FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Browse the questions below for quick answers.

1) What types of items do we take for collateral at 1st Cash Pawn?

Most things of value. Popular items include gold and platinum jewelry, diamonds, high‑grade watches such as Rolex, Baume & Mercier, TAG Heuer, and Patek Philippe; quality tools such as Snap‑on, DeWalt, MAC, Makita, Craftsman, Milwaukee and other industrial‑grade tools; firearms, coins, guitars and musical instruments, TVs, computers, laser printers, scanners, metal detectors, car audio, camcorders, cameras, stereos, collectible items, swords, and knives. We also make loans on vehicles or titles and RVs. Part of the fun of this business is that it is different every day. After many years in the pawn business, we still see new and interesting items.

Many people have heard of pawn shops but may not know exactly how they work. The short version: we offer a short‑term loan based on the collateral you pledge. No credit check and no waiting for loan‑officer approval—just fast cash. Similar to a home loan secured by a house, you leave the pledged item with us and receive cash plus a receipt to bring back. In Utah, the loan term is 30 days. You can pay the interest at that time and receive a “new” 30‑day loan. Most customers pick up their collateral and repay the loan; when they do not, we sell the item to recover our investment.

Hollywood often portrays pawn shops as dark or shady. In reality, we are both a lending institution (much like a bank) and a retail store—with excellent prices. Our stores are clean and well maintained, with large and varied inventories, and staffed by experienced pawnbrokers. We work closely with law enforcement at all levels to ensure items are legally owned and offered. Many of those same officers shop with us.

Why 1st Cash Pawn? To get exceptional value on quality merchandise, served by a friendly, well‑trained team—at great prices and terms. Bring the whole family and shop with confidence.

2) Do you buy as well as loan?

Yes. Our preference is to make loans on top‑quality merchandise. Depending on supply and demand, we will pay competitively for items you wish to sell. If you sell an item, you will not receive it back and we cannot hold it for you.

3) How much can I get?

We do not have a hard maximum. We loan a portion of the item’s expected resale value if it must be sold. This is based on experience with how well and how quickly similar items sell, and is not tied to the original purchase price. Your prior loan history—both redeems and forfeits—may be considered. We need to see and examine the item to estimate value. Appraisals are free; bring your item in and we’ll take a look.

4) What do I need to have to take out a loan?

You will need a state‑issued photo ID or driver’s license from any state. We cannot accept items without valid ID. We do not accept birth certificates, Social Security cards, temporary driver’s licenses or ID cards, car registrations, health department cards, pawn tickets from other pawn shops, paycheck stubs, rent/utility receipts, bank statements, passports, or marriage licenses. Acceptable ID types are limited by law.

5) Will my items be safe?

Yes. We are licensed by the city and state and have undergone extensive background checks. Our operations are monitored by law enforcement, and all employees are vetted before employment. Our stores use walk‑in vaults, multiple security systems, monitored cameras, and on‑site security. Many customers choose to pledge jewelry, coins, and firearms simply for secure storage and retrieve them when needed. We take pride in our organization and cleanliness.

6) I think I see something out for sale that was taken from me. What should I do?

The first step is to file a police report. All items we take in are reported and checked against a central database used by law enforcement. Loans are held for one month before items can be sold. We cannot disclose information about who pawned or sold an item. Because manufacturers produce many identical items, serial numbers, inscriptions, markings, and any suspect information are important details to include in your report. Fewer than one‑tenth of one percent of stolen items end up in pawn shops; most are sold elsewhere. If you have a case number and the item is listed, we can place a hold while you contact your detective. We cannot release the item directly—please follow the process established by law enforcement and the legislature, including prosecution of the responsible parties when appropriate.

7) I just realized that my loan expired a few weeks ago. Can I still get my items?

Maybe. We do not maintain a searchable inventory of items that have come out of pawn, and we cannot confirm availability unless you can identify your item. When items come out of pawn, they are grouped with others, sorted, cleaned, and repaired as needed. Jewelry may be broken down into components or refined, or it may go to another store or our road‑show inventory. Many items remain in the same store, but we do move inventory between locations as needed. You are welcome to look for your item in our stores; if you find it and have your pawn ticket, we can offer a customer buy‑back discount. We are not able to search inventory on your behalf.

8) What are the terms of a loan?

You have 30 days to repay the loan and retrieve your items. Interest is 15% per month, with a $5.00 minimum. You may pay the interest near the end of your term to receive another 30‑day loan. The same terms apply if you are using 1st Cash Sales & Loan as a secure place to store valuables.

9) I lost my ticket, what now?

Bring your ID; there is no fee for a lost ticket. If you do not have your ticket, you will need your ID. We verify signatures and can provide a duplicate ticket or a printout of your loans.

10) How many tickets can I have at one time? How often can I pawn something?

As many as you need, as often as you need. Some customers pawn daily; others visit once a year. You can bring many different items or pawn the same item multiple times. You cannot “max out” your credit; borrowing is limited only by the value of items on pawn with us.

11) What are the laws and policies concerning the purchase or pawn of a firearm?

Federal law (since 1968) requires you to be 18 to buy a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and 21 to buy a handgun. Long guns can be sold to residents of some other states, such as Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho, but not to residents of states such as California, Illinois, Hawaii, or New York. You must be a Utah resident to buy a handgun directly. If you find a gun you want but cannot purchase it in Utah due to residency, we can ship it to a licensed dealer in your home state for transfer to you. Most dealers charge $10–$15 for this service.

12) Do you do "lay-a-ways"?

Yes. A 25% deposit is required, and the term is typically 60–90 days. Other arrangements may be available. There is no service fee for layaway.

13) Do I have a "grace" period on the loan?

Yes. There is a 10‑day grace period after your contract expires. If you need more time, call and ask for the owner or manager and we will do our best to help. As a policy, loans are held for the full 30 days. If you call before your loan expires, we may be able to offer a courtesy extension upon request. We do not mail reminders.

14) What if I can't pay off the loan?

You may pay the interest and handling charge to receive another 30 days. We also accept partial payments; when we re‑write the loan, you may choose to pay down the principal and we will write the new loan for the remaining amount. If you are out of town or cannot come in, someone else may pay the interest for you and receive a new ticket in your name. Written authorization is required for someone else to pick up your loan.

15) So just what do you sell at 1st Cash Sales & Loan?

Jewelry; TVs; DVD players; guns and holsters; rifles; coins; DVDs and other movies; cameras and lenses; tools; radios and stereos; guitars and other musical instruments; video games; computers; mountain bikes; editing equipment; pool cues; camcorders; laser printers; golf clubs; vacuum cleaners; metal detectors; silverware; artwork; collectibles; high‑grade watches; cell phones; binoculars and spotting scopes; samurai swords and knives; RVs, boats, and ATVs; sporting goods; pocket watches—and more. Always at great savings.