Ask the Patch Pro: About the Pawn Shop Biz

On the History Channel's popular reality program Pawn Stars, customers often bring in what could be priceless merchandise looking for a nice payout.

But pawn shop owner Andy "Avi" Strauss knows your average pawn shop doesn't specialize in Spanish Cubism paintings or priceless, heirloom shotguns from the American Civil War period. Nor does it employ the experts necessary to determine the values of such rarities. Basically, the shop isn't run like a pumped up reality show, and this ain't Antiques Roadshow either.

However, your local pawn shop will likely be able to take those old DVDs, electronics, Great Aunt Rita's estate jewelry, broken gold and maybe a few collectors items off your hands. In addition, if you find yourself in need of cash fast, but the inability to go to the bank, a pawn shop will accept an item deemed valuable as collateral for a cash loan. Strauss said he's even accepted a couch as collateral. Of course, the borrower pays interest on the loan, too.

Strauss operates a small pawn shop, , on Nicollet Avenue in Richfield and is on call to take your questions about the business. You can also upload photos of old jewelry or collectors items for him to give an initial estimate.

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