Do you need cash quickly and have some items to pawn? Pawning is a quick and effective way to get some extra cash.
Pawn shops are stores that lend money in exchange for an item that they can eventually sell if the person never pays the loan back in the agreed time.
It’s important to choose the right items to pawn for $500, so you need to consider the value and appeal to potential buyers.
Here’s a list of items that you can pawn for $500.
#1 Jewelry
Jewelry is the most popular item to pawn for $500 at a pawn shop. I’ve sold a pair of earrings to a local pawn shop and it was a fast and easy process.
Pawn shops are interested in high-value items such as:
- Necklaces
- Rings
- Pins
- Earrings
- Watches
- Gems
- Bracelets
If you have items from a popular and well-known designer, this will also increase the value and how much you’ll receive.
It’s important to bring in documentation such as receipts, certificates, and appraisals because this will help you get a fair price from the pawn shop.
#2 Gold and Precious Metals
Gold and precious metals are in high demand at pawn shops. Items such as gold coins, bars, and scrap gold can be pawned.
How much you’ll get for gold depends on the weight and purity of the gold, as well as the current market price.
#3 Power Tools
Power tools are a popular item to pawn. Tools from brands like DeWalt, Still, and Bosch will earn you the most money at a pawn shop.
Good power tools hold their value, especially if they’ve barely been used and have been well taken care of.
Popular power tools to pawn include:
- Circular saws
- Sanders
- Nail guns
- Air compressors
- Measuring tools
- Drills
- Trimmers
- Weeders
- Jig Saw
- Rakes
- Router
- Heat gun
- Lawn mower
#4 Collectibles
Pawn shops are a popular spot to get rid of collectibles. If you have things laying around your house that have been passed down to you and no other family members want it, consider pawning the item for extra cash.
Think about items such as:
- Coins
- Watches
- Action figures
- Cards
- Paintings
#5 Sporting Equipment
Sporting equipment is hot seller at pawn shops.
Think of items like:
- High end bicycles
- Golf clubs
- Baseball bat
- Hockey gear
- Snowboarding gear
- Gloves
- Tennis rackets
- Skis
- Mountain bike gear
- Skates
- Rollerblades
Make sure to clean the equipment and provide any receipts to help establish value of the sporting equipment.
#6 Designer Handbags
If you have designer handbags laying around that you no longer use, consider pawning them for cash. Pawn shops accept high quality handbags from brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
Make sure to bring any documentation or receipts from when you purchased the item. This will help you get an even better price on your designer handbag.
#7 Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are a hot sell at pawn shops. Consider pawning items such as:
- Guitars
- Keyboards
- Trumpet
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Ukelele
- Drums
- Amps
- Harp
- Violin
Brands like Gibson and Fender are in high demand and will get you more money from the pawn shop. Before bringing any instruments to the store, make sure to clean, tune, and provide any original packaging or manuals.
#8 Electronics
Electronics are a popular item to sell at pawn shops. As long as the electronic is in good working condition and has high demand in the market, you have a good chance to get $100+.
Popular electronics to pawn:
- Laptops
- Cell phones
- TV’s
- Cameras
- Sound systems
- Monitors
- Tablets
- Kindles
- Game consoles like XBOX, Nintendo and Playstation
Before pawning any electronics, it’s important to erase any personal data because you don’t want anyone stealing your information.
#9 Workout equipment
People frequent pawn shops for used workout equipment because it’s a lot cheaper to get these items used instead of new. Workout equipment is typically in brand new condition and has been slightly used.
Consider pawning items such as:
- Treadmill
- Stationary bike
- Weights
- Bench
- Weight machines
#10 Household items
Pawn shops will buy high-quality and good condition household items. Before heading to the pawn shop, make sure to test that the item is working, clean the appliance, and bring any necessary documentation, original manuals, or receipts to get an even better price.
Popular household items to pawn include:
- Washer and dryer
- Vacuum
- Kitchen appliances
- Furniture
FAQ – Things To Pawn For $500
What factors play into how much I’ll get for my item?
- Brand and model
- Market value
- Condition and cleanliness
- Age and history
How do I negotiate for the best price?
Pawn shops expect customers to negotiate, so be ready to discuss the price. Before visiting any pawn shop, research the typical market price for your item and be ready to explain why you think you should be given more for the item.
How do I estimate the value of my item?
Research prices for similar items that have been sold online recently. Consider factors such as condition, rarity, and market demand.
How do I prepare the item for pawning?
Before heading to the pawn shop, ensure your item is in clean and good working condition. If you’re pawning an electronic, test the electronic to make sure it’s working and include all necessary accessories. Bringing the original manual and packaging will get you even more money for your item.
Where else can I sell my stuff?
You have plenty of other options besides pawn shops. You can sell items online and get an even wider audience for your things.
Consider online platforms such as:
- Amazon: Great for selling tech gadgets, home goods, and books.
- eBay: A platform for auctioning off collectibles, clothing, and electronics.
- Poshmark: Ideal for selling lightly-worn clothing and accessories.
- Facebook Marketplace: A simple way to connect with local buyers for various items.
What’s the difference between pawning and selling an item?
Selling an item and pawning an item are two very different things. When you sell an item, you’re giving up 100% ownership of the item.
Pawning an item gives you the option to get the item back, as long as you pay back the loan you borrowed.
If you want to just get rid of things and don’t care to get them back, selling the item altogether might be the better option.
What will pawn shops not buy?
Before heading to any pawn shops, it’s important to know pawn shops do not buy everything.
This includes items like:
- VCR’s or VHS tapes
- Mattresses
- Old cell phones
- Counterfeit items
- Pets
- Cheap clothing or shoes
- Homemade items
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Conclusion – What Can I Pawn For $500
When trying to pawn items for $500, your best bet is jewelry or other valuable and high sought after goods. Other popular items include electronics, instruments, power tools, and appliances.
Alexis Schroeder is the CEO and founder of FITnancials.
With budgeting and side hustles, Alexis paid off over $40,000 of debt and made over $100,000 in side hustles in college.
Since starting this website over 10 years ago, Fitnancials has reached over 3,000,000 readers. We’ve been featured on sites like Forbes, Yahoo, Side Hustle School, GOBankingRates, Mint, and many more.
If you want to contact Alexis, please send an email to alexis@fitnancials.com.