next you'll be saying wrestling is scripted!

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:09:53 AM EDT

[#33]

I will be at the Shot Show in 4 weeks and plan to visit the store.

I was told that the store itself is quite small and needs a thorough cleaning.

I enjoy the show...of course it is scripted. I like the characters.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:20:45 AM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:

It looks too setup these days.

They line up people with interesting items.

Antiques Roadshow for the unwashed...

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:25:47 AM EDT

[#35]

I got to be an "expert" yesterday at a guitar shop. I'm a regular but don't spend buckets of money there. Anyways, this guy comes in with a Jay Turser acoustic with a Gator case wanting to sell it. The owner shows it to me and asks me if I ever saw one, I said yes and told her it was an asian import and they were OK but nothing really special. I wrote a figure down on a slip of paper and handed it to her. Hint, the case was worth as much as the guitar. The guy with the guitar kept insisting it was a really special custom build and worth lots of money but he'd let it go for $500. Really all I was doing was sticking around until he left because the thing was likely stolen and he needed some cash for drugs.

I saw the episode with the guy selling the ejection seat last night again. That's funny. I wonder how cool it would have been if they would have had Chumley sit down in it and pull the handle in the middle of the store.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:28:54 AM EDT

[#36]

Not to hijack but how about the new one on TruTv, American Jewely and Loan. If you want a laugh, then this show is it. 300+ lb security details in Detroit carry Glocks mexican style. Half of them would have to lift 3rolls of fat just to reach it.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:31:56 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:

Quoted:

we never actually bought anything. it tied up too much money and you never knew how long it would take to sale.,

it had to be something really special all the locals really had a hard on for before I would buy it. that way I knew it would sale

Maybe you should have tried SELLing the stuff? Tell me you didn't mark your items as "For Sell"

Who cares? Seriously! Does it make you feel better when you post stupid crap like this?

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:35:06 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:
I am pretty sure that the show is half scripted. These people do come in with these objects and then are asked to come back for the camera crews. I think it is funny that only "cool" items come in-you never catch the methhead from down the street pawning his mom's stereo

TruTV now has "Hardcore Pawn", where it is that case. The show I watched, a family of four urban folks dragged their grandmother in so they could hock the gold tooth in her dentures.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:37:40 AM EDT

[#39]

Never saw the show. Maybe I'll check it out.

Posted: 12/22/2009 5:58:02 AM EDT

[#40]

Did anybody else notice the truck half in the water while they were checking out the boat?

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:08:29 AM EDT

[#41]

Most "experts" are usually some guy on the other end of the phone looking up your item on ebay, looking for the cheapest one he can find before they make you an offer.

I'm just sayin'...

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:25:57 AM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
we never actually bought anything. it tied up too much money and you never knew how long it would take to sale.,

it had to be something really special all the locals really had a hard on for before I would buy it. that way I knew it would sale

Maybe you should have tried SELLing the stuff? Tell me you didn't mark your items as "For Sell"

Who cares? Seriously! Does it make you feel better when you post stupid crap like this?

Meh, he just posted what we were thinking...

And yes, I watch Pawn Stars.

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:35:04 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I am pretty sure that the show is half scripted. These people do come in with these objects and then are asked to come back for the camera crews. I think it is funny that only "cool" items come in-you never catch the methhead from down the street pawning his mom's stereo

TruTV now has "Hardcore Pawn", where it is that case. The show I watched, a family of four urban folks dragged their grandmother in so they could hock the gold tooth in her dentures.

i enjoyed the show
pawn shop in the hood, much better TV
that place was huge

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:35:34 AM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
Not to hijack but how about the new one on TruTv, American Jewely and Loan. If you want a laugh, then this show is it. 300+ lb security details in Detroit carry Glocks mexican style. Half of them would have to lift 3rolls of fat just to reach it.

I think this also descibes the security guard at Gold & Silver (Pawn Starts), you just never see him on the show...

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:35:37 AM EDT

[#45]

Ive been to the Shop in LAs Vegas about 4-5 years ago. We hit alot of Pawn shops in Vegas I thought they woud Uber Cheap stuff being because of the casinos but shit was really high off and on the strip..We met the old Man (though we didnt know who he was) and remember telling my wife "He was pretty cool ole guy"..I think he had a hard-on/crush for my wife as she was super hot before the kids,and she is not a stuck up kind of girl she make the hunchback of NotreDame feel like she smiled at him. He was super-friendly towards her and us in general. I thinK I bought a few CD's from them since we driving cross country and wanted to find some tunes to listen to after checking out of the Hilton that morning for our next destination.

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:38:18 AM EDT

[#46]

Thats the show where the "expert" comes in and says the item is worth $10000 and the pawn show guy says i'll give you $.50 and wont come off of it!

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:41:16 AM EDT

[#47]

I think it's an interesting show ( the characters - the bizzarre items etc etc )

Of course it's scripted and of course the real life version of a pawn shop is nothing like the TV version.

The so called experts are simply merchants in the LV area whom have a place of business that is more caterered to the particular item they are summoned to be an 'expert' on. And in real life I am sure they do not have a three-way circle jerk with the expert / appraiser, the pawn shop owner and the customer / seller of the item all chiming in @ the same time while the so called 'rare' item is being appraised. It makes for good TV so they play it the way for the show.

It's a hit n miss business I am sure. In actuality it's a combination of predatory lending mixed with a barely legal fencing operation.

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:41:52 AM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:
I like how you never see them sell anything. Like that boat. Some boat guy comes out and tells them after the resto it's worth like 50grand.

So, at the end of the show they say, "Well, okay. I guess we made 10grand on it." Umm, you didnt make shit 'till it's sold.

They said last night how much they sold some of the stuff for. The boat made $1500, the cannon made $2000

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:47:44 AM EDT

[#49]

I know it is at least half scripted but those guys are pretty smart in their own right. But I do think it is funny they don't show the average joe customer pawning whatever they can to gamble more or afford to get home after gambling too much. Plus I just figure they get a lot of that stuff because it is Vegas and the odds are they will get more strange stuff due to that.

I used to work in a gun shop with a pawn shop in it and Pawn Stars must have somewhat of a reputation for selling unique stuff or they wouldn't even bother taking a lot of it. I know my cousins pawn shop wouldn't even bother to get an expert much less fool with getting something to sell online. They were kinda lazy about it in some ways. Because with ebay, craigslist, etc it opens up a bigger market.

Posted: 12/22/2009 6:50:50 AM EDT

[#50]

Quoted:
I used to have a list of experts I could call.

What these "experts" really were was dealers.

I had them for jewelry, music stuff, etc.

I could tell them what I had and sometimes they would be there in 10 minutes

Pawn shops, strip clubs...

LoL at your screen name. You seem to have made quite a business rubbing elbows with the dregs of society.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Pawn shop owner/operators.... I have a question about pawn stars. (Page 1 of 2)

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