My First Pawn Shop Experience: Laptop For $90
By Bethie Annie
@BethieAnnie (818)
Dayton, Ohio
January 11, 2016 7:56am CST
Hello Mylot 2016! My first post of the year is done on my new, used laptop. I am no longer bound to that tablet, unless I want to be. I am thankful that I was able to find something I could afford. This laptop is my first experience with pawn shops. Of course, choose a reputable, recommended shop. I had never shopped at a pawn shop in my life, but my neighbor recommended this one. I walked in, said "Hi, I NEED a laptop, but I only have $100. Can you help?" And sure enough, half an hour later I walked out with my new, used laptop, paying only $90.
It is a Windows 7, with 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard-drive and a duel core processor.
The only problem is that I have been tablet bound so long, that I have become very rusty on the computer. At one point I thought to myself, "Oh, dear, I have gone full Android!" Thankfully, using a computer is a bit like riding a bike. One never forgets how!
I have one week to return the laptop, if something should happen. That is great because none of the other pawn shops allow returns at all. I hope nothing happens to it though, because I am already in love with it!
Have you ever shopped at a pawn shop? Was your experience as easy as mine?
16 people like this
18 responses
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Jan 16
Many years ago I bought a used saxophone for my son from a pawn shop. I don't remember how much it was but it was a good one for way less than a new one cost. My one and only pawn shop experience.
1 person likes this
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
Your not the first person to mention buying instruments at a pawn shop. I have bought a flute, and guitars, but never from a pawn show. When I saw some of the instruments prices I was shocked because I had spend so much more for a comparable item.
1 person likes this
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
@fishtiger58 I have two kids that are nearly band age, and I can not afford to spend over a thousand bucks per kid! Now I know where I can look to make some music happen at an affordable price. Is it difficult to find someone who works on instruments?
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Jan 16
@BethieAnnie We had to pay for some repairs on the sax but still it was cheaper than a new one which can cost over a thousand bucks. So it was the right thing for us to do.
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
I always felt guilty, so I avoided pawn shops. Eventually, I decided that it is a persons choice to pawn something. If they do not pay on their loan, then they forfeit the item. I have decided not to feel guilty for other peoples choices.
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
11 Jan 16
@BethieAnnie I would advise you to upgrade it to Windows 10, it won't cast a penny.
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
I think so, too. When they sell laptops they have them wiped and then reinstall Windows. So, I have to do all that stuff you have to do when you get a new computer, like disabling all those stock programs that waste space, and shutting down processes which slow the computer down.
@mom210 (9041)
• United States
12 Jan 16
@BethieAnnie That is great that you play. I have a son that thought he wanted to teach himself, so like a good mommy I bought him a guitar. He really did not pursue it though. I was really disappointed.
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
While I was at the pawn shop I saw lots of instruments. I would love to go back for a new guitar!
1 person likes this
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
I did not know that you could buy computers from a pawn shop either. It never occurred to me that I could walk in someplace, tell them I have way too little money and walk out with something!I guess bargaining still works! They had more than laptops. they had musical instruments, kitchen appliances, lawn mowers, tools and even a koo koo clock, which I wish I had the money to buy!! haha.
1 person likes this
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Jan 16
I have never gone to a pawn shiop, but I do watch a show on tv, called Hard Core Pawn, and they in Detroit, MI. They have lots of things in that pawn shop too. I think it is great that you got one reasonably priced. I am glad you don't feel guilty about buying a laptop that someome else pawned but didn't pay each month. It is that person's loss, and your gain. I alwasy go to best buy to get my laptops, but I might get one elsewhere from now on, as they aren't cheap, that is for sure. As long as my laptop works okay, I am not going to worry about it.
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@infatuatedbby (94921)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I have never been to the pawn shop but sounds like you had a great experience! And, that is awesome they gave you a one week refund policy, that means the pawn shop is very trust worthy of their products!!
@poehere (15126)
• French Polynesia
12 Jan 16
No we don't have them here on the islands. But it sounds like you got a steal. Good for you to buy a used computer at a pawn shop.
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
11 Jan 16
Took several things 'to' a pawn shop, but never bought anything from one before @BethieAnnie .
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
11 Jan 16
I have never sold anything to a pawn shop. I really don't know anything about that process. Plus, most the stuff I own isnt really worth much!
1 person likes this
@HanVanMeegerin (1161)
• United States
12 Jan 16
@BethieAnnie that does sound like you vot a good deal. I bope it works out for you.
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
12 Jan 16
Brand new things are far better than second-hands.
@Phenomenal1 (144)
• United States
11 Jan 16
Pawn shops are great places that the majority of the time have great finds. I like going at least once a month to check out what they have. I have scored some amazing jewelry and electronics for really cheap in the past. Congratulations on scoring a descent laptop for a great price! Hearing your experience makes me want to check the local shops around here to see if I can locate a cheap laptop.
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
11 Jan 16
That's great! Once we get our own place I plan on getting a laptop too and I will be looking in pawn shops. I have never had a bad experience with pawn shops so I'm hoping to get lucky again. =) Using my phone to be here is not easy at all.
@kellyr634 (416)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I have actually never shopped at a pawn shop, but have always thought about checking them out.
Sounds like you got an awesome deal!
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I havent shopped at a pawn shop for computers but that is a mighty good deal you got friend. I hope it lasts for you.
