So, you want to know how much money a pawn shop will give you for your TV? Let’s get right to it. Generally, pawn shops pay a price for a TV based on its used value. This is often a small part of what you paid for it new. Pawn shops usually offer between 20% and 60% of the item’s current used market value, not the price you bought it for. But this amount can change a lot. Many things affect the final offer. We will look at what these things are so you can have a better idea of the pawn shop TV value for your TV.
When you pawn something, you do not sell it right away. You get a loan using your TV as a promise to pay back the money. The pawn shop keeps your TV for a short time. You pay back the loan plus a fee, then you get your TV back. If you do not pay back the loan, the pawn shop keeps your TV and can sell it. This is different from selling something. When you sell, the item is gone forever, and you keep all the money from the sale. Pawning gives you a way to get your item back later.
Pawning a TV is a quick way to get cash. It is faster than selling it yourself. It also does not hurt your credit score if you do not pay back the loan. The pawn shop just keeps your TV.
Image Source: thevaultloans.com
How Pawn Shops Value Your TV
Getting a clear idea of how much a pawn shop might offer for your TV means looking at how they decide on the price. Pawn shops want to make sure they can sell the item if you do not come back for it. So, they look at many things to figure out the risk and the likely selling price. They don’t pay based on the original price you paid. They pay based on what they think someone else would pay for that TV today, used. Then they offer a much lower amount than that expected selling price. This difference helps them cover costs and make a profit.
There are key things a pawn shop worker will check when you bring in a TV. These things directly change the pawn shop TV value they will offer you. Knowing these helps you guess better what offer you might get.
Why the Price Changes: Key Points
Many things make the offer price for a TV go up or down at a pawn shop. These are called the factors affecting TV pawn price. Every TV is different, and every pawn shop might value things a bit differently based on their own needs and what they already have.
The TV’s Condition
This is a very big one. How does the TV look and work?
- Physical Shape: Does the TV have scratches? Are there dents in the frame? Is the screen cracked or marked? Is the stand scratched or broken? If the TV looks bad on the outside, the pawn shop knows it will be harder to sell. A TV that looks new or almost new will get a much better offer.
- Working Order: Does the TV turn on? Does it show a clear picture? Are there any dead pixels (tiny dots that don’t show the right color) on the screen? Does the sound work right? Can you use the remote to change settings? If the TV does not work perfectly, the offer will be much lower, or they might not take it at all. A TV that works perfectly is worth more to them.
- Cleanliness: Is the TV dusty or dirty? Taking a little time to clean your TV before taking it to the pawn shop can actually help. It shows you took care of it.
Age and Model
How old is your TV? Is it a model that many people still want?
- How Old It Is: Like phones or computers, TVs lose value fast as they get older. New models come out every year with better features. An older TV, even if it worked perfectly, is not worth as much as a newer one. Pawn shops look at when the TV was made and sold.
- The Specific Model: Some TV models are known for being better or more wanted than others. A model that was very popular or got good reviews might get a slightly better offer than a cheap, basic model from the same year. Pawn shops often check online to see what similar models are selling for used. This helps them figure out the used TV pawn price.
Brand and Type of TV
Who made the TV? What kind of TV is it?
- Brand Name: Big, well-known brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL often hold their value better than lesser-known brands. People trust these names more when buying used electronics.
- Type of Screen: Is it an older plasma TV? (Most pawn shops won’t take these now, they are too old). Is it an LCD? An LED? An OLED? A QLED? Newer screen types like OLED and QLED usually offer better picture quality and are more wanted, so they can get a higher pawn shop TV value. Pawning flat screen TV models (which covers LCD, LED, OLED, QLED) is common, but the type matters.
- Smart TV Features: Does the TV connect to the internet? Can you use apps like Netflix or YouTube right on the TV? Smart TV pawn value is usually higher than for a basic TV that needs a separate box to stream shows. Most people want smart TVs now, so they are easier for the pawn shop to sell.
Size of the Screen
How big is the TV screen?
- Screen Size: Bigger TVs often cost more when new, but this does not always mean they get a much higher pawn price. Very large TVs (say, over 65 inches) can be harder for the pawn shop to store and harder to sell quickly because fewer people might be looking for such a big TV, or they cost more. Mid-size TVs (like 32 to 55 inches) are often in higher demand and might get a better offer compared to their original price than very large ones. Small TVs (under 30 inches) might not be worth much to a pawn shop unless they are a very specific, high-end type.
Having the Extras
Do you still have the original remote, the stand, and maybe even the box?
- Remote Control: This is super important. Most modern TVs are hard to use without their specific remote. Losing the remote can drop the offer a lot. If you have a universal remote, it might help, but the original is best.
- Stand or Mount: Do you have the base stand that came with the TV? Or if it was mounted, do you have the wall mount? Having the original stand is helpful as many buyers want it.
- Original Box and Manuals: Having the original box, packing materials, and the user manual is a big plus. It makes the TV look more complete and cared for. It also makes it easier for the pawn shop to store and sell safely.
What the Pawn Shop Already Has and Local Demand
Pawn shops are businesses. They need to think about what they can sell and who wants it in their area.
- Current Stock: If the pawn shop already has many similar TVs, they might offer less or not take yours at all. They need to move the items they have first.
- Local Market: What kinds of TVs do people in that area usually buy used? Is there high demand for smart TVs or a certain brand? A pawn shop in a busy city might have different demand than one in a small town. This affects the used TV pawn price.
Figuring Out the Percentage Pawn Shops Pay
We said earlier that pawn shops usually pay between 20% and 60% of the TV’s used market value. Let’s look closer at what percentage pawn shops pay TV owners.
It’s crucial to understand this percentage is not based on the price you paid when the TV was new. It’s based on what the pawn shop thinks they can sell it for used.
For example, if you bought a TV for $1000 two years ago, it might only sell for $400 today on a used market website. The pawn shop might offer you 20% to 60% of that $400.
- At 20%, the offer is $80.
- At 60%, the offer is $240.
This shows you that the pawn shop loan value for TV is often much lower than you might hope. Why such a range (20-60%)?
- High End (50-60%): You might get near the higher end if your TV is very new (less than a year old), a top brand, a popular smart TV model, in perfect condition with all parts, and the pawn shop knows they can sell it fast.
- Mid Range (30-50%): This is more common. It’s for TVs that are a few years old, in good working condition, maybe missing the box, but otherwise fine. It’s a solid flat screen TV, maybe a smart TV, but not the newest technology.
- Low End (20-30%): This is likely for older TVs (3-5 years old), basic models (not smart or not 4K), perhaps with some small cosmetic issues, or if the pawn shop already has many TVs like yours. TVs much older than 5 years might get offers below 20% or not be accepted.
The pawn shop needs to make money. They take on risk. They have to pay for their store, staff, and the cost of holding items. If you don’t pay back the loan, they need to sell your TV for more than they loaned you, plus the interest and fees you agreed to pay. That’s why they offer a price much lower than the likely selling price.
Selling vs. Pawning Your TV
You have a TV you don’t need or want to get cash for. Should you sell it or pawn it? This is the sell vs pawn TV question. Both let you get money, but they work in different ways and are good for different situations.
Selling Your TV
Selling means you find a buyer yourself or use a service like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a local electronics store that buys used goods.
- Pros:
- More Money: You will almost always get more money by selling your TV yourself than by pawning it. You are selling directly to the end user, so you can ask for a price closer to the used market value.
- Item is Gone: Once it’s sold, it’s gone. You don’t need to worry about paying back a loan.
- Cons:
- Takes Time: Finding a buyer can take days, weeks, or even months. You have to create a listing, take pictures, talk to potential buyers, and arrange to meet or ship the TV.
- More Effort: It takes work to sell something. You need to research prices, write descriptions, and handle the sale.
- Dealing with Buyers: Some buyers might try to offer much less, waste your time, or cause problems.
Pawning Your TV
Pawning is getting a loan from a pawn shop using your TV as security.
- Pros:
- Fast Cash: You can walk into a pawn shop with your TV and walk out with cash in a very short time, often less than 30 minutes.
- Get Item Back: You have the chance to get your TV back by paying off the loan and fees by the due date.
- No Credit Check: Pawn shops don’t check your credit history. Not paying back the loan only means you lose your TV, not that your credit score goes down.
- Less Hassle: You just take the item to the shop. They do the rest of the work (valuing it, storing it).
- Cons:
- Less Money: You will get much less money than if you sold it. Remember, it’s a loan amount, a small part of the used value.
- Cost: You have to pay interest and fees to get your item back. If you calculate the cost, it can be high compared to a bank loan (but it’s a different kind of service).
- Risk of Losing Item: If you can’t pay back the loan by the deadline, you lose your TV forever.
Which is right for you?
If you need money right now and might want your TV back later, or you don’t want the trouble of selling, pawning is an option. The pawn shop loan value for TV can provide quick emergency cash.
If you want to get the most money possible for your TV and are okay with spending time and effort to sell it yourself, selling is the better choice.
Getting Your TV Ready for the Pawn Shop
Okay, you’ve decided to pawn your TV. How do you give yourself the best chance of getting a good offer?
- Clean it: Wipe down the screen and the body. Get rid of dust and fingerprints. Make it look as nice as possible.
- Find Everything: Gather the original remote control, the stand, the power cord, and any other cables it came with.
- Test it: Make sure it turns on, shows a clear picture, has working sound, and the remote works.
- Find the Model Number: Know the exact model number of your TV. This is usually on a sticker on the back of the TV. This helps the pawn shop look up its details and current value.
- Bring ID: You will need a valid government ID (like a driver’s license or state ID) to pawn anything.
- Charge it (if applicable): Not really for TVs, but for other electronics, it’s good practice. For a TV, just make sure it’s ready to plug in and test.
By doing these things, you make it easy for the pawn shop to check your TV and show them that you took good care of it. This can help boost the pawn shop TV value they offer.
How the Pawning Process Works for a TV
So you walk into a pawn shop with your TV. What happens next?
- Hand Over the TV: You tell them you want to pawn your TV. A worker will take it to look at it.
- The Check: The worker will examine the TV carefully. They’ll check the condition, turn it on, test the picture and sound, see if the remote works, and find the model number. They might check their computer or look online to see what similar TVs are selling for used.
- The Offer: Based on their check and their own rules, they will tell you how much money they can offer you as a loan. This is the pawn shop loan value for TV. It’s a one-time offer.
- You Choose: You can accept the offer or not. If you think it’s too low, you can try another pawn shop or decide not to pawn it at all.
- Accepting the Offer: If you agree, you will get some papers to sign. These papers explain the loan amount, the interest rate, fees, and the date you need to pay the loan back by (the due date). Make sure you read and understand these terms. This is very important.
- Get the Cash: You hand over your TV to them, sign the papers, and they give you the cash. They will keep your TV safely stored.
- Getting Your TV Back: To get your TV back, you need to return to the pawn shop on or before the due date. You will pay back the original loan amount PLUS the interest and fees. Once you pay the full amount owed, they give your TV back to you.
- Not Getting Your TV Back: If you do not pay back the loan and fees by the due date, you lose your TV. The pawn shop then owns it free and clear and can sell it to someone else.
Finding a Pawn Shop for Your TV
Where can you go to pawn your TV? The easiest way to find places is to search online for “pawn TV near me”. This will show you a list of pawn shops close to where you are.
Before you go to the first place you see, it might be a good idea to:
- Check Reviews: Look at online reviews for the pawn shops in your area. Do people say they are fair? Are there complaints?
- Maybe Call Ahead: Some pawn shops might tell you over the phone if they are currently buying or pawning TVs, or what types they prefer. This can save you a trip if they aren’t interested in TVs right now. However, they usually can’t give you an exact price over the phone without seeing the item.
Remember, different pawn shops might offer slightly different amounts for the same TV. If you have a few options nearby, it might be worth visiting more than one to see who offers the best pawn shop TV value.
Putting It All Together: What to Expect
So, based on everything we’ve discussed, what should you really expect when you try to pawn your TV?
- Do not expect a lot of money: You will get much less than you paid for it new. You will get less than you could probably sell it for yourself. The pawn shop loan value for TV is a small part of its used value.
- The amount depends heavily on the TV: A brand new, large, top-brand smart TV in perfect condition with the box will get the best offer. An older, smaller, basic model TV with scratches and no remote will get a much lower offer, or the shop might not take it.
- Condition is key: Make sure the TV works perfectly and looks as good as possible.
- Have realistic hopes: Pawning is for quick cash, not for getting the full worth of your item.
Let’s look at some made-up examples to give you a rough idea. These are just examples! The actual offer you get can be very different depending on the pawn shop and your exact TV.
| TV Type Example | Condition | Likely Used Market Value (Estimate) | Pawn Shop Offer Range (Estimate: 20-60% of Used Value) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55″ LG Smart 4K TV (2 years old) | Excellent, w/ remote | $350 | $70 – $210 | Good smart TV pawn value likely. |
| 40″ Samsung LED TV (5 years old) | Good, w/ remote, no box | $150 | $30 – $90 | Used TV pawn price lower due to age/size. |
| 65″ Sony OLED Smart TV (1 year old) | Like New, all parts | $1000 | $200 – $600 | Higher pawn shop TV value possible. |
| 32″ Vizio Basic LED TV (4 years old) | Fair, remote works, no stand | $80 | $16 – $48 | Low value due to age, size, condition. |
| Old Plasma TV | Works | $50 (if any) | $0 – $10 | Often not accepted. |
Note: These values are just made up for example purposes. Actual offers vary greatly.
This table helps show how different factors change the possible pawn shop TV value. A newer, better smart TV gets a higher potential range than an older, basic one. Pawning a flat screen TV that is also a smart TV from a good brand helps.
Getting the Most Cash from Your TV at a Pawn Shop
While you won’t get retail price, you can try to get the best possible offer.
- Bring all the pieces: Remote, stand, power cord. If you have the box, bring that too.
- Clean the TV: Make it look its best.
- Know your TV: Know the brand, model number, size, and when you bought it. Mention if it’s a smart TV, 4K, OLED, etc.
- Be polite: Being nice doesn’t guarantee a higher offer, but it helps build a good interaction.
- Shop around (if possible): If there is more than one pawn shop near you, visit a couple to compare offers. The ‘pawn TV near me’ search can give you options.
Remember, the goal of the pawn shop is to make a profit. They need to loan you an amount that allows them to sell the TV later for more money if you don’t come back. So, they will always offer less than its likely selling price.
Pawning Specific Types of TVs
Let’s touch on specific types that people often ask about.
Pawning Flat Screen TV
This is the most common type of TV people pawn today. Flat screen covers LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED TVs. As discussed, the specific type matters. A newer LED will likely get more than an older LCD. An OLED or QLED will often get more than a standard LED of the same age and size because they are newer and more wanted technologies.
Smart TV Pawn Value
Smart TVs are in high demand. People like being able to stream shows and use apps without needing extra devices. Because they are more desirable, the smart TV pawn value is typically higher than for a non-smart TV of similar age and size. A pawn shop knows a smart TV is easier to sell.
Used TV Pawn Price
This term really means the same thing as pawn shop TV value. It’s the amount of money a pawn shop will offer you as a loan based on the TV’s condition, age, type, and their expectation of its selling price as a used item. This price is always lower than the original cost and usually lower than what you could sell it for directly.
The Final Decision: Is Pawning Right for You?
Deciding to pawn your TV depends on your situation. If you need cash fast and are okay with getting less than the TV is worth, and you understand the terms of the loan and the risk of losing your TV, then pawning can be a helpful option.
If you are not in a hurry for cash and want to get the most money possible, selling it yourself or trading it in somewhere might be better.
Always make sure you understand the loan agreement before you sign it. Know the total amount you need to pay back and the exact date it is due. This is key to getting your TV back if that is your plan.
Knowing the factors affecting TV pawn price helps you set real expectations. Your beautiful big screen TV might not get you as much quick cash as you hoped, but it can still be a resource when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawning a TV
Here are some common questions people ask about pawning TVs.
h4 How much do pawn shops pay for TVs?
Pawn shops usually pay a loan amount that is 20% to 60% of the TV’s current used market value, not the original price.
h4 Can I pawn any TV?
Most pawn shops only accept flat screen TVs, typically LED, LCD, OLED, or QLED models. Very old TVs like plasma or tube TVs are usually not accepted because they are hard to sell and take up too much space.
h4 Will a broken TV be accepted?
Almost certainly no. Pawn shops need the item to work perfectly so they can sell it if you don’t pay back the loan. A broken TV has very little to no value to them.
h4 What kind of TVs get the most money at pawn shops?
Newer, larger, high-end smart TVs (like 4K, OLED, QLED) from major brands (Samsung, LG, Sony) in perfect condition with all parts usually get the best offers. Smart TV pawn value is typically higher.
h4 Do I need the remote to pawn a TV?
Yes, having the original remote is usually required. Modern TVs are hard to use fully without their specific remote. Not having it will likely result in a much lower offer or the pawn shop not taking it at all.
h4 How long is a pawn shop loan for a TV?
Loan terms vary by location and shop, but they are often around 30 days. You can usually extend the loan by paying the interest and fees by the due date, which gives you more time to pay back the main loan amount. Check the loan papers for the exact terms.
h4 What happens if I don’t pay back the loan?
If you do not pay back the loan amount plus interest and fees by the due date, the pawn shop keeps your TV. You do not owe them any more money, and it does not affect your credit score. You just lose the TV.
h4 Is pawning the same as selling?
No. Pawning is getting a loan using your TV as security. You can get it back. Selling is giving the TV away permanently for money.
h4 How can I find the best pawn shop TV value near me?
Search online for “pawn TV near me” to find local shops. It’s a good idea to check reviews and maybe call ahead. Visiting a couple of shops might help you compare offers.
h4 Does having the original box matter?
Yes, having the original box, packaging, and manuals can help. It shows the TV was cared for and makes it easier for the pawn shop to store and sell. It can slightly increase the pawn shop TV value offer.
h4 What percentage pawn shops pay TV compared to the original price?
Pawn shops don’t base their offer on the original price. They base it on the current used market value. The loan amount is usually 20-60% of that used value, which means it’s a much smaller percentage of the new price.
h4 Can I pawn a projector instead of a TV?
Some pawn shops accept projectors, but they are less common than TVs. The same rules about condition, age, brand, and having all parts (especially the remote and lens cap) would apply. Check with the specific shop.
h4 How does the size of the TV affect the pawn price?
While larger TVs cost more new, very large TVs can be harder for pawn shops to sell. Mid-size TVs (32-55 inches) might get the best offers relative to their size category because they are most in demand. Very small or very large TVs might get lower offers.
h4 Is the used TV pawn price fixed?
No, the price is not fixed. The pawn shop worker will look at your specific TV and decide on an offer. It can vary based on the exact model, condition, and the shop’s current needs.
h4 Why do pawn shops pay so little for TVs?
Pawn shops offer a loan amount, not the full selling price. They need to cover their costs (storage, insurance, staff) and make a profit if they have to sell the item. They also take on the risk if they can’t sell it or if the market value drops. Offering 20-60% of the used value helps them manage this risk and cost.
h4 Should I pawn my smart TV?
If you need quick cash and are okay with getting a loan much lower than its value, pawning a smart TV is possible. Smart TV pawn value is usually better than for basic TVs, but it’s still a small part of what it’s worth. Weigh the fast cash against the lower amount and the risk of losing the TV.