Anyone ever buy a TV from a Pawn Shop?

[MissMillie]

My TV is dying a slow death.... I just wondered if a relatively reasonable temporary solution can be found at a pawn shop....

[arbusto_baboso]

1. I used to work with cops that bought a lot of different things at pawn shops.

Especially jewelry for their wives/girlfriends.

It's usually stuff in decent shape, or the pawn shop wouldn't take it to begin with. I say go for it.

[MissMillie]

2. Pretty good deals?

I mean, I tried to sell some jewelry there not too long ago, and they offered me about $85 for about $800 (well, that's what I paid for it) worth of jewelry. I knew I wasn't going to get $800 for the stuff, but I never imagined less than $100.

So I'm thinking if they're low-balling people THAT much, the prices for stuff to buy should be pretty good? no?

[gmoney]

5. Really depends on the shop...

Pawn shops around here used to offer decent prices on used guitars, now they act like every piece of crap with six strings is a '57 Stratocaster.

I think they now price things higher based on the "gouge the poor" mentality and can get away with it because of their "buy here, pay here" pricing. ("Nobody else will lend your broke ass money to buy this thing, but we will, if you agree to pay full retail and 30% interest")

Couldn't hurt to look on Craigslist or Freecycle. I actually have a couple decent TVs I'd be happy to give to a good home. Or just ask around your IRL friends and/or co-workers. Lots of people upgrading to flat screen could probably spare their old 27-inch tube TV.

[Gormy Cuss]

3. Just make sure it's new enough for the digital TV transition.

Pawn shops can have good deals. It's worth a look.

[guitar man]

4. I'm still using one I bought from a pawn shop

I've had it about 10 years and it's still working fine.

You might find a real good deal right now, a lot of people think their old analog TVs are worthless when in fact, an older set with a DTV converter box could keep you going for years dirt cheap. ;)

[LeftyMom]

6. Just ask around, a lot of people are giving away perfectly good TVs

If you were on the other coast, I could hook you up, as I have to go clean out my Dad's garage and I know there's at least one perfectly good TV that got exiled out there when he bought his HD set.

[old mark]

7. Years ago - similar situation - Big ol' TV was dying, had little money.

bought a little portable for $70 or so, worked for several years. Just make sure it is: New enough , as above, that it is digital and in good working condition.

Second option: Check for local TV repair shops, if there are still such places. They usually have TV's that they repaired and the owners never picked up. You know they are working, and they are usually very cheap.
I recommend this over a pawn shop because they are working!

mark

[Symarip]

8. I'd so try craigslist before a pawnshop

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

9. Check freecycle

On our list, people give away working TVs all the time.

[Duer 157099]

11. I second this - it's true (at least where I live)

Same with Craigslist in the Free section

[Jeep789]

10. I would never buy anything from a pawn shop

Half the stuff in there is stolen and purchasing from them just encourages theft.

[dembotoz]

12. what about a thrift store

last weekend bought a 27 in zenith console tv for my mom for 25 bucks at the local st vinnies.
A little on the broke side so couldn't do a flat screen. It is just a temp fix(or for as long as it lasts)
I know it is not digital but she has cable so what does she care.....

it works well enough

[timtom]

13. Yep. About 10 years ago.

Paid about $75 bucks. 24" screen. Still works.

[LanternWaste]

14. 32" regular screen for $45.00

32" regular screen for $45.00 about four years ago. Still works right as rain :)

[quakerboy]

15. Goodwill/salvation army/adventist thrift

Everyone is dumping their Tube TV's. you can pick up a 27-32 inch for $15. Most of the ones around here have at least 5-10 in that size and price range.