Growing up, our parents have taught us about personal finances – how to save our lunch or snack money, and how to be creative and earn extra pocket money during weekends. I was born in a middle-class family, and even though my parents are generous on most things – we learned that everything we got is from great hard work.
I remember back then I used to help in making ice – wrapping plastics with water, making 300pcs every night!
My Mom always told us that we should be like those ants in our garden – they work hard non-stop during the good day and save the goods and supplies that they could get until the monsoon season.
Which made me realized – these ants are too clever-thing of nature. From then on, I told myself that I should be like ants – clever on saving.
Fast forward, I was in Cebuana Lhuillier branch in Makati having my set of bracelets (those I’ve purchased as an investment for years) appraised so I could be updated on its latest value. And I smiled learning that it does increase by up to 40% from the original price when I bought it 5-years ago.
Not bad!
My pawning experience was started years back after I landed my first job – at the pawnshop company.
Many old folks back in my hometown keep on telling us the negative stories about engaging business with pawnshops, however, after a couple of years being in the industry and learning its business, I am confident saying that those negative stories are mostly due to not doing it right.
Cebuana Lhuillier and other pawnshops in this industry have been a huge help to many of us who needs quick cash for any kind of expenses and needs. Many of us Filipinos rely on many pawnshops for our emergency expenses, such as school tuition fees, hospital bills, that so-called placement fee for their kid going overseas for a job, and even some happy expenses such as anniversaries and Christmases. These pawnshops become our “partners” who are open for us to lend cash using our collaterals, like pieces of jewelry, watches, some even our laptops and smartphones, requiring us with just a valid ID and we are good to do business.
Let’s be upfront – no one will lend you immediate cash in a short period of time (without a catch), especially during emergency cases – and sometimes, what makes it hurtful is the emotional experience you’ve encountered when someone (like your friends or even family members) declined you.
It is true – sometimes your own bloodline is the one who does not trust you! Ironically, those people who have no blood connection with you are those who would help you in times of need.
Banks are there too to lend us a hand, however, it requires many paper works that not many of us have. Plus a long background check, etc. is tedious!
Online lending apps are becoming a trend nowadays, with that “no-collateral scheme” however the interests rates are way too high that those at pawnshops.
But with pawnshops, they are always there to help us in times of needs (and wants!) as long as we have our collaterals.
Of course, when we lend something there is always an interest. In Cebuana Lhuillier, they offer a 4% interest per month - a small percentage for their trouble and time for giving as a relief and help during our low days. And if you can’t redeem it yet, they would extend it – and renew it as long as you paid the computed interest.
The good thing is your collaterals/investments are still safe and in good hands. They have high-tech safety vaults and security cameras in their facilities, and their people are highly professional and trained for this industry.
Trust is their asset and their business, and they value their customers’ trust that is also shared with them.
Appraisers from Cebuana Lhuillier and other pawn shops are highly trained and professionals. But not all pawnshops have the same appraising skills and value. For example, my appraised jewelry got a 10 to 13% higher appraisal value compared to the other three pawnshops I’ve visited.
I am so happy that Cebuana Lhuillier has the highest appraisal value in the market!
I can get more cash to tap for my expenses, but for now, I decided to not pawn my jewelry. I don’t have a need yet, and rather save it for my rainy days.
By the way, not all people who visited the pawnshops are short of money for their expenses. I’ve experienced first hand back in my pawnshop years, that we have several clients who regularly visited our shop to pawn their investment, in order for them to fund their other investments and businesses.
Some even visited pawnshops, to get loans for their real estate purchases. And those kinds of loans can’t be done easily and in a short period of time if you opt to get a loan from banks and other financial agencies.
My French boyfriend is also a customer of Cebuana Lhuillier when he got short in cash to fund his new ventures. We visited the branch in Greenbelt last year and his grandma's necklace helped his ventures. We redeemed his necklace after 6-months!
That is why many pawnshops including the Cebuana Lhuillier valued their client’s privacy. Your collateral items and also your identity is being treated with high regard and utmost confidentiality. They are also regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, so you can guarantee their credibility.
Remember that in the pawnshop industry – without trust, there is no business and customers.
Remember that in the pawnshop industry – without trust, there is no business and customers.
Verdict:
Cebuana Lhuillier has the highest appraisal value and based on my experience, my jewelry gained 10-13% higher appraisal value compared to other pawnshops. They also have the most convenient renewal of pawn items – you can now renew the interest in any Cebuana Lhuillier branches, and no need to visit the original shop. This saves you time and transportation costs – unless you are ready to redeem your pawned items, then you have to visit the original branch where your pawned items are stored.
Cebuana Lhuillier has the highest appraisal value and based on my experience, my jewelry gained 10-13% higher appraisal value compared to other pawnshops. They also have the most convenient renewal of pawn items – you can now renew the interest in any Cebuana Lhuillier branches, and no need to visit the original shop. This saves you time and transportation costs – unless you are ready to redeem your pawned items, then you have to visit the original branch where your pawned items are stored.
Staffs and appraisers are very accommodating and would give you suggestions if you got a little confused with the value and/or process. Plus, they have many branches nationwide and even overseas!
Remember - There is nothing wrong or bad in sending your jewelry or other valuable items to the pawnshops. Think that you are becoming more credible because you have your collaterals with you.
Stay away from loan sharks!
Have you tried pawning any valuable items at any pawnshops? Have you tried Cebuana Lhuillier? I would love to know your thoughts below!
xoxo, Blair
Must be an amazing place to spend time.Pawning Jewellery is something a little difficult task which my mother always faces. Maybe I can tell her about this one.
ReplyDeletePawnshop could assist your Mom in times of needs. So you should gifted her jewelries for her own collaterals.
DeleteWow I've never tried pawning before
ReplyDeleteBut thank you for this helpful article ❤
Thanks for visiting Nohaila :D
DeleteI haven't tried pawning something. I find your article helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alvin! Stay away from loan sharks :D
DeleteI've never pawned anything before, but I have thought about it. Your post was very insightful, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Siena. Pawning is also a good way to keep your business flowing.
DeleteThank you for this honest and helpful post!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing this information with us, well jewelry is love. I've never heard about pawning but i'm gonna try it.
ReplyDeleteTry it for experience. But only if you need it.
DeleteWe don't have alot of pawn shops - or any really - where I live but when I lived in the city there were plenty.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried pawning your jewelry or watch before?
DeleteIt's awesome that pawn shops are available to lend money for emergency expenses. I had never even considered obtaining a loan from a pawnshop with using something as collateral, but I will definitely keep it in mind in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with us!
You are always welcome and I am happy that you learn new ways in times of need.
DeleteI haven’t seen a pawn shop in the UK in years, I’m sure they do exist though.
ReplyDeleteI believe so too. In some countries pawnshops are super discreet, unlike here in the Philippines where you can see their shop signage.
DeleteI have heard about pawn shops but never had the chance to visit one. The pawn shops here are used a lot for the skiers.
ReplyDeleteOh I see. If you are into buying good jewelries, pawnshops are also reliable place to visit because they always have auction days, and you can guarantee its realness + good price.
DeleteGood to know. I've never tried to pawn anything before. One day I might if it's something we no longer need.
ReplyDeleteYeah you can pawn and not redeem your valuable items that you don't like anymore.
DeleteWhat an interesting way to raise collateral for long term ventures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDo it the right and responsible way of pawning. Thank for visiting Alvern!
DeleteMan have I learned alot from this post. I have pawned items and purchased items from a pawn shop but never at this level and understanding the worth of my item. And you got 10% increase in value awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes I was so happy that my jewelry have increased its value. Jewelries are truly good investments.
DeleteI have never tried pawning before. But this was informative and it definitely seems intriguing - you shared a lot of good information.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Katie!
DeleteNever tried pawing, but thank you for sharing this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Romualdo.
DeleteI have never done this before. Thank you for the info!
ReplyDeleteYou should try it only is you need immediate cash.
DeletePawning is my favourite hobby beside crochet, before I started blogging I was spending my free time in these hobbies. But know I don't have enough time. This post makes me thinking of making some time to this hobby
ReplyDeleteMaybe you are meant for a different kind of pawning!
DeleteThanks for this... I did not know that Cebuana has the highest rates among all..
ReplyDeleteI was surprised! They have up to 13% higher appraisal value.
DeleteInvesting in jewelry doesn't necessarily mean you will use it for emergency purposes in the future but because of its increasing value! I agree with you in terms of this investment. Hassle-free to use it to loan money in pawnshop for unavoided circumstances. Thanks for sharing that Cebuana is a good steal for pawnshop transactions. Mataas pala talaga sila compared to the rest.
ReplyDeleteYou tend to use them online for the times of recession. Do it right and you still get it. Utilizing its capacity would help you a lot.
DeleteLove your story! I haven't tried pawning. I'm always curious about the process. Owning Jewellery is really an investment!
ReplyDeleteI started buying jewelry at pawnshops. It is better because the quality are already tested and always got it at good discount prices.
DeleteThen these jewelries are good help in times of needs.
It looks an amazing experience. I have not done so already to pawning my jewelry and I am glad that you shared about this. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Gladys!!
Deleteyour article reminds me of this show that i watched...pawn stars. i havent done anything as such...but looks fun.
ReplyDeleteYeah I also watched them! Those brothers are badass in appraising :D
DeleteYou're right, pawnshops have been saddled with a bit of a negative reputation when I was growing up. Good thing, pawnshops like CL are helping to professionalize the industry and to educate the market about their practices.
ReplyDeleteThey also have other services like money transfer which is very reliable. I also used that!
DeleteYessss!!! My mom used to give me the same example about ants too. Thankfully I paid attention.
ReplyDeleteMothers knows the best!
DeleteReally interesting read, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWow there aren't that many pawnshops in my country, but I have been fascinated by them for the last couple of years, this was an interesting read, and just like you wrote, people tend to pawn their ventures to fund new ones, and then get their old ones back, and the cycle continues again. Thank you for sharing this
ReplyDeleteThank you Matija. Here in the Philippines, pawnshop business are widespread and it became part of the culture.
DeleteNever tried pawning. Looks like something interesting. Thanks for spreading useful information
ReplyDeleteYeah only do it when you are in need.
DeleteI think its great that you've learnt the value of money early on and not easily enticed.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got lucky to have a kid of my own, I will teach the same money lesson!
DeleteI agree. I've used them over the years as well. I bought a lot of used CDs that were hard to find in stores.
ReplyDeleteYeah especially those original CDs, but nowadays mostly they accepts jewelries because it is hard to reproduce them.
DeleteActually, I have never ever heard about pawning. By reading your post I come to know about it.Thank you for this article.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you learned something :D
DeleteI'll be honest, I've never used a pawn shop service before! Still, this one looks very good, and great quality jewellery too.
ReplyDeleteIn some parts of US, pawnshops accepts vintage cars, furniture's, etc. You can watch Pawn Stars!
DeleteI really appreciate this post. I definitely had judgements around who would use a pawn shop, and why, but now can clearly see the value such a place can offer over a bank.
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating our post. Not all people who visits the pawnshops are in desperation. Many goes to pawnshop to ask assistance on keeping their business flowing, etc. These people knows where are resources enough to partner with reliable financial institution like Cebuana Lhuillier.
DeleteI have not tried pawning, but I enjoyed reading your story.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting because pawn shops have a different connotation here. I have never visited one.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how people see and use pawnshops, but the whole business model of pawnshops are more on helping their clients financially.
DeleteI have never done pawning. Many people want to do it, it's really not good. Your story proved it again. Thanks a lot for the article.
ReplyDeleteWhen you do it, see to it that you have control of yourself and only use it in times of needs. When you abused pawning items, it becomes an addiction.
DeleteBeen there, done that. Pawning helped my family when everyone stepped back. Thanks for sharing this information
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your experience helped your family. We've been there, and it is sad to admit that when you are in times of needs (and desperation), everyone seems stepping back, even your relatives and friends. These financial institutions are always available to help many people, and avoid getting trouble like choosing the loan sharks.
DeleteI've turned to pawn shops in the past when I was hard up, back when I was a teenager in Canada. They definitely can be a useful resource.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that it helped you a lot, Elizabeth!
DeleteI think it is nice that this is an option for people. I also think it is very smart to do your research and work with a trusted company.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I never would have thought about jewelry as an investment, well done you!
ReplyDeleteOf course it is! That's why I seldom buy fashion jewelries and invest on valuable jewelries made of gold, diamonds, and platinum
DeleteHow wonderful that you have a pawn shop that you can trust and that gives you fair prices. What a great resource for a time of need.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am so glad that they exists and also gives job to our locals.
DeleteIt's so important to find a reputable place to pawn items. I've pawned a few items over time and the better the place, the better the deal.
ReplyDeleteThat is true! And when you became their regular customer, I have many experienced that the appraisers gives you a much better price, because they already know you as good customer.
DeleteI did not know about pawning and nice jewelry. Nice to know your mother taught you such nice lessons.
ReplyDeleteThat's the perks of having an Asian Mother :D
DeleteVery informative and useful article. Thanks for sharing. Bookmarked!
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting post. I remember pawning my jewelry and being so anxious to get it out. Glad I read this!
ReplyDeleteIf you know that you have better purpose on pawning your jewelry, then don't feel bad. I know you will get them back soon!
DeleteThank you for sharing! I haven't seen a Pawn shop in a long time in the UK!
ReplyDeleteHahaha maybe in UK, pawnshop is not a good business :D
DeleteIt's so great they look like they have a really good way of pawning items and helping you out in times of need. So many of the places seem here seem seedy but this looks more like a real business.
ReplyDeleteThey have created this a very reputable business. Back in college, CL is where I claim for my tuition fees sent by my father.
DeleteI have never pawned anything before. I am not even sure there are any pawn shops around me but your perspective on it is very interesting. I never thought to pawn items for investment purposes.
ReplyDeleteAnything that has a high monetary value can become your collaterals.
DeleteI have never been to a pawn shop before, so this was very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading our blog post!
DeletePawn shops existing in my neighborhood growing up, but once eBay came along people rarely used it. Thanks for sharing your personal story.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, but old ways still works!
DeleteI have never pawned something before but it is for sure better than borrowing money from someone else. Very informative and helpful read.
ReplyDeleteThat is true! And the people at Cebuana Lhuillier are very professional.
DeleteI am not sure if we have the same pawning company here. As much as possible, I don't want to pawn anything that I bought. It's good to know that it has a high appraise value compared to others.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sometimes our possessive instinct dominants to not let go our possessions. But if these things would save lives, then why not.
DeleteI completely agree with you! I'd rather pawn my jewelry that borrow loans which come with very huge interest rates. I wish I found a good pawnshop over here.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can found a pawnshop there that accepts cars, or furniture!
DeleteI love pawning my ornaments very much. I've used it to do when i was in college. Thanks for sharing this information
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Bindu! Have you redeemed them all?
DeleteI went to a few pawn shops in college and definitely would consider it again if I was in a financial position to need to sell items of value.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that pawning helps you a lot!
DeleteEverything we got comes from a great hard work is really an important message to all those who has yielded to luck.
ReplyDeleteThat is honestly so cool! wish we had something like this here in Jeddah (KSA)
ReplyDeleteI agree, however some countries might have policies that prevented this kind of business to exist.
Delete