Pawnbroking - A simple way to get a short term loan

Your Questions Answered

Is it the best option?
How do I get a loan?
How much will it cost?
Can I pay it off in stages?
Does the shop insure the pledge?
I've forgotten my Receipt - Can I redeem my pledge?
I've lost my Receipt! What can I do?
What happens if I don't repay the loan?

Is it the best option?

Do check the interest rates, all loans cost money.  Pawnbroking may not be the cheapest option.  But check carefully, consider those nasty extra charges (for instance if you pay your credit card bill late, or get a letter from the bank) and pawnbroking may work to your advantage.
You have to leave (or pledge) your jewellery as security.  If you don't pay the loan off, you will lose that pledge.
Pawnbroking is best for short term loans, because the arrangement fee is low.  If you want to borrow the money for an extended period, do consider other options, they may be cheaper.

How do I get a loan?

Drop into our shop, you will need:
Jewellery to leave as security gold jewellery, or gold coins. Sorry we don't accept watches. You must be the legal owner of the pledge.
Proof of identity - Something with your name and address. Your Driver's Licence, or a rent book.  Alternatively a gas or electric bill, or a letter from a major corporation. We can't accept your passport, as it doesn't have your address.
We'll need at least half an hour to value your jewellery.  We'll even send a text message to your phone so you know when the valuation is ready.  Then you come back and sign a form, and we give you the cash.
The valuation will also make clear how much we'll pay if you prefer to sell the jewellery.  We put everything in writing, so you will know how much you'll get, and how much you will have to pay back.  It's as easy as that!

How much will it cost?

there is an arrangement fee of 3% of the total value of the loan, or £2 whichever is the greater. Also we charge interest at 4.5% per month on the loan; but do note this interest is calculated by the day, so you only pay interest for the exact number of days you need the loan.

Back to top

Here are some examples, based on 6 month loan

Amount loaned £25.00 £100.00 £400.00
Charge for credit £8.75 £30.00 £120.00
Total repayment £33.75 £130.00 £520.00
Typical APR 82.3% 69.0% 69.0%

Can I pay it off in stages?

Yes, pay what you like when you like.  Many of our customers do find it easier to pay off a loan in small chunks.  Payments are first applied to clear the outstanding interest and then the balance reduces the principal loaned (and thus reduces further interest charges).  So as you pay off the loan, you reduce the amount of interest you will pay.
If you want to use this option, but don't live near Wrexham, do make sure your pawnbroker allows you to pay off the loan in stages.  Not all allow it.

Does the shop insure the pledge?

No. If the pledge is lost or stolen while in our shop you won't have to repay the loan, but we can't offer any more compensation.
If you want more cover, you will have to arrange it yourself.  Note your normal household policy will not cover your jewellery while it's left with us as a pledge.

I've forgotten my Receipt - Can I redeem my pledge?

No.  Pawnbroking is strictly regulated by law. We have to follow the correct procedure.  We cannot hand over your jewellery unless the receipt is produced.  The law is intended to protect you, although we realise it can be inconvenient at times.

Back to top

I've lost my Receipt! What can I do?

If the loan was for £75 or less:  we can supply a form; you'll also have to produce proof of identity, just the same as when you originally obtained the loan.  We charge £2.
If the loan was over £75:  we can supply a form which will cost £2, this form must then be taken to a solicitor. There you will have to swear a legal declaration, after which the form can be used as a substitute for the receipt.  The solicitor will charge for this service.  You will need proof of your identity before we give you the form.
If somebody produces the pawn receipt, even if not the original customer, we are legally obliged to hand over the pledge (unless we have been notified it has been lost).  So take as much care of the receipt as you would of your jewellery.

What happens if I don't pay off the loan?

Don't worry. You won't receive threatening letters, and your credit rating won't be harmed; it won't even have any effect if you wish to obtain another loan from us.  But we do sell your jewellery to clear the loan.
First we will write to you to remind you that payment is due.  We also give you the opportunity to pay off the interest and then we will extend the loan period for another 6 months, but only do this if you really can clear the loan soon - otherwise the interest can really mount up.
What if you decide you don't want to repay the loan?  If the loan was £25 or less, the pledge becomes our property.
Otherwise we sell the pledge on your behalf (however until it is sold you have the right to redeem it).  We deduct our selling costs from the amount we get, then pay off the loan (including interest).  If there is any surplus cash, you can collect it from our shop on producing the receipt.  We send you a statement showing the position once the pledge is sold.
But don't expect any surplus.  We will loan you almost as much as we would give if you sold the item, so normally the sale just clears our charges and the loan.  But if you'd partly paid off the loan, then you may well get something.

Back to top

Why come to us

We were the first pawnbroker in Wrexham for many years. So we introduced new ideas. Many other pawnbrokers do not give such good terms.

Interest is calculated by the day.

Many pawnbrokers charge by the month, so you may finish up paying for a large part of a month's interest after you've repaid the loan.

Pay what you like, when you like.

This makes it easier to find the money, and you pay less interest.

Keeping our charges down.

We are jewellers first, and we know you value your jewellery and want it back.
So we are determined to make this easy, and keep our charges down.  Compare our interest rate to other pawnbrokers; we are confident we offer one of the best deals around.

Pawnbroking, don't miss Sale bargains. Help with unexpected bills Martin Rees, Jeweller and Pawnbroker Home and Index Gemstones Contact us