Too Posh to Pawn? Not Anymore

Business Reviews

Chris Brown owner of Brown & Gold Pawnbrokers, is experiencing a boom in custom following the Channel 4 tv series, Posh Pawn. The hit programme goes behind the scenes of Prestige Pawnbrokers, a high-end Surrey-based business that deals in everything from helicopters to Lamborghinis, mini-submarines to Hermès handbags. Not to mention diamonds. There’s lots of diamonds.

The famed TV pawnbrokers has become the go-to place for the well-healed who want fast cash, with a Lowry, Picasso and even a £1 million page of the Koran all crossing the threshold. The series has proved so popular, Brown & Gold, which has 6 stores across the country, has now changed its policy to accept more expensive and exclusive items.

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“We’ve noticed so many more people coming into the shop and ringing us up since Posh Pawn,” says Chris, whose family has been in the business for 5 generations. “As a result, we’re now being asked about taking cars, fine art and designer handbags. You’d be surprised by what some people own!”

“We’ve dealt with things like diamonds, gold and Rolex’s for years. The business is now so varied: one minute you’ll be doing a loan for £15,000 and the next £10. No day is ever the same – and our customers now come from a whole range of backgrounds”.

“There is no such thing as an average customer, or an average transaction. Although, I would say gold is still the most common item we trade in though in the past my grandparents would have lent against ‘Sunday Best’ suits and shoes so perhaps its just going back to its roots as there is less gold about than there was” comments Chris who remembers the story of a customer who used to pawn his beloved budgerigar in its cage, told by his grandfather.

“I think people now understand that an asset is an asset. It doesn’t have to be a diamond ring but whatever you wish to borrow against, the items remain yours for the duration of the loan, we just hold them as security.”

If you are wanting some extra cash to enjoy your summer break, pop down to Brown & Gold at Seacroft (near Tesco’s), Batley or Shipley, you might be surprised with how pawnbrokers have changed!

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