I am in the process of building a new pawn shop. I already have a pawnbrokers license and FFL. The building is nearly complete and we are thinking we will open within the next 30-60 days pending inspections. I have people stopping in all the time telling me that they are looking for work and they would like a job when we are open.

I have the staff that I need in order to run the store for the first 6 months to 1 year. I hope to grow the business and at some point in the future I will need additional staff.

I need to formulate a rock solid hiring policy and I not sure about all of the legalities. I want to adhere to any laws so I thought GD would be a good place to ask!!!

A few questions:
Is it lawful to require background check and deny employment to anyone with a felony criminal history?
What about drug testing?
Can you give me some good resources to find out more information?

Thank you
jonblack

Anybody here run a gun shop or a pawn shop? If so, can you share some insight regarding your hiring policy?

jonblack

Law or no law I would not have a felon working for me.
And since there will be firearms there to be pawned and sold no way a felon belongs there.
Better consult with an employement attorney.

I wanted to bump this and see if I can get some insight from you guys with similar businesses.

jonblack

You're asking GD for advice on this? I always thought Pawn shop guys have a "buddy" of theirs they can call in to help with decisions.....

We own a pawnshop.  

Do not hire friends its a good way to lose them.

What you want is a middle-aged men or women without criminal records and reasonable credit score (excluding Medical).  They will show up on time, you will be able to count on them and they won't be making deals out back or at WalMart with your regular customers.

Do cut your employees good deals on some of the merchandise that comes in on occasion, say cost (financing plus loan) plus 10% (use reasonable discretion here).

If you intend on passing it down to your kids, let them get experience working for someone else so they have a basis for comparison....

You will need to have a tolerance for sob stories and derpitude.  Learn to laugh and watch your six everyone will "know" you have cash and stuff they want.

Edit:  It will be tempting to keep your regulars paying forever on some item once we reach a certain level of profit on something we on occasion tell them to just come and get it.  It keeps them coming back and amazingly it will be back in your shop the next week anyway.

Edit2:  Most thieves will not use a pawnshop to get rid of stolen items UNLESS they are family of the person the stole from then they will.  

This.
And consult your attorney if you have not done so already.

one final thing, if you can keep it from smelling like rotten bum ass, that would be great.  

 

Lacoochee

Thank you. That seems like solid advice.

I am not without experience in the day-to-day activities of running a pawn shop. I am just unfamiliar with the laws regarding hiring.

jonblack